With fantasy hockey playoffs on the horizon, it’s make-or-break for many fantasy owners. Scouting the waiver wire for new blood is always a good way to revitalize a struggling squad.

In this week’s rendition of the 2019-20 Fantasy Hockey Week 17 Waiver Wire, we’ll look at some of the NHL’s top newcomers to help owners lock down a coveted playoff position.

By analyzing the best rookies available on the wire, we’ll offer our picks for fantasy-viable players, but also options for keeper leagues going forward.

2019-20 Fantasy Hockey Week 17 Waiver Wire

Kirby Dach, C, Chicago Blackhawks (3% Owned)

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Kirby Dach was the third-overall pick in the 2019 draft, behind Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko. The Blackhawks brass saw his potential as a player that could immediately impact the game at the NHL level. Dach has been given more responsibility within the Hawks’ roster, playing top-line minutes alongside Brandon Saad and Patrick Kane.

Kane is a perennial powerhouse in fantasy hockey and has been extremely productive for over a month. The last time Kane didn’t score a point in a game was in December of 2019. When Kane gets hot, he makes players around him better. Dach’s exposure to Kane alone warrants a waiver pickup.

This Kirby Dach (@kdach77) fellow is good at hockey. pic.twitter.com/5DC2fQLez6 — NHL (@NHL) December 7, 2019

Dach is a pass-first centerman, which bodes well for his production between two skilled scorers. The Alberta native hasn’t produced show-stopping numbers so far in his NHL career with seven goals and eight assists thus far. He has, however, rose to the occasion when given the opportunity.

In his last three games, Dach has scored a goal and added a trio of assists. As long as he continues to see time on Chicago’s top-scoring unit, Dach should be given a chance in deeper leagues.

Igor Shesterkin, G, New York Rangers (18% Owned)

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King Henrik’s reign over the Big Apple Blueshirts seems to be coming to an end. He’s struggled mightily throughout the season, and as of late, has been the odd-man in the crowded crease more times than not. Joining him in between the pipes has been Alexandar Georgiev and rookie netminder Igor Shesterkin.

While Georgiev’s name has frequently been tossed around in trade talks, Shesterkin seems to have cemented his future for the fledgling New York Rangers.

In Shesterkin’s four games as a Ranger, he has posted a 3-1-0 record, with a 2.51 goals against average and a .927 save percentage. With the future looking positive for the 24-year-old, fantasy owners should value Shesterkin as a high-upside play for the remainder of the fantasy season. He also provides a solid option in keeper leagues, as Henrik Lundqvist’s clock continues to run out.

Nick Suzuki, C/RW, Montreal Canadiens (20% Owned)

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Nick Suzuki is another rookie who has come out of the woodwork to provide viable fantasy numbers this season. Currently riding a four-game point streak, Suzuki continues to climb the rookie point rankings, sliding into fourth place with 33 points.

Give it to Nick Suzuki (@nsuzuki_37) and just watch him go. 😯 pic.twitter.com/Iw3wLeX6tB — NHL (@NHL) February 1, 2020

In his last four games played, the second pick in the history of the Los Vegas Golden Knights organization has finally hit his stride. Playing on the top line and second power-play unit for the Canadiens, Suzuki has been on fire, scoring a goal and adding five helpers. During this span of four games, he has also contributed nine shots on goal as well as 28 face-off wins.

The talented center from London, Ontario has been gelling well with veteran linemates Ilya Kovalchuk and Joel Armia and is deserving of a waiver pickup in most leagues. Also, with his 10 goals and 23 assists, look for Suzuki to throw his hat in the ring for rookie of the year honors.

Adam Fox, D, New York Rangers (42% Owned)

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Adam Fox is yet another newcomer who has dazzled this season. The Rangers defeseman has gone under the radar due to the hype surrounding Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. Quietly, Fox has put together a solid year for New York and is currently ranked sixth in rookie scoring.

Fox is a top-line defensive contributor for the Rangers at even strength and sees minutes on the second power-play unit. In 51 games played, Fox has scored six goals while adding 23 assists. Fox’s offensive talents have shone while on the PP, with 13 of his 29 points coming on the man advantage.

In the past four games, Fox has added three assists— two of which came on the powerplay.

The 66th-overall pick of the 2016 draft has also shown his ability to get the puck to the net. His 89 shots on goal ranks second behind Quinn Hughes out of rookie D-men. On the other end of the ice, Fox averages north of a blocked shot per game, totaling 60 on the season.

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While he lacks the critical acclaim of Hughes and Makar, Fox is the next best rookie blueliner from a fantasy perspective. Owners should look to claim the 21-year-old before his stock continues to rise.

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