The 4 Nations Face-Off may have exceeded expectations, but it’s time to get back to hockey’s longer-term fantasy version as the NHL returns Saturday with 14 games and another 10 on Sunday.
Back to the grind for your playoff push. Or a look ahead to next season. Here are a few waiver options to get you going.
(Rostered rates as of Feb. 21)
Forwards
Connor McMichael, WAS (Yahoo: 49%)
It’s generally a good idea to add players who are running hot, and there probably aren’t many others around 50% as scorching as McMichael, who has nine points in 10 games supplemented by 15 shots. He doesn’t do a lot in other categories, but skating in the top-six and backup power play on the Caps’ second-ranked attack should be enough to get him on more rosters.
Cole Perfetti, WPG (Yahoo: 29%)
Perfetti’s brief NHL career has been highlighted by decent — yet inconsistent — offense, including him only finding the scoresheet once between Dec. 23 and Jan. 22 spanning 14 contests. He fortunately turned it around by racking up four goals and five assists — four of those points PPPs on Winnipeg’s strong second unit — across seven that began with a hat-trick. Perfetti is set for more scoring on a team leading the league in goals per game, though the production could ultimately drop off again.
Jeff Skinner, EDM (Yahoo: 27%)
Skinner was brought in during the offseason as a veteran presence who’s more than capable on the offensive end. Things may have started off promising with points from four of his first five outings, yet it quickly fell apart, which continued for most of the year. But there’s hope, as Leon Draisaitl worked as Skinner’s center the last two matchups that resulted in a goal, two assists and four shots. He could slip back down the depth chart, though the current placement would hypothetically allow for improved output.
Chandler Stephenson, SEA (Yahoo: 14%)
Stephenson could finish this season with a personal best in scoring, and that’s pretty impressive for someone who’ll soon be turning 31. The numbers (40 points over 56 games compared to 65 in 81 at his peak) may not totally agree with that assessment, but the primary stats — most notably the club-leading 17 PPPs and the career-high average of 19:38 — are encouraging. Even with Seattle prone to switching up lines and man-advantage groups, Stephenson will be able to maintain a…