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Joe Hannon analyzes some NHL forwards, defensemen and goalies for Week 9 that are fantasy hockey waiver wire pickups, adds and potential sleepers for your fantasy hockey teams off the waiver wire.
What's up RotoBallers? Welcome to my weekly edition of the fantasy hockey waiver wire. Below are a few skaters at each position that will steer your fantasy hockey team in the right direction.
Whether your fantasy hockey team is dealing with injuries or lack of production, these NHL skaters will help get you back on track. These players can be considered waiver wire pickups or sleepers depending on the league format.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Forwards
Joffrey Lupul (F, TOR) - 30% Owned
After missing 12 games with a broken hand, Joffrey Lupul is back in the Maple Leafs lineup. Lupul has four points (3 G, 1 A) in three games since returning to action. He has been a proven scorer in recent years, posting 67 points in 66 games in 2011-12 and 44 points in 69 games last season. Lupul is a good option for fantasy owners looking for some scoring production.
Matt Beleskey (F, ANA) - 29% Owned
With five goals and six points in his last seven games, Matt Beleskey is showing a scoring touch. He has been getting the opportunity to skate with Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf and the results have followed. Matt's 12 goals are good for sixth-most in the entire league. As long as he continues to skate on the Ducks' top line, Beleskey is a must-start fantasy forward.
Blake Comeau (F, PIT) - 21% Owned
Skating on a line with Evgeni Malkin has paid dividends for Blake Comeau. He has 15 points, 20 penalty minutes, and a +7 rating in 23 games. Comeau has been hot as of late, with 3 G, 2 A and 15 SOG in his last four games. He is an excellent source of secondary scoring for fantasy owners in need of a boost.
Zemgus Girgensons (F, BUF) - 11% Owned
The Buffalo Sabres are enduring another tough season, but Zemgus Girgensons is blossoming into a star. Zemgus has eight points in his last eight games and is carrying an impressive +6 rating on a struggling team. The second year forward is averaging 18:28 minutes of ice time per game, but has skated over 20:00 in each of his last three contests. Girgensons has all the skills to be an elite player and appears to be getting better with each game.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Defensemen
Ryan McDonagh (D, NYR) - 65% Owned
Many fantasy owners dropped Ryan McDonagh during his recent time on injured reserve. If he is available in your league, add him right away. Ryan has skated over 22:00 minutes and posted an assist in each of his three games since returning to the Rangers lineup. He is showing no ill-effects from the separated shoulder that sidelined him and should be considered an elite defensive option for the remainder of the season.
Hampus Lindholm (D, ANA) - 19% Owned
The Ducks have a very young defensive core this season and Hampus Lindholm is one of their bright young stars. The 20-year-old has 3 G, 6 A, 14 PIM, 35 SOG, and a +11 rating in 26 games played. Lindholm is also skating 22:33 minutes per game. There isn't much that Lindholm doesn't provide as far as fantasy value. His steady play and high time-on-ice make him a worthwhile fantasy defenseman.
Jacob Trouba (D, WPG) - 34% Owned
Jacob Trouba has been solid for the Winnipeg Jets as of late. Trouba has four assists in his last five games and is skating 23:16 per game. He has also been getting the puck to the net with consistency, with 46 shots on goal on the year and at least one in thirteen straight games.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire - NHL Goalies
Jake Allen (G, STL) - 60% Owned
Even with the signing of Martin Brodeur, rookie Jake Allen will be the primary goaltender for the Blues over the next few weeks. Brian Elliott is out with a knee injury, with no specific timetable for return. Allen has played well recently, winning three of his last four starts. His 2.16 goals against average through 11 games makes him an excellent play going forward.
Antti Raanta (G, CHI) - 6% Owned
With the recent news that Corey Crawford will miss two-to-three weeks with a lower-body injury, Antti Raanta figures to see the majority of work in net for the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks have been playing extremely well as of late and both Raanta and backup Scott Darling could rack up some wins over the next few weeks.
