Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Pickups and Sleepers: TOI & PPTOI Trends (Week 6)

Heading into each fantasy hockey season and over the course of the season, there are two factors–among others–I try to key in on when filling out my roster that are easily overlooked by many managers.

The first is whether or not a player, no matter the team, sees action on the top line or defense pairing. That’s typically a no-brainer unless you’re dealing with players from the weaker NHL teams. The second is whether he typically plays on the power play or not. 

And when you’re in a deep league with a full-size NHL starting line-up and seven bench positions for a 27-man roster like I am, said factors are indispensable. 

Let me start out by saying that though a player sees power play minutes, it doesn’t necessarily mean he gets a lot of 5-on-5 minutes. And on the contrary, a player may see a lot of 5-on-5 minutes, but not necessarily much power play time. But that’s what I’m here to help clarify on a weekly basis so you can scoop up the right player off the waiver wire to help your team, depending on your personal situation.

Fantasy Hockey TOI and PP TOI Movers

Tanner Pearson - Forward, LA Kings

Pearson is a deceiving example. The Los Angeles rookie sees power play time, but not much 5-on-5 ice time.

Pearson has had a tremendous start to his rookie campaign, posting seven goals and nine points in October to earn him NHL Rookie of the Month honors. However, he has only notched one assist in his last seven games dating back to Oct. 28.

On a potent Kings team, Pearson takes to the ice when his team goes up a man, which sounds like a nice player to have, but he only averages about 11-12 total minutes per game. Now, even in his limited even-strength time, he still plays with skilled forwards in Jeff Carter and Tyler Toffoli –to comprise "That 70s Line"– but unless you’re in a deep dynasty league like I am, there’s simply better options out there than someone like Pearson right now. As expected, his rapid scoring pace has declined, and you have to believe a big reason is his lack of ice time.

Vincent Lecavalier - Forward, Philadelphia Flyers 

Lecavalier is far removed from his 52-goal, 108-point season in 2006-07, but his veteran presence has provided the Flyers’ offense with stability. The former first-overall draft pick has tallied five points in seven games so far with Philadelphia, three of which have come on the power play.

Lecavalier averages 14:38 total ice time per game, which isn’t overwhelming, but his 3:24 average on the power play is enticing. Though he typically plays on the second unit, in Philly’s last game on Nov. 8, Lecavalier beautifully set up a Claude Giroux 5-on-3 goal with usual power-play man Brayden Schenn in the box for fighting.

It may be unlikely that Lecavalier continues to produce at this rate, but if you need some punch at center or left wing, or forward, give the former Rocket Richard Trophy winner a look; he's only 15% owned in Yahoo! leagues and his track record proves he has the smarts and ability to provide offense.

Antoine Roussel - Forward, Dallas Stars

Roussel is shaping up to be a hot fantasy commodity, especially in leagues that award points for penalty minutes. In his first full season last year, Roussel scored 14 goals and 29 points in 81 games, while racking up 209 penalty minutes, showing his ability to do a little bit of everything.

Roussel averages around 15 minutes/game this season, but keep in mind that as an agitator, he drops the gloves now and then, which can obviously misrepresent that stat.

But in his last outing against a strong San Jose squad, the 24-year-old France native recorded a power play assist (on one of Tyler Seguin’s three goals), a pair of shots, a pair of blocks, 17:56 in total ice time, 14 penalty minutes (misconduct near the end of the game) and a hefty 4:15 in power play time.

Granted every manager is in a different scenario depending on league settings, but with only 21% of owners on board with Roussel in Yahoo leagues, you can scoop this guy up now if you need an all-around boost from the waiver wire.

Lubomir Visnovsky - Defenseman, NY Islanders

On defense, since returning from injury, Lubomir Visnovsky has jumped right into his usual power play role with the New York Islanders.

In his first eight games, the defenseman has recorded three points, while seeing an average of 21:15 per game, but more impressively, 4:07 per game on the power play, which is good for 10th among all defensemen early on. The Islanders, as a whole, came out of the gate red-hot, but have since cooled off. Still, Visnovsky has been an offensive presence his entire career and is worth consideration.

I must provide a fair warning; at the age of 38, Visnovsky tends to find himself on the IR every so often, but when healthy, he can be an effective waiver wire pickup for those of you in deep leagues.

Damon Severson - Defeseman, NJ Devils

Severson has made his presence felt early in his rookie NHL season with New Jersey, and you should be aware of him by now, but he’s still only 60% owned in Yahoo leagues. The majority of that 60% is likely deeper leagues or keeper leagues, too.

The 20-year-old former second-round pick of the Devils has amassed four goals and four assists in 14 games so far on the back end, while averaging 22:13 of total ice time per game and 3:13 with the man advantage, as well.

What’s likable about Severson is the fact that he throws the puck on net, which also explains his production. In every game except one this season, Severson has recorded at least two shots on goal. On Oct. 16 against Washington, he racked up eight shots on net, which is unheard of for a defenseman, but that explains why he potted a pair of goals that game. If he's available in your league and your defense could use a pick-me-up, give Severson a long look.