We’re just a handful of games into the NHL season, but fantasy hockey leagues are won and lost on the waiver wire. While your draft-day studs are (hopefully) performing as expected, there are always under-the-radar players who explode out of the gate and force their way onto your roster.
Now that we’ve got a small sample size to work with, let’s dive into the players who are lighting it up and deserve a spot on your fantasy team before your league mates catch on.
The Breakout Stars
Top-Line Opportunities Are Everything
The most valuable fantasy pickups are almost always players who’ve earned promotions to premium roles. When a depth forward suddenly finds themselves on the first power-play unit or skating alongside elite talent at even strength, that’s your signal to pounce. These opportunity-driven breakouts can sustain all season long if the player capitalizes on their chance.
Look for players whose shooting percentages aren’t completely unsustainable (anything under 20% could have staying power) and who are generating legitimate scoring chances. A hot streak fueled by actual ice time and linemate quality is far more valuable than a player banking lucky bounces on the fourth line.
Specific Players to Target Right Now
Forwards
Frank Nazar, CHI – After a solid debut season, Nazar opened this campaign with a goal and an assist in his first game, then added another helper the next night. He’s seeing significant ice time and is skating on both special teams units , giving him multi-category upside. In Chicago’s youth movement, Nazar has serious breakout potential.
Evgeni Malkin, PIT – Yes, that Evgeni Malkin. After a down 2024-25 season, Geno exploded out of the gate with two assists on opening night followed by three more helpers in his next game. He’s available in 76% of leagues somehow, and while you shouldn’t expect this exact pace all season, ride the hot streak while it lasts.
Matthew Coronato, CGY – The 13th overall pick from 2021 scored 24 goals in his first full NHL season last year and earned himself a seven-year contract. He’s on Calgary’s top-two lines and first power-play unit , positioning him perfectly for a 30-goal campaign.
Will Cuylle, NYR – The Rangers forward is skating on the first line and second power-play unit while contributing heavily in hits. He finished last season with a five-game scoring streak and totaled 20 goals and 25 assists . He hasn’t hit the scoresheet yet this season, but the opportunity is there and he won’t stay cold forever.
Defensemen
Brandt Clarke, LAK – The Kings’ young defenseman is getting top-pair minutes and first power-play time. Fantasy-relevant defensemen are scarce, so any blueliner quarterbacking a power play should be rostered immediately. Clarke offers exactly that kind of opportunity in LA.
Goaltenders
Joey Daccord, SEA – The Kraken goalie just signed a five-year, $25 million contract and has started the season 2-0-0 with a 0.96 GAA and .968 save percentage. He’s clearly Seattle’s number-one option, and as long as they keep winning with him in net, he’ll continue soaking up starts.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Before you burn your waiver priority or FAAB budget, pump the brakes if you see these warning signs:
A shooting percentage above 25% is almost certainly unsustainable. Enjoy the hot streak, but don’t overpay thinking it’ll last all season. Similarly, be wary of players whose production is entirely power-play dependent, especially if they’re on the second unit. One lineup shuffle and their value evaporates.
Also consider the schedule. A player might look fantastic after facing weak opponents in their first few games. Check who they’ve been playing against before assuming they’ve truly broken out.
Making the Move
The early weeks of the season are critical for building depth and finding league-winning value. Don’t be the manager who waits too long and watches these breakout players get scooped up by more aggressive competition.
Check your waiver wire daily, scan ice time reports, and trust what you’re seeing on the ice over draft-day expectations. The teams that win fantasy leagues aren’t necessarily the ones who drafted best—they’re the ones who adapted fastest.
Who are you targeting on your league’s waiver wire? The next few weeks will separate the contenders from the pretenders, both on NHL rosters and in fantasy standings. Make your moves now, and thank yourself in March.