Fantasy hockey free agents: Look for these emerging forwards

Victoria Matiash, Fantasy HockeyOct 28, 2024, 10:48 AM ET

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- ESPN.com Fantasy Contributor since 2010
- Part-time anchor at NEWSTALK1010

Let’s start the week by taking a look at the waiver wire for lesser-rostered performers who have the potential to help fantasy teams in a variety of league types. There are also several strong streaming candidates for the immediate week ahead listed below that can provide a boost.

Here’s who to keep an eye on:

Forwards

Cole Perfetti, F, Winnipeg Jets (21.7% rostered in ESPN leagues): After erupting for four points on Oct. 18, the 22-year-old has since chipped in a goal and four assists in four games. The second-line winger also has four power-play points, tied with Mark Scheifele and Vladislav Namestnikov for the team lead. Perfetti promised us in the preseason he’d have a breakout campaign. So far, he’s keeping his word.

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William Karlsson, F, Las Vegas Golden Knights (51.0%): He’s back and already a (short-handed) goal and assist to the good. After missing the Knights’ first eight games with an unspecified injury, Karlsson looked well at ease at even-strength, on the secondary power play, and (obviously) on the penalty kill. Averaging his managers 2.0 fantasy points/game this past season, the center potted 30 goals and 30 assists in only 70 contests.

Conor Garland, F, Vancouver Canucks (17.3%): According to Evolving Hockey, the top-six winger ranks 20th in Goals Above Replacement (20.2 GAR) in the NHL, tucked between Sam Reinhart and Nazem Kadri. He’s only failed to register a single point once through the Canucks’ seven opening games. Such consistency should deserve greater rostering respect across ESPN’s fantasy hockey universe. The gig on Vancouver’s top power play only adds to Garland’s appeal.

Logan Stankoven, F, Dallas Stars (30.3%): Already featured in this space this fall, the rookie is now a fixture on the Stars’ top line alongside Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz. His nine points, including three with the extra skater, is a greater sum than that earned by Robertson or Hintz to date. Most of his points have been assists thus far, but the goals will come.

Kirill Marchenko, F, Columbus Blue Jackets (58.3%): The Blue Jackets’ top line and power-play winger is flying at present with four goals and five assists in six games. We’ve seen such flashes from the 24-year-old in the past. If Marchenko can stay fit, and continues to build chemistry with center Sean Monahan, the third-year NHLer will enjoy his first 60-point campaign in 2024-25. At minimum.

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Connor McMichael, F, Washington Capitals (10.2%): You can already smell the breakout campaign for miles. After a handful of years spent working to figure it out in the NHL and minors, McMichael has amassed 33 points with 18 goals in his first full big-league season. Now McMichael appears ready to take it to the next level on a Capitals scoring line with Pierre-Luc Dubois and Tom Wilson. Three goals and five assists through seven game indicates the 23-year-old should be utilized in all varieties of deeper ESPN Fantasy leagues.

Defenders

Jack Thompson, D, San Jose Sharks (0.8%): Currently earning turns on the Sharks’ top power play, the rookie already has three power-play points to show for his special teams’ efforts. At minimum, Thompson merits monitoring in deeper leagues.

Goaltenders

Editor’s Picks

1 Related

Justus Annunen, G, Colorado Avalanche (15.4%): Heading into Sunday’s action versus the Senators, Colorado’s other netminder shines as the winner of three straight against Utah, Seattle, and San Jose — posting an identical .962 SV% in each contest — with Alexandar Georgiev sitting idle. More similar results and Annunen will get the nod from coach Jared Bednar on an increasingly regular basis for an Avalanche team that appears to be getting its collective act together.

Kevin Lankinen, G, Vancouver Canucks (41.7%): Lankinen is the Canucks’ No. 1 in the here and now. While the former ‘Hawk/Predator has won four-straight, boasting a .929 SV% and 1.98 GAA, Arturs Silovs hasn’t played since Oct. 15. And we still have no idea when Thatcher Demko might return to action.

Short-term streamers

Kyle Palmieri, F, New York Islanders (48.7%): One of the streakiest players in the game is on a run at present. Skating on a scoring line with center Brock Nelson, the 33-year-old has two goals and two assists in his past couple of games. Watch Palmieri add to that productive pile when the Islanders face the Ducks, Blue Jackets, Sabres, and Rangers this week.

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Brandon Carlo, D, Boston Bruins (37.6%): Boston’s top shot-blocker (only Toronto’s Chris Tanev has more) should also pitch in a point or two when the Bruins battle the Hurricanes, Kraken, and Flyers twice from Tuesday to Saturday. No team is surrendering more goals than Philadelphia (4.5/game as of Sunday afternoon) to start this campaign.

Darcy Kuemper, G, Los Angeles Kings (17.7%): After sitting out five contests with a lower-body injury, Kuemper performed well in Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Utah. Never mind that bizarre 8-7 loss to Ottawa earlier; L.A.’s No. 1 has otherwise been better-than-solid in his three other outings. Consider streaming the veteran this week when the Kings play the Sharks and the Blackhawks. Then reevaluate the fantasy relationship from there.