Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Powerplay Deployment Benefits Quinn and Pionk, Plus Two Goalies

Hey folks. We're back with another fantasy hockey waiver wire article, and this time we're looking at four players whose recent performances are catching the attention of fantasy managers. Some are taking advantage of bigger offensive roles, while others are making the most of opportunities in net, giving fantasy managers some intriguing options to consider before their ownership climbs any higher.

We're looking at a forward scoring at a point-per-game pace, a defenseman taking over the top powerplay unit, and two goalies who are finding success with strong teams in front of them. Each player brings something different to the table, whether it's offensive upside, valuable fantasy peripherals or the potential to pick up wins in net.

Of course, hot starts don't always last, and each of these players comes with some risk. We'll break down what's driving their recent success, how their current roles could affect their fantasy value, and whether they're worth adding before other managers catch on.

Let's dive into some players who are surging and could help your matchup this week.

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Jack Quinn - Buffalo Sabres

Quinn is scoring at will right now, producing at a point-per-game pace while skating on Buffalo's second line and the top powerplay unit. He's making the most of his opportunity, and his offensive production is quickly catching the attention of fantasy managers. While this pace may not be sustainable over a full season, Quinn has the talent and deployment to remain a valuable fantasy option.

Buffalo is a strong team, and while captain Rasmus Dahlin has been out with an injury, his expected return should give the Sabres another major piece of their offense back. Quinn has already been producing without Dahlin in the lineup, and getting the team's top defenseman back could create even more opportunities for the Sabres to generate offense. With Quinn's hot stick and powerplay role, this is a player worth targeting before his ownership climbs any higher.

If he's still available in your league, I'd be looking to add him now rather than waiting for the production to slow down. His ownership has already been rising, and another productive stretch could make him much harder to grab.

Fantasy outlook: Quinn is an appealing waiver wire addition for managers looking for offensive upside, especially in leagues where powerplay points carry extra value. I wouldn't expect him to maintain a point-per-game pace all season, but his current role gives him a real chance to keep contributing.

Neal Pionk - Winnipeg Jets

Pionk (or plank, as some heartwarmingly would refer to him as) is another defenseman worth targeting on the waiver wire, especially with Josh Morrissey sidelined. I've talked about Pionk before, and he's now taken over the top powerplay unit quarterback spot while seeing increased minutes and a much bigger role on the Jets' blue line. Morrissey is expected to be out for at least another couple of weeks, giving Pionk a valuable window to take advantage of this opportunity.

While Pionk has only recorded one powerplay point so far, his increased ice time is already helping him deliver in other fantasy categories. He's putting up strong peripherals in shots on goal, hits and blocked shots, making him a useful option even when the points aren't coming. With his expanded role, he's getting the kind of deployment fantasy managers should be watching closely, particularly in leagues that reward peripherals.

The biggest thing to watch is Morrissey's recovery, because Pionk's premium deployment could change once Winnipeg's top defenseman returns. Until then, Pionk is worth a look in leagues where he's still available, and he could be a particularly good fit for banger formats that reward shots, hits and blocks.

Fantasy outlook: Pionk is an appealing short-term add, especially for managers looking for a defenseman who can contribute across multiple categories. The first powerplay unit gives him a chance to add more offensive production, but his value doesn't depend entirely on that happening.

Pyotr Kochetkov - Carolina Hurricanes

I think Carolina has one of the best defensive systems in the league, and now that Kochetkov is back from injury, he's getting an opportunity to play meaningful games and has been successful. He started the season winning all five of his games and the Hurricanes have been making life easier for their goalies by limiting quality scoring chances. Carolina tends to play tight games and keep shots against relatively low, which can limit Kochetkov's save totals but still give him a good chance to pick up wins.

Kochetkov has taken advantage of his opportunity, and his recent run of starts suggests he's earning more trust from the coaching staff. He's been sharp when called upon, and the Hurricanes are a team that should give him plenty of opportunities to collect wins throughout the season. The one thing to watch is how the workload gets split with Brandon Bussi, because Carolina has options in net and Kochetkov will need to keep performing to maintain his share of the starts.

Fantasy outlook: In a default league, I'd be a little wary of Kochetkov because his goals against could hurt you when he's facing a limited number of shots. In more serious fantasy leagues, especially those that reward wins and value goalies who are attached to strong teams, or value volume; he's becoming a must-target. If he's still sitting on your waiver wire, I'd be looking to add him now while he's winning games and building momentum.

Devon Levi - Edmonton Oilers

Under Mike Babcock, the Oilers are playing much better in front of their goaltenders. After a rough start to the season, Edmonton has looked red (Wings) hot under Babs, and Levi has been a big part of that turnaround. Levi is still unproven at the NHL level, and his time in Buffalo was mediocre at best, but he's winning games and giving the Oilers a chance to win every night.

Levi has put together a strong start, posting a 4-1 record with a .898 save percentage through his first five games. He's already shown that he can steal a game, including a 39-save effort against the Kings, and the Oilers are giving him a much better environment to succeed than he had in Buffalo. With Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard in front of him, Levi has plenty of offensive firepower to help bail him out when things get messy.

Fantasy outlook: Levi is worth targeting in deeper fantasy leagues, especially if you're chasing wins and believe he can keep earning Mike Babcock's trust. If he continues to play well, he could see his workload increase and potentially move ahead of Tristan Jarry in the crease. There's still plenty of risk here given Levi's track record and the fact that his .898 save percentage isn't exactly elite, but the opportunity is real, and he's worth a speculative add while the Oilers are winning games.