2018 Fantasy Hockey: Waiver Wire Report December 8
Published: Dec 08, 2018
The NHL season is in full swing and that means so is fantasy hockey! It’s a long grind to get to the playoffs, and an even tougher challenge to win it all. Like every year, injuries are going to happen to key players, which means we need to be active on the waiver wire. The waiver wire can help you win a championship, so it’s important to add the right players at the right time. Let’s take a look at which players are worth looking adding for the upcoming week.
Colin White - Ottawa Senators - Center
The Senators will be without the services of Matt Duchene for the next couple of weeks due to a lower-body injury, which means Colin White should see an increase in playing time, and hopefully, points. White isn’t having a terrible season, collecting 18 points (8G,10A) in 28 games so far. The 21-year-old is expected to skate on the top line and top power play unit, so if he can hold on to that spot, he should be able to rack up some points. He’s only 5% owned on Yahoo!, so if you need some center depth, White is a nice option to look at.
Eeli Tolvanen - Nashville Predators - Winger
With the Predators decimated by injuries, Eeli Tolvanen is going to get his chance to show management that he’s ready for a spot in the NHL. The rookie picked up his first career goal earlier this week and there’s a good chance that he gets his second goal sooner rather than later. The 19-year-old isn’t skating in the top six, but that should change over the next few games. We know that he has the skill to play in the league, but he’s going to need to be a consistent player every night. He’s only 13% owned on Yahoo!, so if you’re desperate for some scoring depth, Tolvanen is a low-risk option that can help you.
Josh Leivo - Vancouver Canucks - Winger
Maybe a change of scenery will help revive Josh Leivo’s career. The former Toronto forward is now looking at a top six role with the Canucks, which can only help his production. The former third-round pick in 2011 never got a chance to crack a loaded Maple Leafs squad, but now in Vancouver, Leivo should get every opportunity to show management that he can play. He’s expected to skate with Brock Boeser and rookie Elias Pettersson, and if can hold on to that spot next to those two gifted players, look out. Leivo is very much available on either site, so if you need some depth due to injuries, scoop him out and let’s see if can produce some points over the next couple of weeks.
Scott Mayfield - New York Islanders - Defence
If you haven’t heard about Scott Mayfield yet, it’s time that you do. The 26-year-old defenceman is having himself a pretty decent season so far, picking up 13 points (3G, 10A) in 26 games. He’s not seeing any power play time or a huge amount of minutes every night, but he’s producing about a point every two games, which isn’t terrible. He’s a depth option in deep leagues.
T.J. Brodie - Calgary Flames - Defence
T.J Brodie is one of those defecemen that just does it all. He can pick up points on a regular basis, he takes a decent amount of shots on goal and he can definitely block shots. He’s one of those players that can contribute to multiple fantasy hockey categories. With captain Mark Giordano out for two games due to a suspension, Brodie should see an increase in ice time, and hopefully, points. Even when Giordano comes back, Brodie can still be an option in deeper leagues. The veteran defenceman may not win you a fantasy hockey championship, but he certainly won’t hurt your chances.
Adin Hill - Arizona Coyotes - Goalie
If you haven’t jumped on the Adin Hill train yet, it’s time that you do. The 22-year-old has a 1.09 GAA and a crazy .957 SV% in six games this season. He isn’t going to keep up this pace for very long, but he’s pretty much the hottest goalie in the league right now and he’s only 15% owned on ESPN. The British Columbia native is a great short-term solution while we wait for Antti Raanta to return from injury. If he’s still available on the waiver wire, pick him up and enjoy the ride.
Mikko Koskinen - Edmonton Oilers - Goalie
We’ve already talked about adding Mikko Koskinen before, but now is probably the last chance you’ll get to actually do it. There is no question that Koskinen is the number one goalie in Edmonton, no matter what Cam Talbot does. The timeshare that existed at first is slowly starting to go away and Koskinen is starting to see a regular amount of games. He’s the best goalie in Edmonton and he gives his team a chance to win every night. He’s 35% owned on ESPN, so if you can afford to add a third (or fourth goalie), you need to do it, now!