Welcome back to 'Looking Ahead'! The Olympic break is only days away, and the NHL season is heading into the home stretch, and fantasy managers are gearing up for their league’s trade deadline, so whether you are scanning the waiver wire for possible adds 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 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? Take a look at our outlook for the upcoming week.

*Note: All stats are courtesy of ESPN Fantasy Hockey.

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

Mikael Granlund, C, Anaheim Ducks, Rostered-41.7%

Mikael Granlund missed some time early in the year but has been very productive when healthy. His rostered percentage should continue to climb during the Ducks stretch of strong play.

Jordan Eberle, RW, Seattle Kraken, Rostered-37.5%

The Kraken captain is in the midst of a strong campaign on a team that is starved for offense. Playing on the top line with Jared McCann and Matty Beniers should continue to pay dividends.

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

Jesper Wallstedt, G, Minnesota Wild, Rostered-70.6%

Rumors have been swirling about Wallstedt's availability in Minnesota. This is a bit of a surprise as he has had a promising rookie campaign. However, a trade could see him land in a spot where he doesn't have to split as many games in the crease.

Shane Wright, C, Seattle Kraken, Rostered-5.9%

The former fourth overall pick, Shane Wright has taken a bit of a step back this season. However, in all fairness, the Kraken haven't given him a legitimate opportunity to play big minutes. It appears he could be moved ahead of the deadline to a team that may value his talents more.

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

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Mattias Ekholm, D, Edmonton Oilers, Rostered-65.5%

Ekholm is coming off the first hat-trick of his career. The Oilers are playing some of their best hockey right now, and the defensive group is leading the way. Expect Ekholm to keep contributing on and off the scoresheet.

Mason Marchment, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets, Rostered-53.8%

Since being traded to Columbus, Mason Marchment has regained his offensive touch. Now that he’s back from injury, and the team is playing some better hockey as of late, Marchment is a solid value bet for fantasy managers.

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

Marco Kasper, C, Detroit Red Wings, Rostered-42.8%

Despite playing on the Red Wings first line, Marco Kasper has struggled offensively during his rookie campaign. His rostered number is far too high for a player who only has 12 points on the year.

Jonathan Marchessault, RW, Nashville Predators, Rostered-48.7%

Many of Nashville's top guys have rebounded as of late and are now having productive seasons. However, Marchessault isn't one of them. It appears that his best days are behind him, and Nashville will wish they could drop his contract as easily as managers should be dropping him in their league.

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 team's outlook for the upcoming week.

*Note: This week’s analysis runs from Jan 30-Feb 5. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Feb 1-7. 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.)

New York Islanders

The Islanders have been busy on the trade front as of late, acquiring Ondrej Palat and Carson Soucy. They are gearing up for the home stretch, and the upcoming games should be beneficial for their push.

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Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins find themselves in a surprising playoff position. The next few games should dictate how aggressive they will be at the trade deadline.

Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals have four games remaining before the Olympic break, which is more than most teams. As a result, expect them to pay dividends in the coming days.

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

Boston Bruins

The Bruins only play two more contests ahead of the Olympic break. Unfortunately for them, they play two tough division rivals in the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Montreal Canadiens

Montreal's next few games ahead of the Olympic break are all on the road. With the Atlantic Division as tight as it is, the next few days will be important for their standing in the division.

New York Rangers

The Rangers have been in free fall since announcing their intentions to forfeit the season in favor of a retool. Their few games ahead of the break likely won't yield positive results.