As we head down the stretch of the NHL regular season and into the fantasy playoffs, there are some quality additions that can be made to bolster your line up. Here are six players to keep an eye on on your waiver wire.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, Montreal Canadiens 6.5% owned: The young Fin has been playing well of late. Kotkaniemi is a physical centerman who plays a 200 foot game and gets on the scoresheet in a variety of ways. Kotkaniemi has scored goals in four straight games. He is owned in only 6% of ESPN leagues.
Nick Bonino, C, Nashville Predators 8% owned: Bonino has been getting more ice time of late and he has taken advantage of it. He has a top six role on this team and is one of the team’s scoring leaders with 14 goals.
Nick Bjugstad, LW/C, Pittsburgh Penguins 36.2 owned: Bjugstad should benefit playing on the second line alongside Evgeni Malkin, when Malkin returns from injury. Bjugstad was a disappointment in Florida but the big two way winger will score more and has cross category value moving forward. He is currently owned in 36% of ESPN leagues which means he is probably available in your league.
Derick Brassard, C, Florida Panthers 27% owned: Brassard was a major disappointment in Pittsburgh after being acquired last season. A change of scenery should help the veteran centerman, especially playing with guys like Jonathan Huberdeau and Sasha Barkov. Brassard has averaged about 17 minutes of ice time and has 2 assists since joining the Panthers. His -7 is a concern but if you are looking for a bench piece, Brassard is widely available in fantasy hockey.
Carter Hart, G, Philadelphia Flyers 37.6% owned: The young phenom spearheaded the Flyers recent eight game winning streak. Hart is the real deal and if he continues to play well, not only could he carry your fantasy hockey team into the playoffs, he could carry the Flyers into the playoffs. Hart has a 2.48 GAA and .925 save percentage. Hart has ten wins on the season. He currently owned in 36% of ESPN leagues.
Andreas Athanasiou, C/LW, 28% owned: Athanasiou will benefit from the absence of Dylan Larkin by playing more on the Red Wings top line. Athanasiou has 17 goals on the season and he can finish in a variety of ways. He should be available in your league and a worthwhile addition.