Another week of fantasy hockey is in the books, and we only have roughly 15 hours until we’re back in action with a matinee Monday game for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Let’s waste no time and dive into my top fantasy hockey waiver wire pickups heading into Week 16.
NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Advice (Week 16)
(Rosterships courtesy of ESPN)
Josh Doan (F – BUF) | 27.4% Rostered
The Sabres have been rolling recently, picking up points in 16 of their last 18 games during a 15-2-1 stretch of play. Ryan McLeod, Bowen Byram and Josh Doan have all stepped up throughout this heater, aiding the big guns of Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin.
It’s finally time to invest in Doan, who has been somewhat of a power-play specialist this season. He’s buried on the third line normally, but Doan’s called upon during power-play opportunities to try and help the team score. Of his 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists), 11 have come on the power play, courtesy of five goals and six helpers. He’s averaging 2.3 shots on goal per game (SOG/G) across a 47-game sample size this season. It’s also worth noting that Doan’s expected goals mark of 16.5 is 48th in the NHL.
Mats Zuccarello (F – MIN) | 22.8% Rostered
It’s rare to find a hidden gem like Mats Zuccarello at this point in the season. He has played 29 games, registering six goals, 17 assists and 59 shots on goal (SOG). He’s slotting in on Minnesota’s top line and main power-play group, meaning nearly all of his time on ice (TOI) is with linemate Kirill Kaprizov.
This is a no-brainer pickup. Zuccarello is worthy of a long-term hold as long as he remains in these marquee roles.
James van Riemsdyk (F – DET) | 8.8% Rostered
The 36-year-old James van Riemsdyk has been turning back the clock recently, enjoying an excellent run, notching 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in his last 11 games. The Red Wings forward has been promoted to Detroit’s top line, where he’s playing alongside Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. He also just subbed in for Patrick Kane on the top power-play unit, which is the sixth-best group in the NHL (25.16%).
Considering his current role, the sharp-shooting van Riemsdyk (18.1% shooting rate) could be worth a look if you need an offensive bump or play in a deeper league.
Jake Walman (D – EDM) | 58.7% Rostered
This is more of a PSA that Jake Walman is back in Edmonton’s lineup following a two-month layoff due to a lower-body injury. Walman has looked decent in his first four games back, registering two assists and 11 SOG. With Leon Draisaitl out due to personal reasons, Walman has also been thrust onto the top power-play unit.
Even when Draisaitl returns, Walman should still be serviceable as a fantasy defenseman. He’s averaging 1.8 blocked shots per game and has 12 points (three goals, nine assists) and 34 SOG in 21 outings this season.