Week 3 Waiver Wire Pickups, Adds & Sleepers for Fantasy Hockey

Joe Hannon analyzes some NHL forwards for Week 3 that are fantasy hockey waiver wire pickups, adds and potential sleepers for your fantasy hockey teams off the waiver wire.

October is an exciting time of year for sports fans. The World Series is upon us, and football is in full swing. The basketball season is looming near, and the hockey campaign is just getting revved up.

With all the action this time of year, it can be tough for some fantasy owners to juggle their rosters in multiple sports. Or maybe your fantasy hockey team just isn't off to the start you had hoped for. Don't sweat it-- here are a few waiver wire pickups at forward, defense and goalie to help get your fantasy hockey team on track.

Waiver Wire Forwards

Alex Galchenyuk - Montreal Canadiens - 81% Owned

Montreal is off to a hot start this year, and Alex Galchenyuk has been a major part of that success. The 20 year-old, now in his third season with the Canadiens, has produced two goals and four assists  in six contests. Galchenyuk had an impressive rookie year before suffering the dreaded sophomore slump. Alex looks to have regained his form this winter, and he should put up career numbers this season. Add him now if he's still available in your league.

Andrew Shaw - Chicago Blackhawks - 51% Owned

When the Blackhawks signed Brad Richards this summer, many assumed he would center the second line. But it's been Andrew Shaw between talented wingers Patrick Kane and Brandon Saad in the early going. Those three played well together in the playoffs last spring, and it seems as though Joel Quenneville will keep them together for the time being. Shaw has a knack for going to the front of the net during Blackhawks power plays, and hr isn't afraid to mix it up, either. Shaw is worth adding, as long as he remains a top-six forward in Chicago.

Nick Foligno - Columbus Bluejackets - 50% Owned

One of the biggest surprises in the first few weeks of the season has been Nick Foligno. The Blue Jackets winger has at least one point in all five of Columbus's games, with two goals and five assists over that stretch. Foligno's career high for points in a season is 47 in 2011-2012, so while his point-per-game production is nice to see, it likely won't continue all year long. With that said, successful fantasy owners go with the hot hand, which Nick certainly has.

Adam Henrique - New Jersey Devils - 20% Owned

Adam Henrique has been solid for the Devils so far this season. With two goals and three assists in five games, Henrique trails only Mike Cammalleri for the team lead in points. Henrique's ice time has been on the rise, as he and linemates Michael Ryder and Ryan Clowe have been productive for coach Peter DeBoer.

Waiver Wire Defensemen

T.J. Brodie - Calgary Flames - 90% Owned

With six points in six games, including an assist in four straight, T.J. Brodie is off to a wonderful start with the Calgary Flames this season. He is one of the top young defenseman in the game. He and Mark Giordano are the Flames top defensive pairing, and they've certainly been playing the part. Brodie is averaging just under 25:00 of ice time per night, and has even notched three points on the power play so far. Brodie is a must add for fantasy owners in the few leagues he's still available.

Damon Severson - New Jersey Devils - 52% Owned

In his first five career games, Damon Severson has notched four points (3 G, 1 A). Things could be worse for the rookie defenseman. His +6 rating is tied for tops on the team with fellow defenseman Andy Greene, and Severson's 18 shots are second to only Mike Cammalleri. Severson has been a bright spot for the devils, and is worthwhile addition in all fantasy formats.

Trevor Daley - Dallas Stars - 25% Owned

The Dallas Stars have acquired some exceptional talent over the past few seasons, and Trevor Daley is reaping the benefits. Daley has five points in five games and is skating on the Stars number one power play with Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn and Jason Spezza. Daley will log heavy minutes night-in and night-out, and he should be a productive fantasy defenseman across the board, as long as he remains on the power play.

Waiver Wire Goalies

Jake Allen - St. Louis Blues- 84% Owned

Though currently sitting behind Brian Elliott on the St. Louis depth chart, Jake Allen was impressive in his first start of the year, stopping 24 of 25 shots en route to the win. The Blues have a very good team, and Brian Elliott hasn't played in more than 40 games since the 2010-2011 season. Allen looked sharp in his season debut, and he should be an excellent play whenever the Blues place him between the pipes.  If he continues to be successful, Allen could steal some starts from Elliott as the season progresses.

Robin Lehner - Ottawa Senators - 49% Owned

In each of his two starts this season, Robin Lehner stopped 38 of 40 shots on his way to earning two victories. For the moment, Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner appear to be sharing the workload in Ottawa. However, if Lehner continues to rack up the saves and the victories, the net will be his.