Pavel Zacha tops the best free agent pickups

Defenseman Owen Power of the Buffalo Sabres is an exceptional pickup on the fantasy hockey waiver wire this week. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) (Tim Nwachukwu via Getty Images)

This article is specifically tailored to help those who may be struggling with an 0-3 record in fantasy hockey. Although it may seem discouraging, there’s still plenty of time left in the season for players to bounce back and exceed expectations. Some players have already shown signs of improvement in the past few days, such as Jason Robertson and Alex Tuch.

The key to turning your fantasy hockey season around is to find undervalued players and potential trade targets. It’s crucial to stay updated on line changes, trends, and the latest news to identify players who may be available on the waiver wire.

Here are 14 players who are currently under-rostered in most fantasy leagues:

Forwards

Pavel Zacha, Boston Bruins (Yahoo: 48%)
Since the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, Zacha has seen an increased role on the Bruins’ depth chart. Despite a slow start to the season with only one assist in the first five games, Zacha has turned things around with six points in the past five games. He has also recorded 14 shots and 12 hits, making him a valuable asset in fantasy hockey.

Cam Atkinson, Philadelphia Flyers (Yahoo: 30%)
Similar to his teammate Sean Couturier, Atkinson has made a strong comeback after being inactive for over a year. He has scored six goals and three assists, with two of his assists coming on the power play. Atkinson has also fired 29 shots on net and averages 17 minutes on the ice per game, making him a valuable asset in fantasy hockey.

Nikolaj Ehlers, Winnipeg Jets (Yahoo: 29%)
Ehlers is known for his immense talent, but injuries have limited his production in the past. Although he has only recorded two goals and two assists in 10 games this season, both goals have come in recent games. Ehlers has also taken 20 shots in the past four games, indicating that he is ready for a breakout performance in the near future.

Robert Thomas, St. Louis Blues (Yahoo: 24%)
Despite the St. Louis Blues’ struggles on offense, Thomas has managed to stand out with his consistent performance. He has already recorded more than five points this season and leads the team in ice time among forwards. Thomas is a skilled center who excels in faceoffs and is an essential part of the Blues’ offensive game plan.

Wyatt Johnston, Dallas Stars (Yahoo: 22%)
As a 19-year-old rookie, Johnston has already made a significant impact by scoring seven points and recording 19 shots in a limited amount of ice time. He has already proven that his impressive performance last season was not a fluke and has the potential to become a key player for the Dallas Stars.

Jaden Schwartz, Seattle Kraken (Yahoo: 21%)
After a slow start to the season, the Seattle Kraken have found their scoring touch with 25 goals in the past seven games. Leading the surge is Schwartz, who has recorded eight points, 25 shots, and six blocks in this span. Schwartz also ranks among the team leaders in power play points and provides consistent offensive production.

Paul Cotter, Vegas Golden Knights (Yahoo: 15%)
Cotter had an impressive rookie season last year, despite battling through injuries and healthy scratches. He has already made an impact this season with three goals, three assists, and 37 hits. Cotter has also received power play time and plays alongside talented linemates, making him a valuable asset for fantasy owners.

Leo Carlsson, Anaheim Ducks (Yahoo: 9%)
Carlsson’s playing time has been inconsistent due to selective scratches, but he has shown flashes of brilliance when given the opportunity. He has averaged around 18 minutes of ice time per game and has the chance to play alongside talented linemates. Although his offensive breakout may be delayed, Carlsson has the potential to become a valuable asset in fantasy hockey.

Defensemen

Owen Power, Buffalo Sabres (Yahoo: 48%)
As the top pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, Power has lived up to expectations with his impressive debut performance. He has already recorded a goal, three assists, and a plus-8 rating in the past four games. Although he doesn’t contribute much in hits, Power’s offensive production alone makes him a worthwhile addition to any fantasy team.

Bowen Byram, Colorado Avalanche (Yahoo: 36%)
Byram has struggled with injuries in the past, but when healthy, he has been an outstanding contributor. After a slow start to the season, Byram has recently recorded two goals and one assist. He has also displayed a strong presence with 16 hits, 13 blocks, and 14 penalty minutes. Byram’s all-around performance makes him a valuable asset on the blue line.

Ivan Provorov, Columbus Blue Jackets (Yahoo: 21%)
Provorov’s move to the Columbus Blue Jackets has revitalized his performance after a dip in form towards the end of his tenure with the Philadelphia Flyers. He has already recorded eight assists this season, including four on the power play. Provorov continues to be a reliable player in all situations and provides solid defensive contributions.

Matt Roy, Los Angeles Kings (Yahoo: 15%)
Roy may not be a standout offensive player, but his contributions in hits, blocked shots, and other areas should not be overlooked. He has recorded 19 shots and three assists in the past seven games, including one on the power play. Roy also receives significant ice time and contributes on the penalty kill, making him a valuable asset for fantasy owners.

Goaltenders

Lukas Dostal, Anaheim Ducks (Yahoo: 29%)
The Anaheim Ducks’ defensive struggles make Dostal an appealing goaltending option. He has won five out of six games and has maintained a solid save percentage. With a young and talented roster in front of him, Dostal has the potential to continue his strong performance and provide fantasy owners with reliable goaltending statistics.

Joel Hofer, St. Louis Blues (Yahoo: 3%)
Hofer has impressed in the AHL in recent seasons and has also shown promise in his limited NHL appearances. Although he is currently a backup, he has the potential to take on a larger role in the future. With a strong start to the season, Hofer has already demonstrated his ability to stop pucks at the NHL level. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on his performance and consider adding him as a potential sleeper goalie.

By incorporating these players into your fantasy hockey lineup, you increase your chances of turning your season around and achieving success. Remember to regularly monitor line changes, player trends, and the latest news to ensure that you stay ahead of the competition.

Reference