The fantasy hockey postseason is just about here as standard 10-team leagues likely begin their playoffs this upcoming week. For leagues that do not allow postseason adds/drops, Week 23 becomes the final week in which the waiver wire can be used.
Let’s ensure we buckle down, make good use of it while we can and look at the top names we can grab to boost our postseason chances.
NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Advice (Week 23)
(Rosterships courtesy of ESPN)
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (G – BUF) | 46.3% rostered
Last week, we noted Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was a nice addition but didn’t cover him in full as we had done so earlier in the year. Considering the urgency with the playoffs on the doorstep, let’s ensure we note his value.
The Sabres crease had Devon Levi atop the depth chart to begin the season but there has been a complete 180 between the pipes in Buffalo — Luukkonen stole the job and ran away with it. The 25-year-old sports a tidy 2.39 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage on the season, going 23-17-3 in 44 outings (41 starts).
However, he has been much better of late:
- January: 1.52 GAA/.944 Sv%
- February: 2.09 GAA/.926 Sv%
- March: 2.10 GAA/.923 Sv%
He has been lights out since the calendar flipped to 2024 and is a must-add for managers in need of goaltending.
Yegor Sharangovich (C, LW, RW – CGY) | 40.8% rostered
The Calgary Flames aren’t headed to the postseason and have sold off their valuable parts in exchange for future assets. More specifically, the trade of Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks opened up a spot in the club’s top six down the middle and Yegor Sharangovich capitalized on his increased role.
He doesn’t skate down the middle in the top six every night but the former New Jersey Devils has tallied eight goals and 15 points across 19 games since the Lindholm trade. He averaged 13:01 of ice time in October — a figure that has increased to 17:27 in March and peaked at 20:02 in December.
Sharangovich has recorded 28 goals and 50 points across 68 games, adding 148 shots on goal. He hasn’t overwhelmed with power-play production, even during his recent stretch, but is now getting top-unit minutes for the Flames.
Take advantage of the increased role and production from the improving 25-year-old.
Logan Stankoven (C – DAL)| 15.6% rostered
Dallas Stars rookie Logan Stankoven is doing damage early in his NHL career and is valuable in redraft leagues. Dynasty managers will want to take the most notice of the 21-year-old.
The 2021 second-round pick has tallied five goals and nine points across 11 games to this point in his young NHL career. He has added 28 shots, 11 hits and a plus-three rating to his ledger in that time. This comes off a brilliant season with the American Hockey League’s Texas Stars.
Stankoven has tallied 24 goals and 57 points across just 57 games in the AHL this season. Even though he has spent the last 11 games playing in the NHL, he still ranks second in AHL scoring; his 24 goals are tied for ninth.
For those who watch the annual World Juniors, Stankoven has tallied seven goals and 21 points across just 14 games over two tournaments for Team Canada. This kid is the real deal. He needs to be added right now in dynasty.
Kyle Palmieri (LW, RW – NYI) | 13.2% rostered
New York Islanders forward Kyle Palmieri isn’t loved nearly as much as he should be by the fantasy hockey community.
Sure, he’s not putting forth eye-popping numbers with 21 goals and 40 points in 67 games but he is providing solid production across the board.
The veteran has recorded a rock-solid 168 shots, 63 hits and 17 power-play points on the campaign. Furthermore, he is currently skating alongside Bo Horvat and Brock Nelson on the Islanders’ top line while also getting reps on the top power-play unit. He couldn’t be in a better spot to produce on this Islanders team.
He is averaging a solid 17:02 of ice time per game and has skated at least 18:12 in two of his last four contests. So long as he’s getting this type of opportunity, especially on the power play, Palmieri is a wildly underrated fantasy option over the next few weeks.
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