If you’re looking for an offensive boost on your fantasy roster for this weekend’s slate of games, be sure to check out some of the names on the list below. These players either have a good opportunity or a good schedule that can be exploited to work in your favor.
Brock Nelson – New York Islanders – 26% Rostered
The Islanders center is currently three points behind Mathew Barzal for the team lead in points. He is enjoying a resurgence of late as his linemate Anders Lee is also enjoying a recent hot streak. Nelson is occupying the team’s top-line center position with Anthony Beauvillier on his right wing. He only has 36 points through 49 games this season but is up to nine goals and 13 points in the last month.
The Islanders will play two games this weekend, so if your waiver adds are limited, he is a solid option to consider. The opponents on the schedule are the Dallas Stars followed by the lowly Philadelphia Flyers who allow the ninth-most goals against per game.
Frank Vatrano – New York Rangers – 6% Rostered
The winger was dealt to the New York Rangers by the Florida Panthers earlier this week and made his Rangers debut on March 17, 2022, against the New York Islanders. Vatrano was limited to a bottom-six role in Florida because of their potent offense but will be given an opportunity to play in the Rangers’ top-six.
He skated on a line with Ryan Strome and Artemi Panarin in his debut, which is great exposure for a player who is only 6% rostered. He will also be given some looks on the team’s second power-play unit, which he did not get much of in Florida. He only has 10 goals and 19 points on the season but the extra ice time and new opportunity make him a player worth picking up to see how everything shakes out. The Rangers also play twice this weekend against the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Brandon Hagel – Tampa Bay Lightning – 5% Rostered
The 23-year-old forward was enjoying a breakout season on a poor Blackhawks team before he was dealt to a much better situation with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hagel surpassed his career highs in games played, points, goals, and assists this season after playing most of the season on Chicago’s second line.
Hagel has shown his offensive ability this year tallying 21 goals and 37 points through 55 games and seeing minutes in the high teens to the low twenties. He is currently riding a five-game point streak and will make his debut for the Lightning when they take on the New York Rangers on March 19, 2022.
Although the Lightning only play one game this weekend, he is in a much better situation in Tampa Bay and his current hot streak makes him a high priority on your waiver wire if you need offense. He is worth adding for the game on the weekend to see how he is utilized. Hopefully, he can find his way into Tampa’s top-six forward group alongside Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, or Brayden Point.
Roster percentages courtesy of Yahoo
