Kirill Kaprizov scored the game-winning power-play goal in the second period against the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Minnesota had the clear advantage in shot volume, outshooting Columbus 32-12.

Kaprizov was once again the headline for Minnesota, scoring his 10th goal of the season and extending his point streak to six games. He has recorded 12 points during that stretch, including seven goals and five assists and is off to a great start.

Danila Yurov opened the scoring for the Wild, with Yakov Trenin picking up the assist. Yurov’s fourth goal of the season in his last seven games is worth noting, particularly for managers in deeper leagues. However, his fantasy value will depend on whether he can earn a larger role. Increased ice time, power-play opportunities and consistent shot volume would make him a more appealing option moving forward.

On the Columbus side, Adam Fantilli scored his second goal of the season, with Zach Werenski and Sean Monahan collecting the assists. Fantilli has struggled out of the gate, but he could be a buy-low target for managers getting frustrated with his lack of early-season production.

In goal, Jesper Wallstedt earned the win on a relatively quiet night, allowing one goal on 14 shots. Veteran Cam Talbot made 32 saves for Columbus, keeping his team in the game despite Minnesota’s offensive pressure. The Blue Jackets only play two games this upcoming week, so keep that in mind if you have any Columbus players on your roster.

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The Calgary Flames picked up a much-needed win over one of the hottest teams in the NHL in the Carolina Hurricanes, with Yegor Sharangovich scoring the game-winner in the third period. Carolina entered the game as one of the league’s hottest teams, but Calgary found a way to come away with the win.

Devon Cooley registered the win for the Flames with a 34 save performance on 36 shots on goal while Brandon Bussi played a solid game facing 34 shots while allowing three goals in the Hurricanes loss.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi opened the scoring for the Hurricanes on assists from Nick Deslauries and Eric Robinson. Sebastian Aho continued his strong start to the season, picking up an assist on Jalen Chatfield‘s goal. Aho entered the game with 13 points in eight games (6G, 7A), while linemate Andrei Svechnikov (6G, 5A) has now been held pointless in his last two games.  

Matvei Gridin scored his first goal of the season with Matt Coronato picking up an assist. Morgan Frost also scored on the power play, with Zayne Parekh and Joel Farabee collecting the helpers.

Waiver Wire Targets

Following up on last week’s waiver-wire notes, there are still a few options worth considering, along with some players to keep on your watchlist. An increase in deployment could lead to more production, so even if they aren’t the best adds for this week, they could provide some value down the road.

Maxim Shabanov (RW) – 9% owned

Shabanov is spending most of his power-play time alongside Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek, giving him exposure to Minnesota's top offensive weapons. His even-strength deployment has been less consistent, and his 14:24 average ice time limits his overall upside. Through nine games with Minnesota, Shavanov has two goals and four assists, including four power-play points. The biggest change from last season with the Islanders has been his deployment, averaging 3:16 per game on the power play and accounting for 70.2% of the Wild's man-advantage time. The Wild play four games this week, with three on busy nights and Sunday offering the best opportunity on a lighter slate. Shabanov is worth a look for his power-play exposure, but the limited shot volume and inconsistent even-strength role make him more of a speculative option.

Ivar Stenberg (LW) – 8% owned / Igor Chernyshov (LW/RW) – 14% owned

There are a couple of San Jose Sharks worth monitoring if on your respective waiver wires, with Ivar Stenberg and Igor Chernyshov both offering some fantasy appeal depending on how their roles develop. San Jose plays four games against Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Boston.

Stenberg has gotten off to a hot start, recording six points (2G, 4A) through eight games. The second overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft is already averaging 3:00 per game on the power play, giving him some appeal despite playing a middle-six role at even strength rather than alongside Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. His early production is encouraging, his underlying numbers have been inconsistent which is natural for a rookie, and he is averaging just 1.4 shots per game. Despite the inconsistencies, If he continues to produce with the man advantage, a larger role could follow.

Chernyshov on the other hand, has two goals and two assists over the same number of games, with his deployment alongside Celebrini and Smith providing the biggest selling point. However, Chernyshov's 25% shooting percentage and limited shot volume may be difficult to sustain. However, much like Stenberg, the opportunity to play alongside San Jose's top offensive talent gives him some upside if his role continues to grow. Both players are speculative options, but the four-game schedule makes them worth a gamble. Stenberg has the stronger early production and power-play usage, while Chernyshov's even-strength deployment gives him an opportunity to contribute.

Jack Roslovic (C/RW) – 24% Owned

If you are looking for shots and top-line deployment, Jack Roslovic might be your man. Through nine games, he has six points and 30 shots on goal (3.3 per game), while averaging 16:48 of ice time, his second-highest mark of his career since his time in Columbus. He has also recorded points in three of his last five games. The obvious selling point is his time alongside Auston Matthews and Kirill Marchenko at even strength, with another regular combination featuring William Nylander and Matthews. His power-play role is less appealing, averaging just 1:25 per game with one power-play point. Even with John Tavares sidelined by injury, it looks as though Gavin McKenna could move into that spot. Regardless, Roslovic's opportunity in Toronto's top six, particularly with Matthews on the top line, is appealing. The shot volume is there, and as long as he continues to see time alongside Toronto's top offensive talent, he has a chance to remain productive.

Neal Pionk (D) – 35% owned

With Josh Morrissey currently sidelined, I'm surprised Neal Pionk's ownership isn't higher. Morrissey is considered week-to-week with a wrist injury, and Pionk has taken advantage of the opportunity, recording six points (1G, 5A), 14 shots and 13 blocked shots while averaging 23:41 of ice time. His power-play usage has also increased by nearly a minute, up to 2:09 per game. The early production is certainly a bonus, and while his current scoring pace is well above expectations, the increased ice time and power-play opportunity are the bigger selling points. He has just one power-play point so far and that should change while Morrissey remains out. Of course, this opportunity won’t last forever, as Morrissey will eventually return, so expectations need to be kept in check. In the meantime, Pionk has taken on the added workload and is already reaping the benefits.

All stats courtesy of Frozentools. 

Thanks for reading! See you next week! For more fantasy hockey content and analysis, follow me on X @Punters_hockey. If you have any questions about your team or a trade? My DMs are always open, happy to help!