NHL 2017 Season Wrap Up: Top Waiver Additions

In fantasy hockey circles, there are always those players that just come out of nowhere or almost nowhere. They produce unexpectedly and for those that had an inkling on their future success, this is for you. Sometimes the answer lies in the season before and sometimes it is during training camp. Other times, it is an unexpected injury that helps shine the spotlight.

It was difficult to pick one player from each position and there is a choice that wound up with multiple position eligibility fast. However, whether it was a money or free league, these were players that seemed to end up on quite a few winning rosters. Let’s begin!

Jonathan Marchessault – C/LW – Florida Panthers

The best way to describe Marchessault is speed. Everything happens fast whether it is good or bad. He went from cheap bottom six plug to fantasy breakout of sorts. An unexpected injury to Jonathan Huberdeau opened the door for a near point a game run that lasted almost 20 games. It was a burst that caused a boost in so many leagues. Marchessault’s speed and quick release made him a sneaky own and in salary cap leagues, his points per dollar were among the league leaders.

Despite his -21, Marchessault maintained slightly above average advanced metrics despite a PDO of just above 97. His overall shooting percentage was 15.5%. Also, he was set up for success early and late in the season. Those offensive zone starts were slightly above 50% when Marchessault was in the top six. They were over 60% when he was not and his role did get muddled. That hurt his fantasy value at times.

When the end of the season came, the Florida forward wound up with 30 goals and 51 points. He also had nearly 200 shots on net despite a ton of fluctuations in role, ice time, and schemes. In the early days of the 2016-17 season and the later nights, Marchessault was able to perform well above expectation.

Viktor Arvidsson – W—Nashville Predators

Last season showed a few hints of what might be with Arvidsson. The relentless spirit saw some flashes of light. It was not until Arvidsson was moved up to the top line with Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg when the true magic began. His on ice save percentage at 5 on 5 stayed close to 10% for the entire second half of the year. That was no fluke. His possession metrics were at least 5% above the team relatives for both Corsi and Fenwick.

What surprised the most fantasy pundits was just how Arvidsson could create chances out of nothing at times. After a while, it just became commonplace. The winger would pile up the points and ended up with a 30-30 season on his way to 61 points. More than that, Arvidsson racked up nearly 250 shots on net. People forgot that Arvidsson was a threat many times short-handed as he tallied five goals and seven points there.

His shot, speed, and ability to take punishment keeps him as a high err higher draft pick. He will not be a waiver pick up next season. That is certain! The next chapter may be just as intriguing.

Zach Werenski – D – Columbus Blue Jackets

Werenski was coming into his rookie season with not too much expected but his strong training camp cemented a spot with the big club. Then he had that start which vaulted him into the Calder Trophy campaign for best rookie. More importantly, it buoyed a lot of great starts by fantasy owners. Werenski had 16 points in his first 20 games. However, his ice time was high from the start (especially on the man advantage). The ability for him to create and hit the net with an accurate shot was essential to his rise.

He overall ended up with 188 shots and 11 goals with 47 points. Yes, Werenski hit a bit of a wall from a point standpoint but his defensive play aided him as his ice time gradually increased especially in pressure situations.

Next season will be telling as Columbus will not sneak up on people and nor will their power play. Werenski will be a big part of that man advantage and will be one to watch in the early going especially. Let’s see how he grows as a player because the fantasy ride has only just begun.

Peter Budaj – G – Los Angeles Kings / Tampa Bay Lightning

It was the injury that jolted the fantasy hockey world early on. Jonathan Quick had succumbed to a groin injury after just one period of the opening game. Then entered Peter Budaj with little or no expectations. This was because most assumed a move was to be made. That never happened until much later. Budaj was picked up honestly by fantasy hockey players simply because it was Los Angeles and at the least, he might garner some wins and decent numbers at least. After all, there was zero risk because everyone remembered Budaj as the “three or more goalie” for so long.

What happened next was crazy. Budaj started to put up numbers like what Jonathan Quick was putting up for Los Angeles. In 51 starts, the backup that became starter won 27 times. He also had a whopping seven shutouts and a low 2.12 GAA with a solid .917 save percentage. That was good enough to be ranked among the top five or six goalies until Quick returned. The fact that the goaltender did this in his age 34 year made this more remarkable.