Whether you are scanning the waiver wire for possible additions 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 week in fantasy hockey.

Fantasy Hockey Player Outlook

Let's go around the league to highlight which players you should be targeting in your leagues. Who can be had on the waiver wire, and who should you avoid picking up? Take a 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)

Mattias Samuelsson, D, Buffalo Sabres, Rostered-73.1%

            Mattias Samuelsson has cemented himself as a key part of the Sabres young top-four group. The team's trajectory is at an all-time high and he should continue to be a big part of that.

Alexis Lafreniere, LW, New York Rangers, Rostered-14.7%

            Lafrenière hasn't lived up to the expectations of a first-overall pick so far in his young career. The Rangers recently announced their plans to retool which means he could be on the move ahead of the deadline. A change of scenery could be exactly what Lafrenière and his fantasy managers need to see more production.

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

Justin Sourdif, C, Washington Capitals, Rostered-2.5%

            Since the Pierre-Luc Dubois injury, Justin Sourdif has been promoted to the best position of his young career. He has found success as the team's second-line centreman. It'll be interesting to see what the Capitals lines look like once everyone's healthy, but for now, Sourdif is a worthy fantasy addition in larger leagues.

Yaroslav Askarov, G, San Jose Sharks, Rostered-18%

            Askarov has been a big reason for the Sharks' success this year. The young goaltender has helped lead the young squad into a playoff position. If the Sharks winning ways continue, expect him to be at the forefront.

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

Artemi Panarin, LW, New York Rangers, Rostered-99.4%

            Artemi Panarin has been one of few Rangers who has found success during a trying season. It's been reported that the team is trying to facilitate a trade to a contender ahead of the deadline. This should be positive news for his fantasy owners

Rasmus Andersson, D, Calgary Flames, Rostered-96.3%

            Rasmus Andersson remains a solid fantasy option after his recent trade to Vegas. Being a part of a stronger lineup should bode well for his value down the stretch.

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

Adam Fox, D New York Rangers, Rostered-98.8%

            Fox's injury is a tough blow for fantasy managers. He is expected to return in the coming weeks, but he may have a weaker supporting cast surrounding him upon his return.

Linus Ullmark, G, Ottawa Senators, Rostered-33.5%

            Ullmark's recent leave of absence has left the Senators in a tough spot in the crease. However, he wasn't playing well before his leave and there is no timetable for his return to action.

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-by-team outlook for the upcoming week.

*Note: This week’s analysis runs from Jan 23-29. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Jan 26-Feb 1. 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.)

Boston Bruins

            Expect the Bruins' recent stretch of play to continue as they prepare for their upcoming homestand.

New York Islanders

            The Islanders' upcoming slew of games pits them against some Metropolitan Division opponents as they look to maintain their ground within the division.

Vancouver Canucks

            The Canucks find themselves in the basement of the league after recently snapping their extended losing streak. However, their upcoming schedule gives hope for the next few games.

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

Carolina Hurricanes

            The Hurricanes have been getting healthier and are reaping the rewards with seven wins in their last ten contests. However, don't expect them to pay dividends in the upcoming games.

Dallas Stars

            Despite still holding a top five position, the Stars haven't been playing their best hockey down the stretch. Their upcoming schedule is thin and won't allow them to turn things around in the coming days.

Pittsburgh Penguins

            The Penguins are surprisingly holding down a playoff position after being pegged as draft lottery contenders. However, they're entering a stretch that doesn't bode well for fantasy managers.

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