It was an electric opening week on the NHL ice, and we’re starting to get a decent idea of how coaches are utilizing their 20-man rosters. From a fantasy standpoint, I’m constantly assessing where I can find value with depth players to step up on a nightly basis. Below I’ve listed a few players we can target on waivers heading into Week 2, hopefully giving us a boost in scoring to secure an important early-season win.
NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Advice (Week 2)
(Rostership percentages courtesy of ESPN)
Mason Marchment (LW – DAL) | 15.1% rostered
The Stars bring in arguably the best offense in the entire NHL. They’re coming off a season where they finished second in overall offense, averaging 3.6 goals per game. Unlike the top-ranked Avalanche, who are extremely top-heavy, the Stars take a more balanced approach, where they have plenty of scoring depth.
That’s where Mason Marchment comes in. The 29-year-old had a breakout season with the Stars in 2023-24, racking up 53 points on 22 goals and 31 assists. He picked up right where he left off, notching a pair of goals in their season-opening victory against the Predators, while adding two assists against the Islanders in their second game.
The downfall of a balanced team is that Marchment is only playing 14:47 per game, but he’s certainly making the most of his time on the ice. He’s a sniper on their second line, shooting 14.7% last season and 33.3% this year.
Finally, I think it’s important to point out he gets a few favorable matchups this upcoming week. The Stars take on San Jose (32nd in scoring defense last year: 3.76 goals against average), Washington and finish up the week on Saturday against an Edmonton defense allowing 5.5 goals per game this season.
Evan Rodrigues (C – FLA) | 9.7% rostered
The champs are just three games into the season, but they’ve already endured some injury issues. C Aleksander Barkov (lower-body) and LW Matthew Tkachuk (illness) are currently both out. Someone has to fill the void on the top lines. I think we’ll see Evan Rodrigues, who’s a natural centerman, be the biggest benefactor of their absences. Daily Faceoff already has Rodrigues elevated to Florida’s top-line right-winger spot.
Rodrigues’ best attribute is his versatility, as he can play anywhere on the top three lines. He should be able to slot in and start producing right away. He’s coming off of a 2023-2024 campaign where he scored 39 points (12 goals, 27 assists). He was clutch in the playoffs with 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) over 24 games. Rodrigues should be a solid short-term option while the aforementioned Panther skaters are sidelined.
Owen Power (D – BUF) | 35.7% rostered
If you’re looking for some help on the backend, Owen Power could be your guy. The 2021 first-overall draft pick is entering his third full season in Buffalo’s defensive core. The 21-year-old is averaging 0.43 points per game throughout his 167-game career. Power is still going through some growing pains, but I think this could be a breakout season for him.
The Sabres have a pretty easy schedule on the horizon as well, where they’ll play the Penguins (4.00 goals against average), Blue Jackets (3.40 goals against average) and Blackhawks (3.34 goals against average) over the next week. With Power also occupying a spot on the top power-play unit, next to the experienced Rasmus Dahlin, he should see his point production skyrocket.
Devon Levi (G – BUF) | 3.2% rostered
It’s only a matter of time until Devon Levi takes over the crease full-time in Buffalo. Through two starts with the Sabres this year, the 22-year-old is 1-1-0 with a 2.57 goals against average (16th) and .919 SV% (13th). He earned a win against the Panthers on Saturday, making 23 saves on 25 shots faced (.920 SV%). Ultimately, with Lindy Ruff back at the helm of Buffalo, there should be more structure in the defensive zone, which will greatly benefit Levi.
As I mentioned in regards to Levi’s teammate, Owen Power, the Sabres have a favorable schedule this upcoming week. They’ll take on a trio of the worst offenses in the league, which makes Levi a great option for streaming this week. The Levi/Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (2.56 goals against average, .886 SV%) duo will take on Pittsburgh (2.7 goals per game), Columbus (2.9 goals per game) and Chicago (2.7 goals per game) this week. All three of those offenses have issues, which makes Levi a great short-term goaltending option.
