We’re getting deeper into the fantasy hockey playoffs, which means every point, hit and shot on goal (SOG) could be the difference-maker in securing a trophy, as well as locking up bragging rights over your league for the entire offseason. If you’re looking for a boost this upcoming week, then you’ve come to the right place. Below, I’ve listed several widely-available players that are primed to make an impact. Here are my top fantasy hockey waiver wire pickups for Week 22.
NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Advice (Week 22)
(Rosterships courtesy of ESPN)
Anthony Cirelli (F – TB) | 59.5% Rostered
There’s a chance that Anthony Cirelli is the most underrated player in the National Hockey League. Or, perhaps Cirelli is just flourishing on a loaded Tampa Bay roster. Either way, he’s on a tear right now and looks like a must-add player heading into Week 22.
The Bolts forward netted two goals on five shots on goal (SOG) in Saturday’s 5-2 victory over the Oilers, giving him 13 points (four goals, nine assists) and 15 SOG in his last eight contests. Cirelli is currently centering Tampa’s top line with the scorching Nikita Kucherov, as well as logging minutes on the second power-play group. With Tampa’s offense hitting its stride, Cirelli could easily give you an edge in your next matchup.
Mason Marchment (F – CBJ) | 47.4% Rostered
It’s rare to find a first-line player and top power-play contributor this widely available come playoff time. Apparently, the masses haven’t noticed that the Blue Jackets are on an incredible 18-2-4 run under new coach Rick Bowness, and that Mason Marchment has 12 goals and nine assists in 27 games with the squad.
In addition to averaging 0.8 points per game with Columbus, the top-line winger has 24 hits, 36 SOG, a 19.4% shooting percentage and seven blocked shots over his last 20 games.
If you’re in a sharper league where someone like Marchment isn’t available, another forward with potential is teammate Mathieu Olivier (33.3% rostered). His value mainly comes from laying the lumber, where he’s 17th in hits (190) this season. The third-liner has 25 points (14 goals, 11 assists) in 56 games, as well as 39 blocked shots and an average of 1.5 shots on goal per game (SOG/G).
Frank Nazar (F – CHI) | 28.5% Rostered
Chicago’s Frank Nazar looks like a decent fantasy option if you’re playing in a deeper league. The second-line centerman is having a productive March, averaging a point-per-game in 10 outings (four goals, six assists).
Nazar is logging 1.7 SOG/G and has nine blocked shots during the stretch. With the Blackhawks playing four times this week and Nazar having a noticeable impact on their offense, he could be worth a flier.
Sean Walker (D – CAR) | 22.8% Rostered
With my personal fantasy team, I have a hole at defenseman. Leon Draisaitl (lower-body) was recently moved to long-term injured reserve (LTRI), so I decided to move on from Jake Walman as one of my defensemen. We’ve seen his offensive production dip since Draisaitl has been sidelined.
I used Sean Walker as a stopgap over the weekend, and that worked out relatively well. Walker has seven goals and 16 assists in 69 games, but his biggest fantasy impact is thanks to his ranking 43rd in blocked shots (109) and 101st in hits (112). He’s also logging a respectable 2.2 SOG/G this season.
The Hurricanes only play three games this week, featuring a weekend back-to-back, so keep an eye on Walker heading into next weekend if you need an emergency defenseman to stream.