Okay, so we're in the thick of it now. The shine has worn off the apple, and we find ourselves firmly entrenched in another NHL season.
While most of the fantasy hockey players that owners expect to put up the points are doing just that, let’s take a look at some role-playing forwards who can give your fantasy team a little bit of extra depth off the Week 3 NHL waiver wire.
Week 3 Waiver Wire Forwards for Fantasy Hockey
Ryan Strome - New York Islanders(55.5% owned, +28.6%)
The Islanders have surprised almost everyone early on in the season, getting off to the best start in franchise history, and Ryan Strome has definitely been in the mix as a point-per-game contributor so far (0 G, 6 A). While he hasn't yet found the net, he is logging roughly 13 minutes of ice time per game, including centering the second PP unit. With the injury bug already striking on Long Island (Michael Grabner and Mikhail Grabovski are both sidelined), expect Strome to step up and play a bigger role in the offense, and while his current 60.71 Corsi rating will surely drop throughout the season, he’s a player that will drive possession and scoring chances as long as he’s on the ice.
Mason Raymond - Calgary Flames (73.4% owned, +43.8%)
Raymond has been a great fit on a young Calgary team that, though they won't be competing for the Cup this year, might nevertheless turn some heads along the way. Raymond is currently the veteran on the Flame’s second line with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, and his 7 PTS (5 G, 2 A) and +2 rating puts him at the time of the team’s scoring chart. His scoring has been a little spread out, as three of his goals came in the second game of the season, but look for him to continue to contribute, as he is one of the best pure goal scorers on the Flames roster.
Chris Terry - Carolina Hurricanes (0.1% owned)
There hasn't been much positive to talk about with regard to the Hurricanes so far this year, but Chris Terry is an exception. He finally cracked the roster after short stints the past two years, and through five games this season, he’s been a point-per-game player (3 G, 2 A). Terry has been logging time on the second PP unit with Elias Lindholm and Victor Rask, and accomplishing all this while only getting 12:18 ATOI so far this season. To put that in perspective, he has the same amount of points as stud Jiri Tlusty, who is ranked second on the team in TOI. Terry is ranked 14th. It’s safe to say he’s making the most of his opportunities. The forward’s point-per-game pace most likely won’t last all season, but fantasy hockey is all about playing the hot hand, and right now Terry is it in Carolina.
Chris Kelly - Boston Bruins (2.7% owned, +2.3%)
While the Bruins have struggled to find their groove early on, the third line has been providing a bit of offense for Boston. Chris Kelly, Carl Soderberg and Loui Eriksson have combined for 15 points so far this season, with six of them (1 G, 5 A) coming from Kelly. While he’s not going to run away with an Art Ross trophy any time soon, Kelly should continue to put up points while giving your fantasy team boosts in hits and SOG as well. As long as this line continues to stick together, Chris Kelly is worth having on your fantasy roster.