Each week we will be mining the waiver wire to find lesser-rostered assets that can help your squad. We'll do this regardless of whether you prefer dynasty, redraft, or both. We will also look at former go-to fantasy assets that may be undervalued, in the short- and long-term.
This week's focus is on players who will help you make it through the first round. If you fail to win the first match-up, there is no round 2.
Forward
Alex Killorn, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning(Rostered by 54.8% of ESPN.com leagues).While I will admit, I'm more excited about Tampa's schedule than any one player, the bigger picture sometimes deserves my attention. There will be plenty of scoring when the Lightning play the Maple Leafs Monday. They then visit the Capitals Tuesday before returning home to take on the Sabres and Bruins Friday and Sunday, respectively. The team's No. 2 forward line, Killorn and Anthony CirelliThey should all contribute their fair share. As we discussed last week [link: schedule hack]Tampa is also active on days most of the league are not, giving it an additional advantage for tough roster decisions.
Robert Thomas, C, St. Louis Blues (19.4%):This is the week to bring out all your fantasy goods in St. Louis. All four games are played by the Blues, which will face a parade of teams that are mostly not in the playoffs (exception: Minnesota Wild). If you are looking for Blues assets, I would suggest the club's second line center, which can be skated between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. Vladimir Tarasenko Pavel Buchnevich. Thomas is currently on a five-game point streak with six assists and three goals. Impressive stuff.
Rickard Rakell, C/RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (17.0%):It is almost possible to see the on-ice chemical reactions between Rakell et al. Evgeni MalkinThey are blossoming in real-time. They have combined 12 points in their last four games. The Penguins will be playing the Rangers and Capitals this week. Three of those exciting tilts take place on Pittsburgh’s home ice. Rakell is now a rare, under-radar fantasy treasure.
Ilya Mikheyev, LW/RW, Toronto Maple Leafs (6.2%):The Maple Leafs' speedy and agile winger is showing a knack for scoring, no matter where he fits in the lineup. There are five goals in nine games including one short-handed. This is a strong indication. Betcha Mikheyev scores at least two more goals this week when Toronto hosts the Lightning, Panthers Stars and Canadiens. He is worthy of consideration in deeper traditional leagues.
Erik Haula, C/LW, Boston Bruins (5.3%):He does his best to compensate for an often-overlooked (and always underrated) talent. David KrejciThe Bruins' current second-line center,, is holding his own these day. You can also skate alongside David Pastrnak Taylor HallIn six of his past six contests, Haula has scored four goals and assisted six others. It's not a bad haul. The 31-year old is available in ESPN.com leagues, unlike his linemates. This busy week, the Bruins are visiting the Blue Jackets Red Wings Lightning, Capitals, and Lightning. There are many opportunities to score more points.
0:53
Erik Haula scores the 2nd goal of the evening to give the Bruins a late lead
Defenders
Noah Hanifin, Calgary Flames (14.8%): The Flames' top-pair defender has been on a little tear lately, scoring a goal and contributing five assists (including a helper with an extra skater) through five contests. Hanifin is also the leader of Calgary's blue line, with 153 shots for the year. This week, the Flames tour the west coast with stops in Los Angeles (Anaheim), San Jose (San Jose) and Seattle. This is a pleasant road trip, aside from the tilt with the Kings. Hanifin might not have a few more points before next week, which would be quite surprising.
Erik Brannstrom, Ottawa Senators (14.3%):With Thomas ChabotBrannstrom, who was relegated to the bench for the remainder the season, is now able to anchor the Senators top power play. Brannstrom, a 22-year old defender, has provided three assists to Chabot since Chabot was injured in mid March. Consider adding the 15th overall draft selection (2017) to your fantasy league if special teams scoring is a premium. Ottawa is up against the Rangers, Canadiens, Predators and Jets this week.
Goaltenders
Ville Husso, St. Louis Blues (55.3%)Blues' netminder is expected to play in three of the four home contests this week. Monday's meeting with Coyotes will be the last. After Wednesday's game against Kraken, Wild or the Islanders will be on Wednesday. Jordan BinningtonHusso's week was full of potential success. I wish St. Louis' current No. I wished that St. Louis' current No. 1 was available in my fantasy leagues. Unfortunately, he's not.
You can also see: Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars (59.2%)
Expectations lower
Jonathan Toews, C, Chicago Blackhawks (58.8%):He has now hit another dry spell. After a lively March, Blackhawks captain has now entered a three-game drought. Chicago is only playing twice this week. For real fantasy help, look elsewhere.
