Looking Ahead: Norris Returns; Point’s Resurgence; Utah’s Good Schedule; Ottawa’s Schedule Problems, and More
Welcome to another week of ‘Looking Ahead’ as the Olympics have now concluded, and NHL hockey is back! Furthermore, fantasy managers are gearing up for their league’s trade deadline.
Whether you are scanning the waiver wire for possible adds or scouring the trade market to improve your team ahead of the deadline, we have the information you need. Managers, let’s look ahead at the upcoming weeks in fantasy hockey.
Fantasy Hockey Player Outlook
Which players should you be targeting in your leagues? Who can be had on the waiver wire, and who should you avoid picking up? Check out the fantasy hockey players’ outlook for the upcoming week.
*Note: All stats are courtesy of ESPN Fantasy Hockey.
Mid-Season Adds (Claim these players on the waiver wire)
Josh Norris, C, Buffalo Sabres, Rostered-24.2%
Norris is one of the most injury-prone players across the league. However, when in the lineup, he’s always been productive. Look for him to be a big part of the Sabres’ playoff push if he can remain healthy.
Charlie Coyle, C, Columbus Blue Jackets, Rostered-34.2%
The Blue Jackets have battled their way into playoff contention, and a big part of that is due to veteran contributors like Charlie Coyle. He’s one of the highest fantasy producers amongst free agents in most league formats.
Young Players to Build Off (Young players who are hot right now)
Thomas Harley, D, Dallas Stars, Rostered-87.5%
Thomas Harley has largely struggled this season in Dallas compared to his previous breakout campaign. However, he played a big role on Canada’s Olympic team. Look for him to carry that momentum through the rest of the regular season for the Stars.
Collin Graf, RW, San Jose Sharks, Rostered-4.9%
The free agent out of college, Colin Graf has continued his offensive success in the NHL. Playing in the Sharks top-six alongside Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith has allowed his offensive game to shine. He’s an under-the-radar pickup on the open market, as his ownership doesn’t reflect his recent production.
Buy-Now Players (You should trade for these players as soon as possible)
Brayden Point, C, Tampa Bay Lightning, Rostered-87%
It’s been a lacklustre season for Brayden Point, whose 13 goals and 33 points are a far cry from his usual production. However, he had the Olympic break off to get healthy and find his game. The early returns look promising as he managed two goals and a helper in the Lightning’s first game back post-break.
Alex Laferriere, LW, Los Angeles Kings, Rostered-70.7%
Laferriere’s production this season hasn’t been outstanding. Despite this, he’s been thrust into the Kings top center role. If he can continue to play in this position between Adrian Kempe and newly acquired Artemi Panarin, Laferriere’s fantasy value should skyrocket.
Steer Clear (Players you should avoid in fantasy leagues, or trade immediately if you own them)
Frank Vatrano, LW, Anaheim Ducks, Rostered-45.5%
Vatrano has managed only six points this season and has been a complete disappointment for fantasy owners. He is coming off an injury and hasn’t seen much ice time in an improved Ducks forward group. Managers who are still holding hope that he can return to form from the past few seasons should cut their losses.
Zack Bolduc, LW, Montreal Canadiens, Rostered-36.8%
Zack Bolduc, who was acquired in the offseason by the Canadiens, has been one of the few disappointments in an otherwise outstanding year in Montreal. The young sniper has struggled to carve out a role with his new club, and his inconsistencies have led to him falling down the lineup. He is now a healthy scratch in place of Alex Newhook. Bolduc is still an important piece for Montreal moving forward, but his fantasy value this season won’t reflect that.
NHL Team Outlooks
Analyzing the upcoming week’s schedule and looking at which NHL teams are expected to have a strong week and who will be in tough. Which teams’ players should you be buying stock in, and which teams should you avoid at all costs? Take a peek at each franchise’s outlook for the upcoming week.
*Note: This week’s analysis runs from Feb 27-Mar 5. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Mar 2-8. Teams that play more games during the week/matchup often gain favor in the schedule analysis.
Matchup Favorites (These teams will pay dividends in the coming games.)
Nashville Predators
The Predators seemed like lottery contenders early on but have rebounded nicely. Their upcoming stretch should push them closer to an unlikely playoff berth.
Utah Mammoth
With the return of their young star Logan Cooley, the Mammoth will look to solidify their standing in the first wild-card position.
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets playoff hopes are slowly fading away after a shocking decline in 2025-26. If there is any hope in salvaging the season, Winnipeg will need to take advantage of its upcoming stretch of games.
Matchup Killers (Avoid players from these teams at all costs in the upcoming games.)
Ottawa Senators
The Senators are looking to make up some ground in a tight Atlantic Division. However, they won’t have time to settle in as their upcoming road trip could prove to be a challenging first few games back.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay has been red hot over its last twenty or so games. They’ve seemingly taken a stranglehold over the Atlantic Division. Despite this, they face a tough upcoming schedule, which could allow other teams to climb back in the race.
Washington Capitals
With Sidney Crosby slated to miss extended time in Pittsburgh, the Capitals need to take advantage and gain some ground on the Penguins in the standings. Their upcoming schedule will make that difficult, however.
*For more hockey and fantasy coverage, follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @Cdesjardins67
