Last Call for Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Top Players to Consider

With just under two weeks remaining until the playoff fates of every NHL team are sealed, fantasy hockey managers are also feeling the pressure. If you’ve navigated your way to this point in the season, it’s crucial to keep your roster sharp. Here are some players worth considering as you make those final, pivotal decisions.

Artturi Lehkonen, COL (Yahoo: 50%): After an 11-game absence, Lehkonen made his return last Thursday, rejoining his familiar even-strength line alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas. Though he’s been relegated to the Avalanche’s second power play, he has still managed to register three points and five shots over his last four games. As long as he remains in the top six, Lehkonen is likely to continue contributing.

Mikael Granlund, ANH (Yahoo: 41%): When a forward is part of a strong offense and leads the power play, he becomes a valuable fantasy asset. Granlund fits that bill, qualifying at all three forward positions in Yahoo leagues. His recent surge includes seven goals in four games, with four of those coming on the power play. Averaging just under 20 minutes of ice time, Granlund has also recorded 17 shots and 55 faceoff wins during this hot streak.

Lawson Crouse, UTA (Yahoo: 18%): Although Crouse isn’t typically known for his scoring prowess, he is currently on a roll, having tallied four goals and two assists along with 17 shots, 25 hits, and 22 penalty minutes over the last eight games. His scoring surge coincides with playing alongside Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz at five-on-five. Even if he finds himself separated from that duo, his cross-category contributions make him a valuable addition to any roster.

Alexander Wennberg, SJ (Yahoo: 10%): Wennberg is on the verge of matching his career-high in points, sitting just eight away. He’s been particularly productive lately, with four goals, three assists, and seven shots in five games, including four points on the power play. With an average ice time of 20:31, Wennberg is a player you shouldn’t overlook as the Sharks vie for a postseason berth.

Jack Quinn, BUF (Yahoo: 10%): Quinn has already surpassed his previous scoring peak this season, highlighted by his first NHL hat trick on March 10. He has since moved up to Buffalo’s top power play, contributing four power-play points in his last five games, along with 19 shots and eight hits. His overall involvement makes him a must-add for fantasy teams.

Matthew Coronato, CGY (Yahoo: 7%): Despite a less dramatic fire sale than expected for the Flames, Coronato is thriving. He has recorded three goals, six assists, and three power-play points in his last nine games while averaging 16:33 in ice time. As a key part of Calgary’s future, Coronato is likely to receive ample opportunities, making him a solid complementary scorer for fantasy managers.

Porter Martone, PHI (Yahoo: 6%): Recently signed after Michigan State was eliminated, Martone made an immediate impact in his debut, logging over 16 minutes and taking five shots on goal. He followed that up with his first NHL point, an assist, while playing more than 18 minutes in his next game. With a strong collegiate track record, Martone’s offensive skills could be a boon for both the Flyers and your fantasy lineup.

Calum Ritchie, NYI (Yahoo: 1%): Ritchie, who faced some lower-body issues, has bounced back and is now a regular on the Islanders’ top power play. He has recorded his first point with the team and has been steadily improving, making him a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition for fantasy managers willing to take a chance.

Sam Malinski, COL (Yahoo: 28%): With Cale Makar sidelined, Malinski steps into the role of Colorado’s lead right-side defenseman and primary power-play quarterback. Before Makar’s injury, he was already enjoying a breakout season, accumulating 37 points, including eight in the last five games. Expect him to continue producing offensively as the Avs aim for a strong finish.

Parker Wotherspoon, PIT (Yahoo: 10%): After a lengthy stint in the AHL, Wotherspoon has finally found his footing in the NHL this season. He has appeared in all 76 games, contributing three goals, 26 assists, 156 hits, and 108 blocks. Although he doesn’t participate on the power play, his solid even-strength play alongside Erik Karlsson makes him a valuable asset.

Charle-Edouard D’Astous, TB (Yahoo: 6%): D’Astous has turned a promising start into a noteworthy performance, notching nine points and 19 hits since March 14. Though his ice time may be limited, he has maximized his opportunities, contributing from a secondary power-play role. With Victor Hedman out, D’Astous is a worthy addition for anyone looking to enhance their blue line.

Jordan Spence, OTT (Yahoo: 6%): Spence, who faced some early healthy scratches, is now thriving in Ottawa’s top power play following injuries to key defensemen. He has accumulated two goals and seven assists, including two power-play assists, in his last 10 games while averaging a hefty 24:05 in ice time. With his increased responsibilities, he is a player to keep an eye on.

Jordan Binnington, STL (Yahoo: 48%): The Blues remain in the playoff hunt, trailing a Wild Card spot by just five points. Binnington, who has rebounded since returning from the Olympics, has posted a 1.74 GAA and .925 save percentage in his last seven games. If St. Louis hopes to advance, they will need both goalies performing at their best, making Binnington a critical part of their strategy.

Yaroslav Askarov, SJ (Yahoo: 34%): Askarov is part of a tightly contested race for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Despite some inconsistencies and a recent injury, he has shown flashes of brilliance, earning wins even after allowing seven goals in his last two outings. With Alex Nedeljkovic also in the mix, Askarov’s ability to find his rhythm could be crucial for the Sharks.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.