Most teams at the top of their division six weeks into the 2022 NHL season have sustained offensive production and found success with a stalwart netminder. Teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, and the Columbus Blue Jackets have managed to string together a few wins to generate momentum and keep themselves in contention within their divisions. The New York Rangers are an anomaly with a minus goal-differential (-1) but sit comfortably in third place in the Metropolitan Division, while the Detroit Red Wings are quickly falling but remain in fourth place in the Atlantic Division due to their potent offensive attack.
Every NHL team has players who step up and contribute in different spots during the 82 game season. Whether they’re skating on the first line or third line, or if the goaltending has been suspect at times, these are a few talented players who should be acquired off of league waiver wires due to their recent usage and future outlook.
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Center
Trevor Zegras (C – ANA): 21%
Another young talent in the league resides on the second-line of the Anaheim Ducks. 20-year old Trevor Zegras has found his rhythm in the last week, scoring two goals in consecutive games and adding an assist on top. Two to three shots on goal is Zegras’ typical offensive output, but the talent surrounding him on Anaheim is strong enough to keep him valuable in future lineups. Skating alongside Troy Terry (RW – ANA) and Adam Henrique (LW – ANA) on the top powerplay unit provides an excellent extended opportunity, making Zegras a quality addition to even the most loaded fantasy rosters.
Cole Sillinger (C – CBJ): 3.5%
Cole Sillinger is just 18 years old but is playing well as the Blue Jackets’ second-line center. He has been impressive as of late, scoring three goals in the first two games of November and following it up with an assist in two of his last three starts. Earning extra minutes on Columbus’ top powerplay unit increases his value on rosters. He’s accounted for the sixth-most points (8) and is available on nearly all league waiver wires. Sillinger is a decent Utility option if he continues to block shots and take shots on goal, which he has inconsistently done to start his rookie season. He has a bright future in the league and a good role for production moving forward.
Wing
Nils Hoglander (RW – VAN): 10.2%
Vancouver has been disappointing and is in the midst of a five-game losing slump. However, there is still enough talent hidden on the Canucks’ roster, as 20-year old Nils Hoglander has scored four goals in his last four games played. In addition, 14 shots on goal in his previous three and boasting an impressive +5 rating make Hoglander a worthy investment off of league waiver wires. He remains widely available, and although Vancouver is struggling to find a win, Hoglander will continue to earn increased minutes if he can maintain the high level of play he’s displayed.
Barclay Goodrow (RW – NYR): 2.3%
28-year old Barclay Goodrow is experiencing his longest point drought of the season. Now is an excellent time to acquire him off of waiver wires because he is a beneficiary of skating alongside notable first-line tandem Chris Kreider (LW – NYR) and Mika Zibanejad (C – NYR). They each have at least 14 points through 17 games. Goodrow has to take advantage of his role on the first line with these two because he is not featured on either powerplay unit. The Rangers have managed to get by with minimal scoring, but this will need to change to remain competitive within the Metropolitan Division. Goodrow could be the missing piece to the Rangers’ offense, as he has produced in spurts but lacked consistency. He’s still adjusting to his new team after leaving the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning this offseason, so stash Goodrow off waiver wires before the demand rises.
Defense
Evan Bouchard (D – EDM): 27.3%
The third-line defenseman for Edmonton has nine shots on goal in his last four games, but no points have resulted, making it Bouchard’s biggest point slump of the season. However, he still earns over 21 minutes of time on ice and additional minutes on the Oilers’ second powerplay unit. A healthy dose of blocked shots and exposure to opportunities in the offensive zone makes Bouchard a quality stash off of waivers. He is one of the more highly-rostered prospects, but his current point slump should keep most league managers away from Bouchard until he turns it around. Get him off of waiver wires now and stash him for when the slump ends, as Bouchard will be a quality addition to lineups in due time.
P.K. Subban (D – NJ): 14.3%
The New Jersey Devils are privy to the talents of 32-year old defenseman P.K. Subban. In his third year with the franchise, he is playing his best puck, accounting for four assists and a goal in his last five games played. Don’t let the lack of playing time on the Devils’ powerplay units or his third-line designation impact your decision to avoid stashing Subban. He is active in the defensive zone, racking up two blocked shots in three of his last five games while earning roughly 17 minutes of time on ice across the previous week. Stash Subban off of waivers, and feel free to roll him into lineups as needed.
Goalie
Jonathan Quick (G – LAK): 25.1%
The Los Angeles Kings are one of several teams who have the luxury of two talented goaltenders they alternate between evenly. One of them is veteran netminder Jonathan Quick, who has posted a shutout and has allowed a total of two goals scored in his last three starts. The catch to rostering Quick off of league waiver wires is Cal Petersen (G – LAK), who has earned the same number of wins (4) in two (7) fewer starts. If you have struggled to find a consistent goalie and want a temporary upgrade, grab Quick and stash him as a high-ceiling player capable of hitting maximum production anytime he starts in the crease.
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Matthew MacKay is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Matthew, check out his archive and follow him @Matt_MacKay_.