NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Players to Target - Wednesday, Jan. 17

Casey Mittelstadt, C, BUF vs. CHI (28% rostered)

It's actually kind of amazing that the entire fantasy community has slept on this guy all season. He scored three points in a 3-0 win against the Sharks despite starting the game on L1 with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch only to see Don Granato put his lines in the blender midway through the game. No matter where Mittelstadt lines up, he's been a consistent source of points. This is the second straight matchup against a weak defensive team and the Sabres are carrying a lot of positive momentum into this matchup. 

Editors' note: This game has been postponed to Thursday, Jan. 18. 

Sam Bennett, C, FLA vs. DET (19% rostered)

Be quick to pounce on Bennett if Barkov is unavailable. Bennet's their No. 2 center and coming off a two-goal game against the Ducks. His scoring pace has dipped a little this season, likely due to various injuries, but at the very least will offer up a diet of shots and faceoff wins. 

Daniel Sprong, RW, DET at FLA (12% rostered)

With Patrick Kane likely unavailable after he was hurt in their previous game, Sprong has moved up to Alex DeBrincat's line with J.T. Compher at center. Sprong played 14:20 in the game Kane was hurt, his highest total since Dec. 27.

With a promotion, look for his minutes to increase. Though Joe Veleno skated a few shifts with Compher and DeBrincat, he finished with zero points in 13:34 TOI and he's expected to center the fourth line. 

Michael McLeod, C, NJ vs. MTL (9% rostered)

He's not the first name that comes to mind among players who move up the depth chart, but note McLeod averaged 18 minutes in his past four games. He obviously doesn't have the same upside as a traditional top-six center, but he's very capable in a pinch. 

Flanked by Tyler Toffoli and Jesper Bratt, McLeod's been put in a good position to score. The only drawback is he doesn't get any power-play time. 

Andrew Copp, C, DET at FLA (5% rostered)

Copp is on fire with a four-game points streak. He's a boom-or-bust play because his primary role is not generating offense, and if Aleksander Barkov does not play, the Wings will have a distinct edge at center.