Welcome back to Looking Ahead! The Olympic Games are concluding, and similarly, the NHL and fantasy hockey seasons are heading into the home stretch. Furthermore, fantasy managers are gearing up for their league’s trade deadline.

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 weeks in fantasy hockey.

Fantasy Hockey Player Outlook

Let's start with a review of 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)

Jake Walman, D, Edmonton Oilers, Rostered-68.8%

Walman has missed a large portion of the year dealing with injury. However, he's one of the more underrated defenders in the league and an important one for Edmonton. Managers should scoop him up immediately if he's available to them on the open market.

Bobby McMann, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs, Rostered-21.3%

McMann has been one of the Leafs' more consistent secondary scorers this season. He's been very productive as of late as he finds himself on the team's top line alongside Auston Matthews.

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

Juraj Slafkovsky, LW, Montreal Canadiens, Rostered-93%

Slafkovský has been dominant for Slovakia at this year’s Olympics where he seems to always elevate his game. Furthermore, he also seems to play better in the back half of the regular season as well. Expect Slafkovský to be a force as Montreal continues to make a playoff push.

Dalibor Dvorsky, C, St. Louis Blues, Rostered-1%

Much like Slafkovsky, Dalibor Dvorsky has elevated his game for his country at this year’s Olympics. He could see some more time for the Blues down the stretch as they likely will be selling at the deadline. He's likely not a relevant option in most leagues at the moment, but his play and ice time could change that. Dvorsky is a name to keep an eye on.

📢 advertisement:

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

Drew Doughty, D, Los Angeles Kings, Rostered-48.5%

Doughty has had a rough year for Los Angeles with very minimal fantasy production. He's been solid for Canada, however, and if L.A. wants to make the playoffs, they'll need him to continue that level of play. He's worth a gamble on the free agent market.

Lucas Raymond, RW, Detroit Red Wings, Rostered-96%

Lucas Raymond was Sweden's best player in this year’s tournament. As the Red Wings look to maintain their spot in the Atlantic, Raymond will be relied upon heavily. Managers should bet on him riding the momentum from his Olympic performance.

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

Simon Edvinsson, D, Detroit Red Wings, Rostered-63.5%

Edvinsson has had a solid year for the Wings, but his fantasy production fell off before his injury. He should be back shortly after the Olympic break but it's unclear how he will perform, especially early on. His fantasy production doesn't reflect his high ownership.

Jesper Bratt, LW, New Jersey Devils, Rostered-91.2%

Jesper Bratt has been riding shotgun with Jack Hughes for the last few seasons and has been a consistent offensive producer as a result. However, he has struggled down the stretch. His lack of ice time at the Olympics won't boost his confidence. Bratt might be a solid trade chip at the deadline in fantasy.

NHL Team Outlooks

Now, we'll analyze the upcoming week’s schedule and single out which NHL teams are expected to have a strong week or 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 Feb 20-26. The weekly fantasy matchup runs from Feb 23-Mar 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.)

Colorado Avalanche

📢 advertisement:

The Avalanche seemed almost unbeatable early on this season and their impressive record reflected that. However, as of late, they've struggled which is to be expected of a team that was on an unsustainable pace. Despite this, you can anticipate the Avalanche returning to their winning ways in short order.

New Jersey Devils

It appears that the 2025-26 campaign will be another disappointing one for the Devils. They were expected to be a playoff contender but instead find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. They will hope to take advantage of their upcoming schedule and give themselves some hope ahead of the deadline.

Washington Capitals

The Capitals are fighting for a playoff berth down the stretch. Their upcoming homestand should help them in the standings. Most of their top players are well rested and did not represent their countries at the Olympics.

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

Detroit Red Wings

Detroit is clinging onto their berth in the Atlantic Division despite several teams are breathing down their necks in the standings. They have a tough couple of road games following the break which may push them back into a wild card spot.

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks have fallen even further since the Quinn Hughes deal and now find themselves in lottery contention. Don't expect the Olympic break to be a turning point for the Canucks in any regard.

Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas is fortunate to find themselves in a solid position in the standings due to being in the weaker Pacific Division. However, they head on the road to face some tough opponents in the upcoming games.