The 2022 NHL season continues to burn through the teeth of its schedule, but the fantasy playoffs are fast approaching. As far as March goes, it’s already been a wild month, with teams like Arizona turning up their offensive production to generate winning streaks. Other underdogs such as Winnipeg and Ottawa have also followed in the footsteps of the Coyotes in terms of late-season improvements. This doesn’t mean that the elite teams are struggling, as Florida and Carolina are riding multi-game-winning streaks of their own. Boston is also finding its groove, going 8-1-1 in their last ten games played to climb into serious contention for the top seed in the Atlantic Division. Other dark-horse contenders are also beginning to emerge, like Vancouver, Dallas, and Montreal, who are well above .500 in terms of their winning percentage across their last ten games played.

Based on recent production and usage, I’ve gathered seven prospects who will be solid assets on fantasy rosters to prepare for the final push into the fantasy playoffs. However, don’t dismiss recommended players from lesser teams. These are often the highest floor assets due to increased opportunity and reliance on production. Conversely, depth pieces on elite teams could be restricted from greater opportunity to produce despite their talent. With this in mind, let’s dive into Week 22’s top waiver-wire prospects!

Rostered percentages courtesy of ESPN. 

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Center

Travis Boyd (C – ARI): 0.4%
First-line center Travis Boyd has benefitted from Arizona’s collective improvement on offense across their last four games played. Not only does the 28-year old earn minutes on the top offensive unit and the top powerplay unit, but he’s also active on the boards, racking up several hits and blocked shots per game to show his defensive prowess. He’s not an elite goal scorer by any means, but he does have the fourth-most on the team with 12 while steadily producing assists. Boyd has scored two of his 12 goals across his last two games while also notching an assist. It’s not for lack of competition. Arizona has found its rhythm, and Boyd is a massive beneficiary alongside Clayton Keller (LW – ARI), so stash him off of the waiver wire in virtually all fantasy leagues this weekend.

Colin White (C – OTT): 0.8%
25-year old Colin White returned from injury recently, which has aided their burst of success on offense. He collects minutes on the third-line attack, but he earns additional opportunities on their top powerplay unit, which allows him to stay involved in plus-man advantages. His shot volume is low, but this doesn’t matter, as he managed to string together three assists on just two shots on goal across a two-game stretch. A few hits and blocked shots also raise his appeal, while it’s the unknown upside that is most alluring. White’s career-high is 41 points, which he set back in 2019 with the Senators, so perhaps fresh legs will yield matchup-winning results. Stash him if you have an open spot or want to dispose of a seldom-used bench piece. He’s another prospect who is available to roster in nearly all leagues once again, so take advantage before his demand soars.

Wing

Kyle Palmieri (RW – NYI): 13.7%
This is the first season Kyle Palmieri has been able to get an entire offseason with the New York Islanders, as he was traded from New Jersey late in the 2020-21 season. The 31-year old earns minutes on their second-line attack and second powerplay unit, which allows him to remain involved within the Islanders’ offense consistently. It was a brutal start for the entire team, but Palmieri has been an integral piece, scoring two goals and netting two assists across his last five games played. His shot volume fluctuates between one and five per game, which is a good number to raise his floor. Palmieri is a bit harder to come by than either recommended Center in this article. However, he’s still under 15 percent rostered, so hit the waiver wire and scoop him up if he’s still available. Palmieri is worthy of insertion into lineups in most matchups.

Jakub Vrana (LW – DET): 25.8%
Shoulder surgery kept Jakub Vrana sidelined until March 8th, when he made his season debut on Detroit’s second-line attack and their second powerplay unit. His presence has been felt immediately, as the Red Wings have upped their scoring output with Vrana’s three goals against Arizona and Minnesota. Yes, Detroit will not make the playoffs and is amid a four-game losing skid. However, production and opportunity constitute the foundation for an asset in fantasy hockey leagues, especially this late in the season. Vrana is already a highly-rostered player at 25 percent, and it will only rise. Sprint to the waiver wire and add Vrana if other fantasy managers have not followed his return in Motor City.

Defense

Brady Skjei (D – CAR): 7.3%
Brady Skjei is an excellent asset, in large part due to skating on Carolina’s second defensive line. The 27-year old racks up blocked shots and attempts at least a pair of shots on goal per game, often resulting in assist opportunities. He’s netted two assists across his last five games played, but you’re adding Skjei as a foundational floor-piece and nothing more. He’s involved enough within the second-line attack and earns a living delivering hits and blocking shots in the defensive zone. Stash Skjei as a depth piece and deploy him as a safe but low-ceiling prospect in lineups moving forward.

Ben Chiarot (D – MTL): 12.6%
Veteran defenseman Ben Chiarot has stepped his production up since late February, netting five assists and producing a two-goal finish against Calgary, one of the league’s best teams, yielding a 5-4 overtime win. Montreal is on a run, going 7-3 in their last ten games, so acquiring a player gaining momentum on a sleeper team like the Canadiens is a savvy move. Of course, the defense is intact for Chiarot, as he produces an equal number of hits, blocked shots, and shots on goal per game. He can finish and skates on the top defensive line and second powerplay unit, leading to a whopping 23 minutes average time on ice. Chiarot has a high floor and ceiling, making him one of the better defensemen to acquire off of the waiver wire this weekend.

Goalie

Anton Forsberg (G – OTT): 9%
Ottawa is playing well on offense, which has, in turn, allowed goaltender Anton Forsberg to stack consecutive wins. The 29-year old has not surrendered more than three goals across his previous eight starts, which is an eye-opening number displaying his talent on a team that has struggled to get going for much of the season. Not only does Forsberg have momentum, but he’s also racked up over 30 saves in five of his previous six starts, which pads his stats and his fantasy production tremendously. He’s the best goaltender value on the Week 22 waiver wire and is available in 91 percent of fantasy leagues. So do yourself a favor and acquire Forsberg as a great G2 who can be deployed into lineups when necessary.

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Matthew MacKay is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Matthew, check out his archive and follow him @Matt_MacKay_.