Last call for Nazem Kadri

title: Best Fantasy Hockey Free Agents to Pick up Now for Your Roster

Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri is emerging as one of the top free agent pickups off the fantasy hockey waiver wire. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

As we move past the initial sluggishness of the season and Halloween hangovers, it’s time to amp up your rosters for the heart of the schedule. While many NHL teams with deep lineups carry high fantasy value, a few have been overlooked due to slow starts. Teams like the Kraken, Panthers, and Stars, previously top-10 offenses last season, are starting to deliver once again.

Here are some players rostered in half of Yahoo leagues whose recent performance and opportunities suggest they’ll yield better fantasy results.

Forwards

Nazem Kadri, Calgary Flames (Yahoo: 47%)

Kadri is on the verge of breaking through following a slow start with six points in the last four games, which should improve his fantasy value in the coming weeks.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Carolina Hurricanes (Yahoo: 34%)

Kotkaniemi, centering the second forward trio for the Hurricanes, has seen a surge in production with 12 points this season, a player deserving more fantasy attention.

Matthew Knies, Toronto Maple Leafs (Yahoo: 33%)

“Knies’ recent promotion to the top line alongside Auston Matthews and Mitchell Marner makes him an appealing fantasy target, despite his lower man-advantage minutes,”

Ryan Strome, Anaheim Ducks (Yahoo: 30%)

“Strome, with 11 points in 11 games, is an underrated player whose performance is aided by the equally talented forward units in Anaheim,”

Alex Iafallo, Winnipeg Jets (Yahoo: 15%)

“Currently filling in at the top right winger spot for the Jets, Iafallo’s performances, including a four-assist game, make him a potential sleeper pick for your fantasy team.”

Scott Laughton, Philadelphia Flyers (Yahoo: 9%)

“Skating on the second forward group for the Flyers, Laughton’s diverse skill set across various categories makes him a well-rounded addition to your fantasy lineup,”

Anton Lundell, Florida Panthers (Yahoo: 7%)

“Lundell, flanked by Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe, is finding his stride in recent games, making him a player to keep an eye on in coming weeks.”

John-Jason Peterka, Buffalo Sabres (Yahoo: 6%)

“Peterka’s recent three-goal, three-assist burst has caught the attention of many fantasy managers, making him a solid fill-in for your roster.”

Defensemen

Dmitry Orlov, Carolina Hurricanes (Yahoo: 15%)

“While not a primary offensive force, Orlov’s contributions and consistency in various categories make him a solid secondary defenseman choice for fantasy teams.”

Mattias Ekholm, Edmonton Oilers (Yahoo: 15%)

“Ekholm, offering a mix of blocks, hits, and shots on goal, presents a reliable fantasy choice for those looking to strengthen their defense.”

Alec Martinez, Vegas Golden Knights (Yahoo: 10%)

“Martinez’s proficiency in blocking shots makes him a valuable addition to your fantasy team, especially in leagues that prioritize defensive statistics.”

Justin Schultz, Seattle Kraken (Yahoo: 3%)

“With solid scoring and power-play contributions, Schultz is proving to be a valuable fantasy asset, especially considering the Kraken’s equal usage of their two man-advantage units.”

Goaltenders

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Buffalo Sabres (Yahoo: 18%)

“Luukkonen’s performance has been impressive, making him a worthy pick-up for fantasy managers in need of goaltending help,”

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