NHL Waiver Wire: Tyler Bertuzzi Nears Career High in Goals

As the NHL Trade Deadline approaches, excitement is palpable among fans and players alike. With several notable trades already making headlines, anticipation builds for the 3 p.m. ET cutoff. While you await news from your favorite team, take a moment to explore some valuable waiver wire pickups that could enhance your fantasy roster.

Starting with Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche, who remains surprisingly available in over 50% of leagues. His injury history may explain his low roster percentage, but since returning from the Olympics, Landeskog has been on fire, racking up six points, 15 shots, and a plus-7 rating in just five games. Playing alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas, he’s a prime candidate to boost your fantasy lineup.

Tyler Bertuzzi of the Chicago Blackhawks is another player to consider, having matched his career-best with 20 power-play points, tying him with stars like Sidney Crosby and Sebastian Aho. With only four goals shy of his peak of 30 and needing 17 points to equal his 2021-22 total, Bertuzzi is determined to push for those milestones as the season progresses.

Jordan Eberle from the Seattle Kraken has also been a consistent performer, having made his way back onto the radar after a strong start in October. His impressive scoring streak included finding the net in 17 of 21 games across December and January. Even through some quieter patches, he managed to score two goals on three shots last Saturday, proving he can still contribute significantly.

Chris Kreider of the Anaheim Ducks is another name to watch. The Ducks have been a top-10 offensive team, and Kreider has been instrumental, tallying five goals and five assists in his last 11 games. With nearly 17 minutes of ice time per game and a strong connection with teammates Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier, Kreider is well-positioned to help the Ducks secure a playoff spot.

Winnipeg’s Cole Perfetti has also found his stride, contributing seven points over eight games with a solid average of 17:32 in ice time. Despite not fully living up to expectations as a former top-10 pick, his recent performance showcases his potential and skill set.

Luke Evangelista from Nashville has surpassed his career high with 47 points and 15 power-play points, including contributions in three of his last four games. While he may not excel in secondary stats, his scoring ability and shot production make him a valuable addition to your lineup.

Another intriguing option is Taylor Hall of the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite a slight dip in ice time, Hall has still managed to score two goals and four assists in his last four games, aided by talented linemates. With the Hurricanes facing weaker defenses in the upcoming week, he could be poised for more scoring opportunities.

Edmonton’s Matt Savoie is worth monitoring as well. Initially struggling, he’s found his rhythm alongside Leon Draisaitl, currently riding a four-game scoring streak with a power-play goal and six assists. His potential makes him an exciting waiver wire target.

Defenseman Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings is back in action and has made an immediate impact with two goals, an assist, and solid defensive stats across his last four games. His ability to contribute across multiple categories adds depth to any fantasy roster.

Dmitry Orlov of the San Jose Sharks has shown promise since joining the team, collecting 11 assists in his first 16 games. Recently returning to the top power-play unit, he’s worth considering given his offensive upside.

Calgary’s Zayne Parekh, who recently returned to the NHL after a minor-league stint, is also on the radar. While he hasn’t scored yet, his role on the Flames’ top power play could yield future points.

Philip Broberg of the St. Louis Blues is emerging as a key player for the team’s future, logging significant ice time and contributing points. His recent uptick in production makes him a candidate for increased fantasy attention.

Lastly, goaltenders Akira Schmid and Joel Hofer present intriguing options. Schmid has been solid, alternating starts for the Vegas Golden Knights, while Hofer has stepped up for the Blues during Jordan Binnington’s struggles. With trade talks surrounding Binnington, Hofer’s role as the potential number one could be on the horizon.

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