This week, we look ahead to the playoffs. While the NHL regular season is winding down, this signifies the start of playoffs for many fantasy managers. While the trade deadline has passed, there are still plenty of waiver wire options to give your team a playoff boost. Let’s take a look at some of the top fantasy players who can have an impact for managers during their playoff run.<\/p>\n
*Note: Stats courtesy of ESPN Fantasy Hockey<\/p>\n
10. Michael Misa<\/a>, C, San Jose Sharks, Rostered-5%<\/p>\n Misa quietly has produced at over a forty point pace this season during limited action. As his confidence and role with the Sharks continues to grow, we are seeing glimpses of the talent that made him such a high pick. In larger league formats, Misa is worth taking a flyer on ahead of the playoffs as San Jose makes a playoff push of their own.<\/p>\n 9. Bobby McMann<\/a>, LW, Seattle Kraken, Rostered-14.9%<\/p>\n Following his trade from Toronto, the question was whether or not Bobby McMann<\/a> could produce away from star linemates like Auston Matthews<\/a>. He immediately put those doubts to rest as he had two goals and three points in his first game with Seattle. The fit seems to be right for McMann and he could be an interesting wild-card pickup ahead of the playoffs.<\/p>\n 8. Alex Lyon<\/a>, G, Buffalo Sabres, Rostered-33.9%<\/p>\n A big reason for the Buffalo Sabres turnaround this season has been the play of their goaltender Alex Lyon<\/a>. At 33 years old, he’s never been a true starter at the NHL level. However, his play this season has earned him more starts down the stretch. All Lyon has done is collect wins this campaign and managers looking for help in the crease should turn to the veteran.<\/p>\n 7. Matty Beniers<\/a>, C, Seattle Kraken, Rostered-27.3%<\/p>\n MattyBeniers<\/a> hasn’t been able to produce at the level we saw from him in his rookie season. However, he has a shot to best his previous career best of 57 points with a strong conclusion to his season. With a better supporting cast in Seattle, he could be a solid target down the stretch.<\/p>\n 6. Shane Pinto<\/a>, C, Ottawa Senators, Rostered-42%<\/p>\n Shane Pinto<\/a> was one of the seasons top waiver additions early on as he was on a torrid goal scoring pace. While his production dipped in the middle of the year, he has returned to form as of late. Ottawa will need him to continue producing at a high level if they expect to make the playoffs.<\/p>\n 5. Charlie Coyle<\/a>, C, Columbus Blue Jackets, Rostered-42.4%<\/p>\n After being acquired by Columbus from Boston, Charlie Coyle<\/a> is realizing a potential career year with the Blue Jackets. He’s already hit the fifty-point plateau, and his production makes it questionable why his ownership in fantasy is so low. With Columbus firing on all cylinders as they push for the playoffs, expect Coyle to continue his strong play.<\/p>\n 4. Beckett Sennecke<\/a>, RW, Anaheim Ducks, Rostered-60.7%<\/p>\n The Ducks rookie, Beckett Sennecke has had an immediate impact for the team this season and is firmly in the Calder Trophy discussion. He is still available in almost forty-percent of leagues and his consistent production this season make him a worthwhile addition come playoff time.<\/p>\n 3. Alexis Lafreniere<\/a>, LW, New York Rangers, Rostered-33.4%<\/p>\n Alexis Lafreniere<\/a> has never lived up to the hype of being a former first overall pick in New York. However, after parting ways with their superstar Artemi Panarin<\/a>, the team is headed in a new direction it appears as though Lafreniere is at the forefront of it. He’s been firing on all cylinders since the Olympic break and could be getting hot at the right time for managers who pick him up.<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0 Aliaksei Protas<\/a>, LW, Washington Capitals, 39.1%<\/p>\n The Capitals winger Aliaksei Protas has become one of the leagues most underrated players. He quietly has 21 goals and 45 points on the season. At only 25 years old he will only get better as he becomes a more crucial part of the team. While the Capitals are likely out of the playoff chase, expect Protas to have a strong finish to the year.<\/p>\n 1.Matt Duchene<\/a>, C, Dallas Stars, Rostered-52.7%<\/p>\n After a poor start to the year and battling through injuries, Matt Duchene<\/a> has once again found his scoring touch. With Roope Hintz<\/a> out of the lineup, he finds himself in a top-six role on one of the most lethal offensive groups in the league. Duchene could be a pickup that puts a playoff team over the top.<\/p>\n *For more hockey and fantasy coverage, follow me on X (formerly Twitter<\/a>) <\/a>@Cdesjardins67<\/a> <\/p>\n