The Waiver Wire: Greener Pastures

The Waiver Wire – For the Week of January 4 – January 11

Better Than You Think

David Perron LW, PIT – When he was acquired by Edmonton in exchange for Magnus Paajarvi Svensson and a 2nd round pick, we were hopeful that his leadership and gameplay would be a winning combination for both the Oilers and for Perron. It became readily apparent this season that this was no match made in heaven, and on Friday, he was sent packing to much greener pastures in Pittsburgh. Fantasy GMs should take immediate notice to the perfect storm that is currently available: we have a player here who is a definitive multi-category asset, who has been languishing on an absolutely terrible team, with low ownership rates (he was under 20% owned prior to the trade), who has now been traded to one of the best teams in the league, with immediate need for wingers. If you compare his numbers with that of Patric Hornqvist, you'll see a striking similarity – and potentially a similar jump upon his arrival in Steel Town. Perron is a much better player than he's been the last two years, and his move to Pittsburgh will be a huge boost to his stalled career. Those who invest early should be well rewarded.

Roman Josi D, NAS – When Ryan Suter departed Nashville for greener pastures in Minnesota, there was a lot of discussion around the league on who was going to try to fill the huge hole left behind. Few believed that understudy Roman Josi would be capable of such a jump in responsibilities, but in the two and a half years since, he has proven himself. Last year he set a career marker in points with 40 in only 72 games – and surely would have equaled Suter's career high of 46 had he remained healthy. This season, he's improved on his numbers – recording 22 points in only 36 games, and is on pace to break 50. He's also a plus-13 and chips in with PIM and PPP every now and again. Despite these impressive numbers for a 24-year old, he gets little recognition in most fantasy leagues. Most GMs view him as feeding off Shea Weber's table scraps, but remember this: many GMs felt the same about Ryan Suter. He was considered the weaker of the two, and upon moving to the Wild, he proved that he was very much the elite defenseman we figured he was. Don't make the same mistake with Josi.

Good Bets

Colin Wilson C/LW, NAS – We've mentioned him before, but evidently, not many people were listening. As the second-line winger behind Filip Forsberg, Wilson has been quietly putting up some fantastic numbers, and is in the midst of a hot streak. In his last 20 games, he has netted nine goals and seven assists for 16 points and a plus-11 with six PIM and 59 SOG. He's currently ranked in the low 100s, and he has an ownership rate just under 20%. His linemates of Mike Fisher and James Neal are solid, and not likely to move much over the course of the year – injuries aside. This production looks like it can be counted on long term. At 0.8 PPG with that level of availability over the remainder of the season, it seems ludicrous that any mid- to deep-depth league doesn't have someone willing to buy into him. If you didn't listen last time, don't make the same mistake twice. He's much better than people think.

Jimmy Hayes RW, FLA – Many people thought that the Panthers were a lock for the Connor MacDavid sweepstakes this year. The play of many people like that of Jimmy Hayes has Florida eyeing the playoffs, and not the draft. In his rookie year last year, Hayes had a mediocre start, only recording 18 points in 53 games. He also spent some time in the AHL, where he found more success to the tune of 8 points in 13 games. This year, he's stepped up, tallying an identical 11 goals and seven assists as last year, but in only 28 games. This puts him on pace for over 50 points this year, as a 24-year old sophomore. He's also owned in only 3% of leagues, which means he's readily available. He has five points in his last five games, and has looked dangerous. We think there's value in picking him up in deep leagues.

Mats Zuccarello RW, NYR – As a 5'7" undrafted prospect, little was expected of the diminutive Norwegian when he was signed in the summer of 2010. He had won the league MVP of the SEL prior to signing, so scouts knew he had talent, but his size was always an issue. Would he be able to cope with the tougher North American style? Since then, he has proven to his teammates and the rest of the league what he's capable of – tallying 59 points in his first full NHL season last year. Much like the rest of the Rangers, he had a slow start to this year, but in the last ten games, he has nine points. His ownership rates are in the mid-40s, so he's probably available in most mid-depth leagues, and he'll contribute in all categories. He's also never had a minus season in his career, so you can count on him to not hurt your plus-minus, if that's a category in your league. He's a smart pick, if you can get him.

Hidden Gems

Carl Soderberg C, BOS – As the third-string center in Boston, Soderberg has found a comfortable niche where he can develop his NHL game. In his second full NHL season, the 29-year old Swede has established himself as an excellent third-line center, and is currently on pace for a mid-50 point season if he can continue his production. At roughly the half-way mark of the season, he's got eight goals and 19 assists for 27 points, to go with 10 PIM and a plus-seven. He's also got four points in the last two games, and shown good chemistry with Loui Ericsson and Chris Kelly. Soderberg is a fantastic depth addition to any mid- to deep-depth team, and with relatively low ownership rates, is available now. Go get him.

Colton Sceviour W, DAL – In order to mix things up – and probably to reward effort and production – coach Lindy Ruff has moved Sceviour to the top line with Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn. That spot is rife with opportunity for production, as we've recommended a number of Stars players over the season who have filled that role rather unsuccessfully. In the month of December, Sceviour has three goals and four assists, and more interestingly, is a plus-three on a team that's devoid of any semblance of defensive play. Perhaps that, more than any other statistic, is the impetus for giving Sceviour more ice time. He doesn't have a big reputation as a point producer, so we're not sure how long-term this move will be, but while he's riding high on the hog, we would consider him a hidden gem.

Leo Komarov W, TOR – Our favorite Leaf this year by a fairly wide margin, Komarov is a sparkplug on the ice – hitting anything that moves, playing responsible defensive hockey, and scoring wherever he can. He's the player this year that David Clarkson was always supposed to be. Nonetheless, with all the injuries that the Leafs have suffered in the last week, Komarov will be promoted up to the second line, and will get a fair amount of ice time until reinforcements arrive. We think that he'll rise to the challenge, and be able to give fantasy GMs who invest a good return on their investment, but keep in mind, any addition should be temporary, and have their expectations tempered – he's not going to be a point-per-game player, but should provide some grit for your team in a lower-end roster spot on a deep team.

Watch

Kevin Connauton D, CLS – We're really not sure what we have here – a flash in the pan, or a guy who has finally put it all together. Defensemen are known for taking some time to figure out the game in the NHL, but Connauton only scored once in 36 games while in Dallas. This year with Columbus, he's been a man possessed – scoring nine points in 15 games, including a three point outing last week against Boston. Since being scratched on December 6th, he's put up nine points in nine games. He's also getting top-four ice time and a reasonable amount of PPTOI per game – about a minute and a half. He does have the history in junior to indicate he's got a scoring touch; while in the WHL, he put up 72 points in 69 games with the Vancouver Giants. For now, if you have a spot for him, might as well ride the hot hand. If you're on the fence, flag him and follow up in three games to see if he's cooled off.

Joe Colborne C, CGY – We've watched Colborne his whole career, and the problems with his game have always been the same: big guy, good hands, doesn't know how to use his size effectively. At 6'5" and 213 lbs., he has the big body that most teams would kill for in a power forward, but he's never been able to use it in the same fashion that make other NHLers successful. In Calgary, he found likely his last chance in the NHL to find a home, and it looks like he may have done just that. Coach Bob Hartley has moved him up to the top line, and paired him with wunderkind Sean Monahan and Curtis Glencross, and found a good combination. In his first game on that unit, he tallied two goals – mind you, against Edmonton. Colborne has looked good in these games with increased responsibility; only time will tell where he finishes up the year. At 24, he's getting a bit long in the tooth to find a solid role in the NHL, and we hope this is the year he really finds a spot.

Be Careful

Dan Boyle D, NYR – We had our reservations about the former Shark on Broadway when he signed in the off-season for a relatively reasonable amount of money. As it turns out, our concerns were justified. After getting hurt in the first game he played and missing the next month with a broken hand, he hasn't looked like the Boyle of old since his return. With only 5 points in 19 games, he's on pace for his lowest point total of this millennium – yes, he's that old. Sadly for the Rangers, they look like they'll also have him next year, when he'll be one year older and one year slower. Fantasy GMs should avoid him wherever possible – there are far better investments available in most leagues, and Boyle's name recognition shouldn't sway you from making a mistake.