Top Waiver Wire Picks with Strong Metrics for Fantasy Hockey

With the NHL season heating up, savvy fantasy hockey managers are scouring the waiver wire for difference-makers. This week’s recommendations focus on players whose underlying numbers—usage, shot quality, and deployment—suggest their recent production is sustainable. Whether you’re chasing points, power-play exposure, or need a streamer for a short week, here’s how to get ahead of your competition.

What’s New & Why It Matters

The early weeks of the season have revealed several players stepping into larger roles or outperforming expectations thanks to strong underlying metrics. Coaches are rewarding youth and skill, opening up top-line and power-play opportunities for breakout candidates. Meanwhile, a few veterans have landed in favorable spots, and some goalies are emerging as valuable depth options thanks to hot starts and team context. These shifts matter for fantasy because they often precede a surge in box score stats—giving proactive managers a window to capitalize before the rest of the league catches on.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

For managers in pure scoring leagues, deployment is king. Leo Carlsson is thriving on the Anaheim Ducks’ top line and first power-play unit, leading his team in points and benefiting from a steady diet of offensive-zone starts. Conor Garland is another prime target, as his assist totals and chemistry with Vancouver’s top forwards have made him a consistent source of points. In Buffalo, rookie Zach Benson is quietly piling up assists and high-danger chances, making him a high-upside stash in deeper leagues.

Categories / Bangers

If your league rewards more than just goals and assists, look for players with strong shot rates, hits, and power-play exposure. Dawson Mercer is producing at even strength with New Jersey’s top talent and seeing regular power-play time, boosting his value in multi-cat formats. On defense, Brent Burns continues to offer reliable shot volume and peripheral coverage, even as his scoring fluctuates. In goal, Dan Vladar’s hot start—backed by a high-danger save percentage—makes him a sneaky add for managers needing saves and wins.

Dynasty / Keeper

Managers in long-term formats should keep a close eye on young players earning significant roles. Benson’s underlying shot metrics and early power-play time suggest he could be a future staple in Buffalo’s offense. Carlsson’s deployment and production as a teenager signal high-end upside, making him a must-add if available. Even if their scoring cools, the foundation for long-term value is being laid now.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Leo Carlsson (ANA): Top-line and PP1 usage, leading team in points—add for immediate and future upside.
Dawson Mercer (NJD): Playing with elite linemates, contributing across categories—great for scoring and banger leagues.
Zach Benson (BUF): High-danger chances and assists, plus PP time—ideal for dynasty or deep points-only formats.
Conor Garland (VAN): Consistent points, high assist rate, and stable top-six role—stream for scoring boosts.
Brent Burns (COL): Reliable shot volume and minutes—solid add for defensive stats and peripherals.
Dan Vladar (PHI): Strong early save percentage and favorable matchups—stream for goalie depth on busy weeks.
Josh Doan (BUF): Emerging as a secondary scorer, especially valuable in short-week streaming situations.
Vladimir Tarasenko (MIN): Power-play specialist with multi-point upside when the Wild have favorable schedules.

Fantasy Takeaways

Target players with top-line and PP1 exposure—especially those who are producing despite low ownership rates.
Underlying metrics like shot volume, high-danger chances, and time on ice often precede a sustained breakout.
Short-term schedule edges (e.g., more games played, weak opponents) can make a fringe player a must-stream for the week.
Don’t overlook emerging rookies or veterans in new roles—early deployment changes can lead to long-term value.
Monitor goalie situations closely; hot streaks and favorable matchups can turn a backup into a week-winning streamer.

Source: NHL.com (2025-10-22). See the original for full details.