We’re entering the final couple weeks of the 2023–24 fantasy season, with many leagues entering their semi-final stage. With spots in the fantasy championship on the line, optimizing your lineup with waiver claims throughout the week is of utter importance.
Below are some potential waiver claims to target who could give you the final push to the playoffs.
Trevor Zegras – F – Anaheim Ducks
This one is a shot in the dark but could pay off in a big way. After breaking his ankle in January, Trevor Zegras was given a six-to-eight-week timeline to return. Well, we’re officially past that timeline, meaning a return should be imminent. With the Ducks one of only two teams slated to play four times this coming week, Zegras could be a sneaky good add if he returns from injury.
We all know Zegras’ production has been subpar this season when healthy, but you won’t find many players on waivers with the offensive potential of Zegras. If he returns, he would immediately return to the Ducks’ top six and become one of the top players available on waivers.
Devon Levi – G – Buffalo Sabres
As mentioned, there are only two teams playing four games next week, which leaves the goalie waiver options pretty slim. With that said, there are a few teams with back-to-backs scheduled, one of which is the Buffalo Sabres. Devon Levi was recently recalled on March 16 and looked really sturdy in his first NHL game since January, stopping 31 of 33 shots against the high-powered Vancouver Canucks.
With the Sabres set to play back-to-back games this week, Levi is almost guaranteed to get at least one start. If you’re in desperate need of starts in the playoffs, he’s worth a gamble, with the hope he gets the Sabres’ game against the New Jersey Devils, not the Toronto Maple Leafs.
JJ Peterka – F – Buffalo Sabres
Earning a larger role in the Sabres’ lineup the past couple games, JJ Peterka has taken advantage. He’s currently skating on the team’s top line and has played at least 19 minutes in each of his last two games. He’s scored three goals and five points over his last six games and added 13 shots as well.
As long as Peterka keeps skating in the Sabres’ top six and top powerplay unit, he’s well worth an add in fantasy. There aren’t many players with his recent ice time and exposure to talent that are available on the waiver wire.
Mikael Granlund – F – San Jose Sharks
It’s not often you find a player worth owning on a bottom-feeder roster like the San Jose Sharks, but you can’t deny Mikael Granlund’s production this season. He’s currently sitting on 45 points in 56 games, including five in his last five games. Whenever he’s healthy, he’s skating as the Sharks’ top forward and has put up production to match.
With the Sharks on the schedule three times next week, he’s well worth an add as an under-the-radar player on a bad roster. As long as he’s healthy, he’s a valuable option in fantasy, regardless of his surrounding roster.
Nick Bjugstad – F – Arizona Coyotes
Every team needs a first-line centre. In the Arizona Coyotes’ case it’s Nick Bjugstad. On almost any other team, he’d find himself in the bottom six, but on the Coyotes, he’s playing big minutes and using that to produce like a top-six forward. In his last six games since returning from a one-game absence, Bjugstad has put up three goals and six points. He’s also added 11 shots and seven hits.
As long as he continues to get exposure to Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz, Bjugstad will be worth owning in fantasy. If you need some help at forward, Bjugstad is worth a look if he’s still playing on the Coyotes’ top line.
