The NHL is absolutely buzzing right now with no shortage of tantalizing storylines and fantasy angles to cover. At this point in the season, fantasy GMs off to slow starts will instinctively scramble to the waiver wire to try and make adjustments before things go too far off the rails. However, buyer beware, as simply swapping out bodies who may be underperforming right now is far from a foolproof approach. Still, the likelihood remains that most GMs will be combing the waiver wire with more scrutiny this week than most, meaning nailing the right players is absolutely critical.

With that in mind we're serving up our favourite 10 under-the-radar fantasy hockey targets available in most formats, who can provide the kind of bump in short-term production that could be the difference maker in terms of end-of-year success.

10) Simon Edvinsson

The former sixth-overall selection from the 2021 NHL Draft is really starting to settle in and make an impact for a Red Wings club that has quite a bit of time and capital invested into the 21-year-old smooth-skating Edvinsson. Capable of leading the rush and making a crisp first pass to break out of the zone, the young Swede is currently getting deployed on the Wings' top pairing alongside fellow Euro stud Moritz Seider, while also seeing a significant uptick in ice time to well over 20 minutes over the past five contests. If Edvinsson can continue to earn head coach Derek Lalonde's trust and even carve out a role on the second power-play unit, this could be a waiver-wire addition that sticks long term. Edvinsson doesn't exactly jump off the page with offensive instincts but his offensive game is improving and as he finds more confidence and ice time, expect his already solid start of four points to be a sign of things to come.

9) Nino Niederreiter

Under-the-radar players don't usually come as complete as Niederreiter, as the unheralded Swiss Army Knife fits the bill of this list to a T. Steady as she goes around the forty-point mark with solid peripheral coverage in terms of hits and penalty minutes, Neiderreiter is a waiver-wire darling who also happens to be playing on a good line alongside Adam Lowry and Mason Appleton and an efficient second power-play unit for a dangerous Winnipeg Jets squad. Week-to-week fill-in options don't usually come as complete or reliable as Nino, tap in before he gets snapped up.

8) Pavel Dorofeyev

Dedicated fantasy hockey heads have heard Dorofeyev's name before, but after that, this is a target that's definitely not received the appropriate amount of fantasy love up till now considering his offensive upside. A pure talent with the puck on his tape that possesses dynamic puck skills and soft hands, Dorofeyev makes up for his relatively lanky frame by dangling defenders and creating opportunities for his linemates, which right now include Tomas Hertl and Brett Howden on the Knights' second forward group. The 24-year-old Russian is also currently being deployed on Vegas' top power-play unit with two of the hottest forwards in the NHL in Mark Stone and Jack Eichel. If Dorofeyev can continue to round out a complete two-way game, there's no reason why he can't etch his name more permanently in the Knights' top-six group.

7) Anthony Cirelli

Known for his elite defensive play, Cirelli isn't the flashiest name on the stat sheet but is quietly building value in multiple fantasy categories. Currently centering the Tampa Bay Lightning's second line between Conor Geekie and Brandon Hagel, Cirelli brings a shutdown mentality to the game and wins a high percentage of faceoffs – an often-overlooked stat that can be a difference-maker in head-to-head leagues. His responsible two-way game is currently leading to increased ice time, and with Tampa Bay's scoring prowess, Cirelli is in a prime spot to pick up points while also adding hits and blocked shots. If you need a steady center who can contribute across the board, Cirelli could be an ideal pickup.

6) Morgan Frost

Frost has flown under the radar for most of his career and time in Philadelphia, but that's already changing as the 25-year-old former first-rounder is really starting to earn John Tortorella's respect. After a somewhat slow start to his NHL tenure Frost is finding his groove, putting up four points already this season while holding down the top-line centre role and number one pivot position on the PP. Frost is becoming a go-to option for his playmaking and scoring ability. Known for his silky hands and high hockey IQ, Frost can create scoring opportunities in tight spaces, making him an asset in leagues counting assists and power-play points. As Philadelphia's younger core develops, expect Frost to play a larger role and improve on his point production, but right now, he's a solid option for GMs in need of assists and his power-play usage adds to his fantasy appeal.

5) Connor Zary

Zary may still be a relatively new face for most fantasy GMs, but he's quickly making a case for himself as a long-term option in Calgary's top-six group who can bring it at both ends of the ice. Putting up two goals and five assists through eight games so far this season, Zary brings an explosive offensive style with a quick release and a knack for capitalizing on loose pucks around the net. His tenacity in front of the goal and improving play in all three zones is resulting in increased ice time and even some second-unit power-play minutes. If you're looking for a young forward who can chip in goals and won't hurt you in peripheral categories thanks to his grit and tendency to mix things up with a physical edge, Zary's potential as a waiver-wire gem is hard to ignore.

4) Kevin Lankinen

The goaltending situation for the Vancouver Canucks is obviously a precarious one. However, until more clear-cut information and a better timetable for Thatcher Demko's return is laid out, considering how good the Canucks are up front, whoever is the hotter hand in the blue paint is a player that must be considered for week-to-week fantasy value. Right now, that guy is perennial backup Kevin Lankinen. Lanky is looking pretty nasty so far in his limited time in a Canucks sweater, but his numbers and current confidence warrant consideration in all formats, as his 4-0-1 record, 1.95 GAA, and .930 SV.% would indicate.

3) Jake Neighbours

Few players bring the kind of physical and offensive combination Jake Neighbours does for the St. Louis Blues. A hard-nosed forward with a quick release, Neighbours has been making a consistent impact on the scoresheet while adding hits, which is gold in banger leagues. Skating on St. Louis's top line for most of the second half of last season and all of this one, he's shown an ability to capitalize on chances created by his physical forechecking, which opens up space for his linemates and translates into points. With his number one centreman Robert Thomas out for the next month with an ankle ailment, this is a spot that has to be monitored closely should the recently promoted Brayden Schenn fail to gel. However, for now, Neighbours' value with scoring but also in his ability to contribute in categories like hits and PIMs make him a multi-category asset on the rise.

2) Kirill Marchenko

Yet another good, young Russian forward on this Blue Jackets squad, Marchenko is really starting to cook in Columbus while getting legit minutes on the club's top line and power-play unit. Marchenko might not be a household name just yet, but the Jackets winger has displayed an impressive scoring touch early this season. Known for his quick release and ability to find the soft spots in the defense, Marchenko can be lethal in the offensive zone. If Marchenko continues at his current pace, his stock will rise rapidly, scoop him up now before he becomes more widely recognized.

1) Lukas Dostal

Dostal is a player we've been hyping for some time who is really starting to make a name for himself in Anaheim, showing flashes of brilliance already this season while rocking a 3-2-1 record to go along with a stellar 2.17 goals-against average and impressive .936 save percentage for the upstart Anaheim Ducks. His quick reflexes and technical soundness have kept the Ducks competitive in tight games, and his appearances often result in high save counts. The crease is now his for a rapidly improving young team, jump on him now because he won't be available for much longer.