Last week the waiver wire focused on players who were ridding hot streaks, and if you were quick to react you probably had a good week from guys like Kris Versteeg and even Ales Hemsky got on the board. While Versteeg looks like he will continue to perform, Hemsky (As I cautioned) probably will not.
This week I will look at players who are the unheralded stars this season; Players who are not super stars, but are having tremendous seasons. These players may be riding hot streaks, but have been steady producers for the first half and can offer good value throughout the balance of the season. Hot or not, these players are worthy of a waiver wire addition.
Matt Beleskey, Anaheim Ducks – 59% Fantrax Owned
Anaheim has tried several different options on the top line with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, from Dany Heatley to Rene Bourque. But for the past few games the job has gone to Beleskey who now has 14 points in 27 games but with a whopping 12 goals (12th overall in NHL) He has proven to be a capable scorer on any line, but if he can stick on the top line look out!
Antti Raanta, Chicago Blackhawks – 55% Fantrax Owned
With the timing of the Hawks heating up, and Corey Crawford going down with an injury, now is the time to add Raanta to your roster. Earlier there was some question if perhaps John Darling could steal the backup role, but Raanta has performed well posting a 4-2-2 record with a 1.77 GAA and a .947 save%
Zemgus Girgensons, Buffalo Sabres – 55% Fantrax Owned
If you are in a roto league, this guys is a beast! In 25 games he has a nice point total of eight goals and six assists. But where it gets really impressive is he is a plus -6 on the Sabres and has a short-handed goal and 57 hits, 24 blocked shots and 161 faceoff wins. Bottom line is he produces in almost every category, has an affordable cap hit, his Coach loves him and he is now the number one centre on his team.
Blake Comeau, Pittsburgh Penguins – 55% Fantrax Owned
Comeau has turned into somewhat of a journeyman in the last few years but there have always been signs of potential with him. Perhaps he has finally found his home in Pittsburgh as he has 15 points in 23 games this season including five points in his last four games with a hat trick against the Leafs back on Nov 26th. With a few recent injuries in Pittsburgh, Comeau finds himself on the second line with Evgeni Malkin so the immediate future looks even brighter.
Jhonas Enroth, Buffalo Sabres – 53% Fantrax Owned
While his overall stats are not overwhelming at 3.21 GAA and a .914 save% the Sabres have been red hot lately and Enroth is a big reason why. He has established himself as the incumbent in goal with his recent performance winning six of his last seven starts. Hot streak or not, Enroth is Buffalos number one goalie.
Mike Santorelli, Toronto Maple Leafs – 27% Fantrax Owned
Santorelli is red hot right now riding a five game point streak in which he has a goal and eight assists over that span. His role with the Leafs continues to grow as he has the Coach’s confidence and he is seeing time with the like of Nazem Kadri and Joffrey Lupul on the second line. Santorelli may be producing at such a high rate at the moment that he will not be able to maintain, but his entire season has been productive as he has 18 points in 25 games now. Even after he cools off he should still have fantasy value in most leagues.