NHL Fantasy Hockey Week 7 Waiver Wire Pickups: Charlie Lindgren Making a Case For More Playing Time
Welcome to another edition of the Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Report. The NHL season is in full swing, which means we need to start looking at the waiver wire. This part of the year is critical to be able to claim players that might have been missed in drafts. Some of these players will help you win a championship, so make sure you aren’t asleep at the helm of your fantasy team. Let’s take a look at some players worth targeting this week.
NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Pickups
Cole Perfetti - Winnipeg Jets - Centre
Cole Perfetti is quietly putting together an outstanding season. The young forward has five goals in the last six games and is seeing a decent amount of ice time each night. He’s not on the top power play unit, so that does limit his upside, but his production hasn’t been limited because of that. We know he’s a talented kid who can score goals and he’s showing us that. If he can keep this pace up, there’s no reason to believe that he can’t top 60 points this year.
Owen Tippett - Philadelphia Flyers - Winger
The Philadelphia Flyers are currently riding a five-game winning streak and Owen Tippett is a big reason why. He now has 13 points on the season, including seven points in the last five games. His ice time has been good and he has found a home on the second line and top power play unit. It’s taken Tippett a while to find consistent production, but we may be witnessing a player starting to blossom. If he can keep this production up, then he is worth a roster spot in deeper formats.
Connor Zary - Calgary Flames - Centre
The Calgary Flames are struggling to put wins together but Connor Zary is a bright spot. The rookie has eight points in as many games and is playing steady minutes on the second line. He’s seen over 18 minutes multiple times this season and seems to be gaining the trust of the coaching staff. Calgary needs players to contribute and Zary is making a case to stay with the big club. He only has centre position eligibility, but that will change over the next couple of weeks, making him even more of an asset. He’s a perfect candidate to add to any fantasy team, especially in deeper formats.
Zach Werenski - Columbus Blue Jackets - Defence
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a mess but there are some players still worth targeting. Zach Werenski has one goal on the season but he does have ten assists, including five in the last six games. He’s also doing a good job at blocking shots and generating shots on goal. His ownership has been dropping steadily, but this might be a good time to scoop him up, especially in banger leagues. He’s an offensive defenceman who is going to get every chance possible to produce offensively.
Charlie Lindgren - Washington Capitals - Goalie
The Washington Capitals need stability in goal and Charlie Lindgren is giving them that. Darcy Kuepmer has battled injuries this season and even when he has been healthy, his numbers have not been good. Lindgren is 4-1-0 this season with a 2.01 GAA and a .940 SV%. It’s a small sample size, but he has earned the right to play more games and even take over as the starter. He’s allowed just three goals in his last two starts and has won four in a row. It’s quite something to see him at only 25% ownership in Yahoo! leagues because he’s a player who can help you win a championship.
All stats provided by NHL.com
Player News
49ers released S George Odum.
The veteran safety primarily contributed to special teams but notched 14 tackles, 5 passes defensed, and one interception in 40 games with the 49ers over the previous three seasons. Odum has started only 10 games during his seven-year NFL career, mostly playing as a package player in the secondary in addition to his special teams contributions. He could catch on quickly with another franchise considering his abilities on special teams, highlighted by an All-Pro designation following the 2020 season.
Javier Báez is not in the starting lineup for Saturday’s game against the Rangers.
Báez will get a break after going 0-for-2 with a walk during Friday’s contest. The 32-year-old will give way to Trey Sweeney and be available off the bench.
Red Sox returned RHP Tanner Houck from his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester.
It does not appear that the return has anything to do with an activation for Houck. The right-hander has been out of action since the middle of May because of his right flexor pronator strain, and there’s no timetable for when he’ll be able to rejoin the Boston pitching staff.
Saints signed DE Jonathan Bullard, formerly of the Vikings.
Bullard reunites with defensive coordinator Brandon Staley after playing under him for two years in Chicago, bringing a level of familiarity to a defense undergoing numerous changes this offseason. Expect Bullard to mix into early-down packages after performing well against the run over his previous three seasons in Minnesota, potentially hitting the sidelines in clear passing situations.
Jasson Dominguez is not in the starting lineup for Saturday’s bout against Atlanta.
Dominguez is the odd man out against Atlanta with Cody Bellinger in left, Aaron Judge in right and Trent Grisham getting the start in center.
Athletics designated C Jhonny Pereda for assignment.
The move clears room on the 40-man roster, and the Athletics activated Ken Waldichuk (elbow) off the 60-day injured list with that room before optioning Waldichuk to Triple-A Las Vegas. Pereda could see interest on the waiver wire from teams who need some depth behind the plate.