Now that we’re at the midseason point, it’s time to consider trades based on team need. But trying to swing the right trade with another owner might be easier said than done.
So, turning to your waiver wire might be a more convenient option to better your team. You have the opportunity to pick from a wide variety of players at a time that is convenient to you. To help you with that, here are a few names that you can be on the lookout for this week.
Conor Sheary, LW/RW, PIT
How would you like to have Sidney Crosby’s linemate on your fantasy team? If you’re still not interested, then perhaps it’s worth mentioning that Sheary has 11 points (5g-6a) over his last 11 games. Of course much of that value depends on whether he can stick with Crosby, but he should stay where he is as long as he continues to put up points. If Sheary is already taken in your league, you could also consider Crosby’s other linemate Bryan Rust in deeper leagues (more line combinations here).
Pavel Buchnevich, LW/RW, NYR
The Rangers have been scoring a ton recently (as they have for much of the season). Unfortunately Buchnevich has missed out on the majority of the fun, playing in only 14 games because of a back injury. But he’s been a point-per-game player in those 14 games, including a four-game point streak since his return from injury and an eight-game point streak overall. If you’re worried about a rookie like Buchnevich not receiving enough icetime, he’s been playing on Rick Nash’s line recently. There’s a lot to like here.
Jordan Staal, C/LW, CAR
With 23 points in 37 games, Staal is on pace for 48 points – exactly his pace last season. But it’s his play of late that might have you interested. Over January, Staal has nine points (2g-7a) in eight games, playing on a line with Elias Lindholm and Brock McGinn. Staal will never be a scoring star because he plays more of a two-way role, but he could be a decent stopgap option for your fantasy team if other players are battling injuries.
Elias Lindholm, C/RW, CAR
If Staal is already on a team in your league, you can check the availability of his linemate. Over his last seven games (interrupted by a stint on IR), Lindholm has nine points (3g-6a). A former top-5 pick, the 22-year-old Lindholm has the offensive upside for a breakout in his fourth NHL season, having posted 39 points over each of his last two seasons. For that matter, you could also consider McGinn in deeper leagues, as he was the NHL’s Third Star last week after scoring seven points (4g-3a) in three games. Friday goalie adds (check Goalie Post for the latest starting goalie information)
Scott Darling, G, CHI
With Corey Crawford returning from injury, Darling has already been dropped in many leagues. He hasn’t started since January 6, so he could be a bit rusty. Yet his numbers (11-4-2, 2.34 GAA, .924 SV%) should make him difficult to ignore in many fantasy formats, whether it be daily or season-long. Darling may just be a streaming option, though, as the Blackhawks don’t play a back-to-back until February 10. Yet the Bruins’ offense is in the bottom third of the league, so take advantage if you can.
Al Montoya, G, MON
If Darling isn’t available, then your next-best (and perhaps only other) goalie waiver option would be Montoya. Although his season numbers (6-4-2, 2.86 GAA, .907 SV%) don’t inspire much confidence, your reason for adding Montoya is primarily matchup based. He faces a Devils team that is currently 28th in the NHL with just over two goals per game. Montoya isn’t expected to start much beyond any back-to-back situations, but he could creep into the goaltending equation a little more given Carey Price’s recent struggles.
