Kyle Connor is a key contributor for the Jets and their “high flying” offensive attack.
The fantasy hockey playoffs start this week. If you are one of the four teams in your standard league that made the playoffs, congratulations. You made the tournament as Bill parcells once said because you built a solid roster and made some shrewd moves along the way.
At some point however, you will need to make that one or two moves that will put you over the top.
Here is a list of players that could be available on the waiver wire in your league right now that could help you seal the deal.
Rick Nash, F, Bruins: The veteran power forward has fit nicely with the Bruins. He has more freedom in Bruce Cassidy’s system and is going to the net more. Nash is widely available in all three major standard leagues. If he is in yours, pounce on him.
Kyle Connor, F, Jets: The young forward has scored 22 goals and he averages 17 minutes of ice time a game. He plays on one of the most explosive offenses in the NHL. Jets forwards have been terrific this season from a fantasy standpoint. If Connor is available, you might want to consider adding him to your roster.
Alex Galchenyuk, F, Canadiens: The mercurial Galchenuyk has been hot and cold this season but he is a sniper and one of the few offensive threats for the Canadiens. Galchenyuk averages 16 minutes of ice time per game so he will get plenty of opportunities to touch the puck to score.
Thomas Vanek, F, Blue Jackets: The veteran sniper is starting to settle into his role as a second line winger with the Blue Jackets. He has 19 goals and 25 assists on the season. Vanek is a proven goal scorer, something you need this time of year in your line up on a nightly basis.
Nick Schmaltz, F, Blackhawks: Schmaltz has been a nice revelation in what has otherwise been an abysmal season for the Blackhawks. He has 20 goals and 26 assists on the season. Schmaltz averages about 18 minutes of ice time a game and plays on the top two lines and on the power play. If you need a depth forward for the stretch run, give Schmaltz a look.
Justin Williams, F, Hurricanes: The 36 year old Williams has 14 goals and 30 assists on the season. With the Hurricanes in the midst of a playoff push, Williams is averaging about 17 minutes a game. Carolina doesn’t have a lot of firepower upfront so Williams will get plenty of touches down the stretch. He offers multi-category potential. Williams is worthy of consideration in DFS.
Cam Fowler, D, Ducks: If Fowler is available in your league, you might want to grab him for the stretch run. He quarterbacks the Ducks power play and averages about 25 minutes a night in ice time. Fowler has 8 goals and 21 assists on the season but he is not shy about joining the rush and creating scoring opportunities for himself.
Marc Edouard Vlasic, D, Sharks: Vlasic is only owned in 34% of ESPN standard leagues which is astonishing to me considering how steady he is and how productive he is across all categories. With 10 goals and 19 assists on the season, Vlasic is a producing sold numbers for a defensemen. He is also a +5 which means he takes care of the puck and doesn’t get minus points. If you are looking for defensive depth and player who plays in all situations. Vlasic might be worth taking a flyer on.
Nate Schmidt, D, Golden Knights: Schmidt has posted modest numbers for the expansion Knights scoring 5 goals and dishing out 25 assists. Schmidt’s greatest assist is his ability to protect the puck. Schmidt is a +21 which makes him a solid cross category producer. I would not add Schmidt in a standard 10 league. However, if I were playing in a 12 team league or DFS, I would seriously consider picking him.
Roberto Luongo, G, Panthers: Luongo is owned in 57% of ESPN standards leagues which means he is still available in almost 40% of leagues. If he is, now is the time to strike and pick him up. Luongo has been hot of late and has spearheaded the Panthers playoff push since his return. Goaltending is the difference between winning and losing in the playoffs. Luongo will play a bunch down the stretch so if you could acquire him, you should. He is a solid DFS candidate.
Anton Khudobin, G, Bruins: The Bruins may opt to rest Tuukka Rask in the coming weeks. If they do, Khudobin is an excellent goalie to pick up if you need more points in your match-up, particularly in DFS. Khudobin has 15 wins on the season. Coach Bruce Cassidy trusts him and will play him a lot down the stretch in an effort to preserve Rask.