Welcome back to another week of 'Looking Ahead'! With teams in the midst of their fantasy hockey league playoffs, it's an important time for managers.

We have the information you need when considering potential waiver wire additions or who to start and sit in your matchups. Managers, let's look ahead at the upcoming week in fantasy hockey.

Fantasy Hockey Player Outlook

Let's peruse 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? Check out the fantasy hockey players’ outlook for the upcoming week.

*Note: All stats are courtesy of ESPN Fantasy Hockey and current as of Friday, March 28^th.

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

Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, Minnesota Wild, Rostered-13.1%

Tarasenko has seen a bit of an offensive resurgence on the Wild this season. He has been hot as of late with five goals in his last six contests. While he is only rostered in 13% of leagues, during playoff time you sometimes need to ride the hot hand.

Egor Chinakhov, LW, Pittsburgh Penguins, Rostered-13.1%

Chinakhov has been a completely different player since joining the Penguins earlier this season. He never received the opportunity he deserved during his tenure in Columbus, but he has received top-six minutes in Pittsburgh. Chinakhov is becoming an underrated fantasy asset and managers should capitalize.

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

Anton Frondell, C, Chicago Blackhawks, Rostered-6.5%

Chicago's top prospect Anton Frondell is coming off an impressive campaign in the Swedish Hockey League, and he recorded his first assist in his NHL debut. Frondell was immediately thrust onto the Blackhawks top line alongside Connor Bedard. He should have an instant impact at the top level.

Carter Yakemchuk, D, Ottawa Senators, Rostered-3.6%

The former seventh overall pick, Carter Yakemchuk had an impressive NHL debut for the Senators. In an important divisional battle with the Red Wings, he registered his first goal and first assist at the NHL level. With all the injuries on Ottawa's blue line, Yakemchuk could see an impactful fantasy role in the coming games.

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

Tomas Hertl, C, Vegas Golden Knights, Rostered-87.2%

Much like the rest of the Vegas Golden Knights roster, Tomas Hertl has struggled to produce offense as of late, going pointless in his last 10 contests. While Hertl is a valuable fantasy player, Vegas is reeling right now, and their stars have hit a wall offensively. With it being playoff time, managers can't afford to wait around for him to find his game.

Kiefer Sherwood, RW, San Jose Sharks, Rostered-76.3%

Kiefer Sherwood was a fantasy darling early on this season. However, since being moved from Vancouver to San Jose, he hasn't produced at the same level. With all the young players on the Sharks squad, Sherwood isn't relied on offensively and has a reduced role. Despite this, he is still owned in three-quarters of fantasy leagues. Playoff team managers should look for other options on the market.

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 Mar 27-Apr 2. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Mar 30- Apr 5. 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

Carolina is safely in the number one spot in the Metropolitan division. They have an upcoming homestand which should allow them to further build upon that lead.

New York Islanders

New York recently fell out of the playoffs due to Columbus' recent resurgence. They are now in playoff mode, and the coming games are crucial for them. Thankfully for them, they have a favorable schedule ahead.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Lightning continue to battle the Sabres for the top spot in an insanely competitive Atlantic Division. They will be at home for an extended period and if Buffalo gives them an inch in the standings they could take a mile.

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

Minnesota Wild

The Wild have fallen from grace a bit in the recent games. Thankfully for them, they are locked into a top three spot in the Central. However, don't expect them to pay dividends in the coming games.

Nashville Predators

Nashville has miraculously climbed back into a playoff position largely due to the weakened Western Conference. Despite this, all their upcoming opponents are hungry right now and won't give them any easy wins.

Utah Mammoth

The Mammoth are slowly starting to solidify their spot in the playoffs. This would be the first playoff berth for the Utah/Arizona franchise since 2012. Unfortunately, they have a thin upcoming schedule which won't allow them to build off recent success.