A fresh week means a fresh batch of adds. A couple of familiar names are still heating up, and a few new faces are worth jumping on before your league mates catch on. It’s 2am, you’ve had a couple drinks. Time to make some changes.
1. Zach Benson | F | Buffalo Sabres | 46% Rostered
Last 4 GP | 2G | 5A | 7 PTS
Benson keeps showing up on this list, and he keeps giving us reasons to put him here. Seven points in four games shows his production is no longer just a hot streak. He’s turning into a reliable contributor in Buffalo. Big ice time, consistent points, and his rostered number keeps rising, so this might be your last chance to grab him….i missed out.
2. Dylan Cozens | F | Ottawa Senators | 55% Rostered
Last 5 GP | 4G | 3A | 7 PTS
Cozens was a weekend streaming target, and he has rewarded anyone who took the chance. He has four goals and seven points in five games and is finding the net consistently. He’s not a sexy pick, but with a hot stick and a growing role, he’s moved past streamer territory. If he’s still on your wire, add him and hold him.
3. Kent Johnson | F | Columbus Blue Jackets | 19% Rostered
Last 5 GP | 3G | 4A | 7 PTS
Speaking of non sexy picks, Johnson has always had the skill to make highlight-reel plays, and lately he’s turning that skill into points. Seven points in five games is the kind of stretch that can signal a breakout. At just 19% rostered, he’s the best value on this list, but also the most risky. Take a shot on the upside, but be ready to pivot off him.
4. Kiefer Sherwood | F | San Jose Sharks | 46% Rostered
Last 7 GP | 1G | 6A | 7 PTS
Sherwood is mostly known for what he does without the puck, so six assists over his last seven games are a welcome bonus. He’s a strong fit for multi-category leagues, where his physical play adds value beyond the scoresheet. When he’s chipping in points too, he becomes a well-rounded fantasy asset. He’s especially worth adding in banger leagues.
5. Jonathan Lekkerimaki | F | Vancouver Canucks | 14% Rostered
Last 7 GP | 4G | 4A | 8 PTS
Lekkerimaki leads this group with eight points over his last seven games, yet only 14% of managers roster him. Vancouver is doing some soul searching these days looking for players who can step up in the rebuild. The young winger has a scorer’s touch and is starting to show it consistently at the NHL level…he’s a snipe, we saw it first hand at camp in Penticton. He’s the kind of player who can go from waiver-wire afterthought to must-start in a hurry. Add him now and keepers should pay extra attention.
Bottom line: Benson and Cozens are the safest adds. Lekkerimaki and Johnson offer the most upside for the lowest cost, and Sherwood is a sneaky multi-category option.