With the NHL season over a quarter of the way complete, meaning that fantasy managers are in the midst of their league’s season. 

Whether you are scanning the waiver wire for possible additions or scouring the trade market to improve your team, we have the information you need. Managers, let's look ahead at the upcoming week in fantasy hockey.

Fantasy Hockey Player Outlook

Taking a look at which players you should be targeting in your league’s fantasy season. Who can be had on the waiver wire, and who should you avoid picking up? Let's review our fantasy hockey players’ outlook for the upcoming week.

*Note: All stats are courtesy of ESPN Fantasy Hockey. 

Early Season Adds (Claim these players on the waiver wire)

Ivan Barbashev, LW, Vegas Golden Knights, Rostered-45%

            Playing on the Golden Knights top line alongside Jack Eichel has paid dividends for Ivan Barbashev. The 29-year-old has 22 points in 26 games this season and is on pace to smash his career high of 60. As long as he remains on the team’s top line, he should continue to pay dividends for fantasy managers.

Linus Ullmark, G, Ottawa Senators, Rostered-44.2%

            The Senators and Linus Ullmark had a poor start to their season. However, as of late, both have rebounded. Ottawa is back in the top three in the Atlantic Division, and Ullmark's resurgence is a large part of that. Managers looking for help in the crease should take a hard look at the Swedish netminder on the waiver wire.

Young Players to Build Off (Young players off to hot starts)

Ryan Leonard, LW, Washington Capitals, Rostered-10.1%

            Ryan Leonard has climbed his way back into rookie of the year conversations as of late. He is a big part of the Capitals recent success and has been playing on the top power play as well. After a four-point performance against San Jose, Leonard's ownership should see a steady increase from its current 10%.

Quinton Byfield, C, Los Angeles Kings, C, Rostered-44.7%

            Former second overall pick Quinton Byfield hasn't lived up to lofty expectations since being drafted by the Kings. However, the 23-year-old is on pace for a career season. With Anze Kopitar in the midst of his farewell tour, the time is now for Byfield to step up and become the face of the franchise in Los Angeles.

Buy-Now Players (You should trade for these players as soon as possible)

Jack Hughes, C, New Jersey Devils, Rostered-96.4%

            If there was ever a time when managers could acquire a star forward to add to their roster, it's now. Jack Hughes is slated to miss another month with injury. Owners who are feeling the ramifications of his absence may be inclined to make a move to improve their rosters in the short term. If you find yourself in good standing in your league and aren't worried about the short-term effects, why not take a swing at a star who can help in the long term as you inch closer to the playoffs?

Dawson Mercer, C, New Jersey Devils, Rostered-76.8%

            In the absence of his teammate Hughes, Mercer has seen some offensive success in a larger role. This season, he has returned to the form he displayed back in his rookie campaign in New Jersey. In the short term, he is a player who is worth buying, especially with Hughes out of action.

Steer Clear (Players you should avoid in fantasy leagues, or trade immediately if you own them)

Kris Letang, D, Pittsburgh Penguins, Rostered-80%

            Injuries and age have caught up with the 38-year-old Kris Letang. While his teammates Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin seem to only get better with age, that hasn't been the case for the Penguins blueliner. Letang’s fantasy impact has been low this season, especially as he concedes power-play time to Erik Karlsson. Despite this, he is still rostered in 8% of leagues. If you are in that percentile, it's time to sell your stocks in Kris Letang.

Jonathan Marchessault, RW, Nashville Predators-Rostered-54.8

            Much like his team, Predators forward Jonathan Marchessault has had a tough year. He is only two years removed from a 40-goal campaign in Vega, but it's hard to envision him replicating that success in Nashville. The Predators are moving into seller mode, but Marchessault's contract makes it unlikely that he will be moved. As long as he remains with the club, his fantasy value will continue to plummet.

NHL Team Outlooks

Analyzing the upcoming week’s schedule and looking at which NHL teams are expected to have a strong week and who will be in tough. Which teams’ players should you be buying stock in, and which teams should you avoid at all costs? Take a peek at the NHL team outlook for the upcoming week.

*Note: This week’s analysis runs from Dec 5-Dec 11. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Dec 8-14. Teams that play more games during the week/matchup often gain favor in the schedule analysis.

Matchup Favorites (These teams will pay dividends in the coming games.)

Carolina Hurricanes

            The Hurricanes have won their last two games, and their upcoming five-game homestand should allow them to maintain their current top-five position in the NHL. They face the Capitals following their home stretch, which will be a significant divisional matchup as both teams vie for the top seed in the Metropolitan.

Colorado Avalanche

            Colorado is having an unprecedented season thus far, with only two regulation losses on their record. Despite being on the road in the coming games, it's hard to bet against the Avalanche right now. Furthermore, they face weaker teams along their road trip.

St. Louis Blues

            The Blues have a busy schedule in the coming days with five games over the next seven days. Their packed schedule means that they could pay dividends in fantasy despite their recent struggles.

Matchup Killers (Avoid players from these teams at all costs in the upcoming games.)

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins have started to struggle down the stretch as they've run into injury troubles. Both David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy are out of the lineup, and with their two top guns out, the upcoming games look trying.

Buffalo Sabres

            The Sabres still sit near the bottom of the NHL standings after the quarter mark of the season. Their upcoming schedule sees them on the road for a five-game stretch out West. Don't anticipate a turnaround for the Sabres in the coming days.

Washington Capitals

            The Capitals have been the hottest team in the NHL in recent weeks and are riding high off a six-game win streak. With nine wins over their last 10 games, it's easy to see why the Capitals would be a smart bet. However, their upcoming schedule won't be doing them any favors. Expect Washington to cool off a bit in the coming games.

*For more hockey and fantasy coverage, follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @Cdesjardins67