Welcome back to the final regular season edition of 'Looking Ahead' for the 2025-26 fantasy season with Dobber Hockey! With teams in the final push of their fantasy hockey league playoffs, it's an important time for managers.

We have the information you need for anyone still scouring the waiver wire for those last additions to their fantasy rosters. Managers, let's look ahead at the upcoming fantasy hockey week.

Data current as of Thursday, April 9^th.

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.

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

Alex Wennberg, C, San Jose Sharks, Rostered-43.6%

Wennberg has been an underrated player for San Jose this season behind the team’s young stars. He's racked up 54 points and has been on a tear as of late.

Tyson Foerster, RW, Philadelphia Flyers, Rostered-36.7%

Foerster missed most of the season due to injury and only recently returned to the lineup to join the team's playoff pursuit. However, there's been no rust for the Flyers forward as he's racked up three goals in four contests.

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

James Hagens, C, Boston Bruins, Rostered-1%

Hagens recently signed his entry-level contract with the Bruins after a brief stint in the AHL. For a team that has been starved down the middle, he will be a welcome addition. He will likely make his NHL debut before the end of the regular season.

Porter Martone, RW, Philadelphia Flyers, Rostered-7.3%

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Martone has made an immediate impact for the Flyers since joining the team. He's registered a goal and three helpers in his first five contests, including the overtime winner against the Bruins. Martone will continue to be a key piece as the Flyers look to hold onto their playoff berth.

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

Frank Vatrano, RW, Anaheim Ducks, Rostered-45.5%

Vatrano has scored at a high clip over the last three seasons, which gave fantasy managers some reason to draft him. However, in a lesser role for the Ducks this year, he's managed only eight points. He is no longer a regular in the lineup down the stretch. If you are somehow still in the fantasy playoffs with Vatrano in your lineup, what are you doing at this point?

Brady Skjei, D, Nashville Predators, Rostered-44.4%

Nashville is in the playoff hunt, and Brady Skjei is a big part of that on the back end. This doesn't mean he's been a valuable asset for fantasy managers, though. There are several better options for your playoff team on the waiver wire, even this late in the year.

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 each franchise's outlook for the upcoming week.

*Note: This week’s analysis runs from Apr 10-Apr 16. 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.)

Chicago Blackhawks

Despite another poor season for Chicago, they're on track in their rebuild and should receive another high draft pick. They'll close out the year on a homestand, which could help them finish the campaign on a winning note.

St. Louis Blues

St. Louis will need to win out to have any chance at a playoff berth. Unfortunately, their final few games feature three playoff opponents.

Washington Capitals

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The Capitals' recent play has given them a sliver of hope at a playoff berth. Their final stretch features two teams they are chasing in Columbus and Pittsburgh. Expect them to leave it all on the line.

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

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks are currently on a six-game skid and are falling in the standings fast. They need to secure at least a win or two during their final stretch so as not to jeopardize their playoff hopes.

Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo is in a dog fight for the top spot in the Atlantic Division. However, don’t expect them to pay dividends with only two games remaining during the fantasy matchup.

Edmonton Oilers

It's been a disappointing regular season in Edmonton despite their playoff berth being all but secured. They'll have to close out the year with the NHL's top team in Colorado as one of their final tests.

I want to take this time to thank the readers for following along throughout a great fantasy hockey season. Hopefully, my insights helped guide your team to a successful championship run. See you all next season! But until then, you can find me writing the Top 10 column here at Dobber Hockey.

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