Santa Claus just made his 2025 rounds a couple of weeks back, and if Jolly Old Saint Nick has time to sift through his massive list twice, then we have no excuse not to be maintaining our fantasy hockey teams. We’re getting into the nitty-gritty of the season, and this is where championship rosters are molded. Below, I’ve listed four players who could give you an edge down the stretch run of the 2025-26 season. Here are my top fantasy hockey waiver wire pickups heading into Week 14.
NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Advice (Week 14)
(Rosterships courtesy of ESPN)
Valeri Nichushkin (F – COL) | 39.8% Rostered
Valeri Nichushkin is always on my shortlist of fantasy options, mainly because the 30-year-old forward is such a pure goalscorer. He enters the new week with 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) across 33 games, averaging just below a point per game. Additionally, Nichushkin is fifth on the Avalanche in shots on goal (SOG) with 90, and he’s currently listed on the team’s top power-play unit.
Ryan Leonard (F – WSH) | 12.5% Rostered
If you’re in a deeper league, consider picking up Ryan Leonard. He’s buried on the third line with Ethen Frank and Nic Dowd, but the rookie is getting time with the main power-play group. Leonard has 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists), seven (one goal, six assists) of which have come on the man advantage.
With Washington playing four games this week, Leonard, who’s averaging 1.37 hits per game and 2.06 shots on goal per game (SOG/G), should be a decent streaming piece.
Brandt Clarke (D – LAK) | 58.6% Rostered
It’s surprising to see Brandt Clarke is rostered in nearly 60% of ESPN fantasy leagues. Clarke will likely never have his name be a part of Norris Trophy discussions since the offensive production isn’t there. He has a modest 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in 40 games, with four of those points (one goal, three assists) coming on the power play.
Clarke’s fantasy value lies with some of the less glamorous metrics. Over his last nine games, he’s averaging 2.22 SOG/G and 2.56 blocks per contest. With four games upcoming this week, Clarke makes a great streaming candidate.
Philipp Grubauer (G – SEA) | 6.5% Rostered
Seattle’s Philipp Grubauer is sneakily putting together a fantastic campaign. He’s playing so well that he may start carving into top netminder Joey Daccord‘s time in the crease. In 10 starts (13 total appearances), the veteran goaltender is 7-3-1 with a 2.32 GAA (sixth) and a .920 SV% (third).
Grubauer’s 0.739 goals saved above expected per 60 minutes is the second-most among goalies with at least 13 games played. He probably isn’t getting the necessary playing time to occupy a full-time roster spot, but keep an eye out for streaming opportunities or favorable matchups. There’s no denying he has been elite this season.