The playoffs have already started in a substantial number of fantasy hockey leagues while in others the postseason is right around the corner. Whether you are already in a playoff matchup or gearing up for a postseason run, we have identified a handful of players you might want to consider to fill out the final couple of spots on your roster. Here is a look at the top NHL waiver wire options for this week.
LW, RW: Gustav Nyquist, Detroit Red Wings
Nyquist has largely been a bust for the most part this season but he has the potential to be a fantasy stud and he has shown signs that he could be in for a strong finish to the year. After recording just 31 points in his first 57 games, Nyquist has two goals and four assists over his last four games to become fantasy relevant again. Detroit has a decent schedule over the next couple of weeks so Nyquist is a smart pick if you need help in terms of point production from NHL wingers.
LW, RW: Josh Bailey, New York Islanders
Speaking of point production from wingers, Bailey is another underrated option that has been hot of late and could be in for a strong finish. Bailey has 10 points over his last nine games and there is no reason to think that he will be moved off of the top line along with captain John Tavares anytime soon. The Islanders are in the thick of the race for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference and Bailey will play a big role in whether or not they can rally and make the NHL playoffs.
G: Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings
Howard returned to the Red Wings crease just in time to help them pull out a 4-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night. Howard turned aside 24 of the 26 shots he faced to end Chicago’s road win streak and remind fantasy hockey league managers that he is worth taking a chance on down the stretch. Howard is just 6-7-1 this season but he owns a 1.96 goals against average and a .934 save percentage. If Howard continues to play at a high level he should be in line for more starts and more wins over the next couple of weeks.
C: Tyler Bozak, Toronto Maple Leafs
Bozak might not be 100-percent right now but he is still finding ways to produce and his numbers illustrate why he should be owned in deeper fantasy leagues right now. Bozak has two goals and five assists during a five-game point streak and he now has 15 points over his last 18 games overall. Bozak has been the perfect fit on a line with Mitch Marner and James Van Riemsdyk this season and he could be in for a strong finish over the next couple of weeks.
D: Jake McCabe, Buffalo Sabres
Those that need help on the back end might want to consider McCabe as a decent depth option following a strong run of production over the past couple of weeks. McCabe has two goals and six points over his last eight games and he should continue to benefit from Buffalo’s uptick in offensive production over the past couple of weeks. McCabe isn’t an elite option by any means but with Buffalo set to play four games between Friday and Tuesday he might be able to provide a decent boost to your blue line.
C, RW: Sam Gagner, Columbus Blue Jackets
Gagner has been a bit of a streaky player this season as he had value earlier on this year when he was productive, he hit a bit of a lull, but he’s been productive once again. He has a six-game point streak going and has notched four goals and seven points during that span. Playing on a line with Scott Hartnell and Oliver Bjorkstrand has helped as that trio seems to have good chemistry. Bjorkstrand may even be someone you want to consider as he has three goals and two assists in his last five games. He’s available in almost all
Want to bet on any of the the NHL games tonight? Click here to get the latest lines from BetDSI, including moneylines, totals, props and futures!
