Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Targets: Simon Nemec, Jaden Schwartz, Yaroslav Askarov and More

Hey folks. Today, we are talking about waiver wire targets that are quickly being added in fantasy leagues yet again. 

Another matchup, and another group of players including forwards, defensemen, and a goalie who are being rostered as streamers and to fill in for injured players short and long term.

There are a couple potential long-term gems here, so let's dive right into this week's stop waiver wire picks who all share a low roster percent and could still be available for you to pick up.

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Simon Nemec - New Jersey Devils

The Devils are in a bit of trouble, but that doesn't mean everyone stops producing. As we know, superstar forward Jack Hughes is out for six-to-eight weeks after hand surgery at a team dinner mishap, and this significantly decreases their offensive production.

They have also been without defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who returned on Tuesday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. This at least gives the Devils more offensive prowess on the blueline, though it doesn't directly impact Nemec, who is more of a defensive defenseman, despite his recent surge in production.

Nemec has a spot on the second penalty kill unit, and has a decent +/- rating, at +5. Nemec to me is a caution add and start. It will really depend on how the Devils look without Hughes, but you can count on a lot of shots on goal, blocked shots, and more of a defensive game with some bonus apples.

Nemec has four goals, eight assists, and zero powerplay points in 18 games played as a defenseman. He also has 24 shots on goal, three hits, and 31 blocked shots.

Jaden Schwartz - Seattle Kraken

Schwartz might be the hottest pickup on this list. Coming off of a two-goal effort, and three points in two games, Schwartz is quietly putting together a career season on a team a bit lacking in depth.

So far Schwartz is the definition of making the most of his opportunities, and while he is getting mediocre deployment, he is certainly taking advantage. Schwartz is playing in a middle six forward role, and only getting time on the second powerplay unit, but is nearly a point per game so far this season.

Additionally, Schwartz is throwing the body and blocking shots. Take advantage of this under the radar unicorn season before anyone else takes notice and he is noticed on said radar. He is being rostered quickly, so act with haste!

Schwartz has seven goals, seven assists, and two powerplay points in 18 games played as a forward. He also has 38 shots on goal, 23 hits, and 17 blocked shots.

Filip Hronek - Vancouver Canucks

Hronek is such an up-and-down defender. A couple seasons ago, he was ranked amongst the top physical defenders in the league while the Canucks were on fire. He has since cooled down, but seems to be having a bounceback season this year and has elevated back to streamer status. 

He is coming off of a three-point effort over two games, and continues his level of physical play, making his floor quite high. His double-digit apples are a bonus to his peripherals, which include a high level of hits and blocked shots.

What helps is that Hronek is playing on the top defensive pairing with captain Quinn Hughes, and has powerplay and penalty kill time. If Hornek can continue at an even pace and he shows this as sustainable, he will be a hold all season long.

Hronek has one goal, 11 assists, and four powerplay points in 21 games played as a defenseman. He also has 24 shots on goal, 44 hits, and 31 blocked shots.

Emil Heineman - New York Islanders

Heineman is my pick for most long-term potential in the skater category. He has been hitting everything that moves this season, and as of late is a scoring machine.

This power forward type play has earned him a spot on the top line alongside Bo Horvat, who is also scoring at will this season, and Kyle Palmieri. Heineman is also getting second powerplay unit looks, which means his deployment is excellent.

Having ice time with the league's next best young superstar defenseman Matthew Schaefer doesn't help either, does it? Heineman is not just a streamer, but has proven himself as a long-term hold this season in almost every fantasy league format.

Grab him now, don't look back, and set and forget.

Heineman has nine goals, four assists, and one powerplay point in 19 games played as a forward. He also has 41 shots on goal, 65 hits, and eight blocked shots.

Yaroslav Askarov - San Jose Sharks

Are the Sharks good now? They are batting above 500, and second last in their division, but I think the story here needs you to see the forest through the trees.

The emergence of the young duo Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith has the teal nightmare looking like the Sharks of old. What they lack in veteran presence and experience they make up for in high-flying youth and scoring firepower.

Askarov is putting up decent numbers in the blue paint, despite the lack of defensive awareness from this young squad. At an above .900 save percentage, and majority of the starts, he should continue to be the starter ahead of Alex Nedeljkovic.

If you need a tendy to stack starts and get a ton of saves (because nobody is defending him), then Askarov is your guy. You might not get a ton of wins, but that's not why you are picking him up, are you?

Askarov has five wins in 11 games started as a goaltender. He also has a .906 save percentage, 3.09 goals against average, and zero shutouts.