Scanning the waiver wire is just as much an art as it is a science.

Looking strictly at the numbers doesn’t paint the full picture of a player’s propensity to produce. Often, there is more to the story than what shows up on the stat sheet. At the same time, completely disregarding statistics also means turning a blind eye to upcoming trends.

With the 2019-20 Fantasy Hockey Week 14 Waiver Wire, we’ll try to find common ground between the eye test and analytics in order to provide context to these important statistical trends.

2019-20 Fantasy Hockey Week 14 Waiver Wire

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Marcus Johansson, C/LW, Buffalo Sabres (4% Owned)

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With front runner for the rookie of the year, Victor Olofsson, out with a lower-body injury, Marcus Johansson becomes fantasy viable. The Sabres will be without their young offensive gem for up to six weeks, giving Johansson an opportunity to step up. Now the Swedish centerman is making his minutes count on the second line.

He’s currently on a four-game point streak, scoring a goal and notching five assists during the streak. Johansson is also serving time on Buffalo’s top power-play unit alongside of elite scorer Jack Eichel. In Buffalo’s last game versus the Florida Panthers, Johansson registered an assist on the man advantage.

Johansson has shown his nose for the net in years past. While playing for the Capitals during the 2016-17 season he primarily received top-6 minutes. Playing alongside talented players like Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, he racked up 58 points.

Olofsson played a pivotal role in the Sabres’ offense, and while he’s out, fantasy owners should be mindful of Johansson’s expanded role. He’s worth picking up in deeper leagues because of his new-found role on the power play but has also proven he can produce at even strength, registering five points in the last four games at 5-on-5.

He’s worth taking as a flyer because the talent around him largely increases his upside.

Sami Vatanen, D, New Jersey Devils (24% Owned)

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After the New Jersey Devils shipped reigning Hart Trophy recipient, Taylor Hall, to Arizona, it became clear they were tanking. At the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, New Jersey is in full rebuild mode.

Sami Vatanen seemingly hasn’t gotten the memo.

The 28-year-old defenseman has been hot lately, scoring points in six of the last seven games. During this span, the Finnish blueliner accumulated a staggering eight assists, four of which came via the man advantage.

With his recent offensive barrage over the past several games, he’s now up to 22 points in 37 games played. He leads the Devils in assists while ranking second in power-play points.

The right-handed D-man is currently in a contract year, and while New Jersey is tanking, he has shown he has no intention to do so. Because his contract is coming to an end, he’ll be a prime rental candidate should a cup contender look to bolster their blueline.

Either way, he’s worth picking up as he’s been devilishly hot as of late.

Elvis Merzlikins, G, Columbus Blue Jackets (30% Owned)

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With Joonas Korpisalo recently undergoing knee surgery, Elvis Merzlikins has become the number-one goaltender in Columbus for the next four-to-six weeks.

Elvis has left the building as the victor in three of his last four starts. He’s posted a 1.76 goals-against average and a healthy .946 save percentage over this span.

The Blue Jackets have been one of the hottest teams recently, posting a 7-1-2 record over their last ten outings. If Columbus can provide solid goal support for their newly acclaimed backstop, Merzlikins can quickly become one of the best goalie plays in fantasy.

The former third-round pick should see the bulk of action going forward, making him a must-own for fantasy owners.

Click here to read the Fantasy Hockey Week 14 Planner!