Whether you are scanning the waiver wire for possible additions or scouring the trade market to improve your team, 'Looking Ahead' has the information you need. We are looking at Brandon Bussi's new-found value, whether to trade for Trevor Zegras, Anaheim's tough upcoming schedule affecting Leo Carlsson and others, and a whole lot more. Let's stop dancing around the subject and preview the next 7-10 days in the fantasy game.

Fantasy Hockey Player Outlook

Who can be had on the waiver wire, and who should you avoid picking up? Look at our 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)

Anthony Mantha, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins, Rostered-24.2%

Despite not playing in the team's top-six or number-1 power-play unit, Anthony Mantha has found offensive success for the Penguins. His play could have him move up in the lineup over the coming games.

Brandon Bussi, G, Carolina Hurricanes, Rostered-51.7%

With the injury to Pyotr Kotchetkov, the Carolina Hurricanes have turned to young netminder Brandon Bussi. He has performed admirably this season and with more starts on a strong team, he has become a solid fantasy option between the pipes.

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Be sure to head to the Dobber Shop to pick up a copy of the 2026 Dobber Hockey Midseason Fantasy Guide! Whether preparing for a championship run in the second half, trying to reach your head-to-head playoffs, or loading up for next year, there are projections, buy/sell options, prospects to watch for, and a whole lot more.

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

Bowen Byram, D, Buffalo Sabres, Rostered-20%

Young defenseman Bowen Byram is one of many of the Sabres profiting off the team's recent success. Buffalo hopes that he can continue his play and become the blueliner he was drafted to be at fourth overall.

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Ryan Leonard, RW, Washington Capitals, Rostered-19%

Ryan Leonard is featured on the Capitals second line along with Justin Sourdif and Connor McMichael. The trio has found some chemistry and offensive success as of late. Leonard's play is vaulting him back into Calder conversations.

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

Trevor Zegras, C, Philadelphia Flyers, Rostered-82.6%

Since being traded to Philadelphia from Anaheim, Zegras has regained his status as an elite offensive player. He has become the main driver of scoring for the Flyers and at this point his sample size is large enough to project over a full season. Zegras is now a safe option to buy in fantasy.

Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs, Rostered-99.9%

Matthews' early season struggles were one of the main reasons for Toronto's brutal start to the year. However, as of late he has regained his scoring touch and appears to be on track to finish the year as the franchise player we all expect him to be.

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

Leo Carlsson, C, Anaheim Ducks, Rostered-90.3%

Leo Carlsson and the Ducks burst onto the scene this season. He cemented himself as an elite young player along with Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini. As of late, however, he has just a single point over his last nine contests. He is still a point-per-game player but don't expect him to get back to his unsustainable pace that he was on earlier in the year, especially with Anaheim's struggles.

Kaiden Guhle, D, Montreal Canadiens, Rostered-34.7%

Montreal defender Kaiden Guhle hasn't played a game in almost three months. Despite this, his ownership remains surprisingly high at just under thirty-five percent. He is expected to return to the lineup in the coming games, but he doesn't provide the offense to reward managers who held onto him this long.

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 Jan 9-15. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Jan 12-18. Teams that play more games during the week/matchup often gain favor in the schedule analysis.

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

Boston Bruins

The Bruins have been hovering around .500 in recent weeks as they look to climb back into playoff contention. Expect them to find success in their upcoming homestand.

Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres vaulted themselves back into playoff contention off the back of a 10-game win streak. Despite recently having that streak snapped, they should find similar success in the upcoming games.

Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid's brilliance has helped the Oilers regain contender status in the Western Conference. Expect them to continue to pay dividends in the upcoming games as well.

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

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks began this season on an all-time high, finding themselves near the top of the league. However, currently, they find themselves in a complete free fall after dropping their last eight. Don't expect them to return to their winning ways in the upcoming games.

Florida Panthers

The Panthers continue to do battle in the tough Eastern Conference as they aim to move into the top three of the Atlantic Division. They are hoping to have Matthew Tkachuk available to return sooner rather than later. Until then, however, the Panthers have a tough schedule ahead.

New York Islanders

The Islanders are coming off a 9-0 routing of the New Jersey Devils. They now head on the road against a tough slate of opponents. Don't expect their next few games to come as easily.