Welcome back for another week of 'Looking Ahead'! While the NHL Trade Deadline is today, most fantasy leagues’ internal dates for making deals have passed. Still, the deadline should have a major impact on the fantasy landscape.

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

Fantasy Hockey Player Outlook

Which players you should be targeting in your fantasy leagues? Who can be had on the waiver wire, and who should you avoid picking up? Check out the fantasy hockey players’ outlook for the upcoming week.

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

Mid-Season Adds (Claim these players on the waiver wire)

Pavel Buchnevich, LW, St. Louis Blues, Rostered-32.2%

            Buchnevich has been on fire since returning from the Olympic break. With the Blues expected to be sellers at the deadline, names like Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas are in play. If St. Louis moves on from their two stars, Buchnevich becomes a more relied-upon player in the short term.

Stuart Skinner, G, Pittsburgh Penguins, Rostered-56.2%

            Skinner was anything but consistent during his time with the Oilers. However, since becoming a Penguin, he has been a completely different player. If Pittsburgh is going to maintain its playoff position, Skinner will be relied upon heavily down the stretch.

Young Players to Build Off (Young players who are hot right now)

Michael Misa, C, San Jose Sharks, Rostered-5.7%

The Sharks' top rookie has been red-hot since returning from the Olympic break. With his play, his role will continue to grow in San Jose. If the team falls out of the playoff race, his ice time will increase even further.

Peyton Krebs, LW, Buffalo Sabres, Rostered-1.7%

Krebs hasn't quite lived up to the expectations of a first-round pick. Now 25 years old, he's not quite a youngster anymore. He's been contributing more on the scoresheet down the stretch for the Sabres as he's found himself on the top line.

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

Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs, Rostered-78.1%

            The Leafs are struggling mightily down the stretch and are far out of the playoff picture. Morgan Rielly is also having a rough go of things, and it's unlikely the team can find suitors for him on the trade market. There are replacement options in free agency that can be more valuable than Rielly at this stage.

Artturi Lehkonen, LW, Colorado Avalanche, Rostered-60.5%

            Lehkonen's recent injury is a tough blow for the Avalanche. He is slated as week-to-week, meaning he is likely to miss most of the remainder of the regular season. While Lehkonen has been productive this year playing in the team's top six, there are replacement-level options on the market that managers should turn to ahead of their league's playoffs.

NHL Team Outlooks

Let's analyze the upcoming week’s schedule and look 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 Mar 6-Mar 12. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Mar 9-15. 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.)

Buffalo Sabres

            The Sabres are showing no signs of slowing down as they look to claim their first playoff berth in 14 years. Their upcoming schedule should bring them closer to that goal.

Utah Mammoth

            The Mammoth expect to be a playoff team, as their recent acquisition of MacKenzie Weegar suggests. They head on the road looking to gain some ground in the Central division.

Washington Capitals

            Washington finds itself on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture. They need to take advantage of their upcoming games if they want to jump back into the Metro division race.

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

Columbus Blue Jackets

            The Blue Jackets have been playing some solid hockey down the stretch. However, they head on the road to Florida, which is no easy task for anyone to overcome.

Nashville Predators

            The deadline will be very telling for what the Predators expect to be moving forward this season. However, if their upcoming road trip is any indication, they should move towards selling this offseason.

New York Islanders

            The Islanders have been playing well as of late and find themselves in a surprising playoff berth. However, their thin schedule means they likely won't pay dividends in the coming days.

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