The fantasy hockey playoffs are here. This is what you’ve all been waiting for. It’s time to separate the men from the boys so to speak.

The NHL trade deadline has come and gone, and with that, our understanding of shifting player roles has increased. Instead of speculating as to how players will adapt in their new colors, we have a sample, albeit small in size, to pick from and analyze.

If you are still in the running for league champion, it’s vital to procure some depth for your playoff-bound fantasy team. Waiver pick-ups are even more important in the postseason because your competition is tougher. Being quick to add talent to your team will take away from your opponent’s team.

Savvy waiver wire utilization can make the difference between winning the series, or getting the golf clubs ready for the offseason. In the first playoff edition of waiver wire adds, we’ll be striving to add talent to your already established teams.

2019 Fantasy Hockey Week 21 Waiver Wire

Click here to read the Fantasy Hockey Week 21 Planner

KEVIN HAYES SCORES HIS FIRST AS A JET INTO THE EMPTY NET TO SEAL IT!#GoJetsGo pic.twitter.com/DRwFFN0AbG — Hockey Daily (@HockeyDaily365) March 2, 2019

Kevin Hayes being shipped from the New York Rangers to the Winnipeg Jets might be a blessing in disguise for the physical forward. While Hayes was a focal point of the Rangers’ offense, new scenery and a being part of a Stanley Cup contender should positively impact his fantasy value.

Part of the intrigue surrounding Hayes is his role, playing on the second line alongside two potent scorers in Kyle Connor and Nikolaj Ehlers. In just his second game as a Jet, Hayes scored a goal on three shots while adding two assists. His line combined for five points and 14 SOG.

At 45 points the 6’5 power-forward is already experiencing a career year, in which he is a shoo-in to eclipse his career-high point total of 49. Despite playing a significant role on Broadway, the talent surrounding Hayes is what makes the Dorchester native an attractive option for fantasy owners.

David Krejci, C, Boston Bruin (35% Owned)

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Boston is a perennial cup contender in the East because of their physical prowess and high-powered offensive capability. Part of Boston’s overlooked success can be credited to their elite special-teams efficiency. At a staggering 26.8%, Boston’s power play percentage in second best in the NHL, falling short only to the Tampa Bay Lightning at 28.9%.

David Krejci is not only getting time on the power play but is usually slated beside superstars Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand to account for the top unit. This alone makes Krejci worth owning in all formats. The Czech forward has accumulated a total of 55 points on the year, 14 coming from the power play.

Krejci is a sneakily proficient point producer, scoring 15 goals and 40 assists on the year. In the past 10 games, the two-way forward has three goals, nine assists, a +4 rating and 22 SOG. For leagues that count face-off wins, his production is decent, averaging 6.8 FW’s per game.

His offensive production, paired with minutes on special teams make him one of this year’s best kept secrets in fantasy hockey.

Jakub Vrana, LW, Washington Capitals (19% Owned)

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Jakub Vrana has been having the best season of his career, with 19 goals and 21 assists totaling a career-high 40 points. Vrana also ranks second on the Capitals with a +19 rating for the season. Part of his recent success can be attributed to his promotion to the second line where he plays alongside veteran winger T.J. Oshie and one of the leagues’ pinnacle passers, Nicklas Backstrom. While his point totals aren’t riveting, there is great upside to playing with Oshie and Backstrom.

The former 13th overall pick in the 2014 draft has been an effective player for the Washington Capitals as of late. Vrana has scored three goals and eight assists for 11 points in the last 13 games. This has been the most efficient stretch of the season for the young Czech, partly due to his role on the second line. Seeing time on the power play has also helped the speedy winger score three power play points in his last six outings.

As long as Vrana stays with Oshie and Backstrom, he can become one of the best fantasy options for owners looking to bolster production down the stretch.

Jared McCann, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (1% Owned)

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With the Penguins infected with the injury bug, Jared McCann has found himself on the top line in Pittsburgh. Bryan Rust, who was playing on the premiere line with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel, is currently out of the line-up with a lower-body injury. This gives fantasy owners an opportunity to buy-in at the ground floor with McCann.

While McCann won’t see power play minutes, he will be playing on the top line with one of the best players in the world. In the last game against the Canadiens, the Stratford-born forward notched a goal and assist while playing with Sid. He also produced a +4 rating in the outing. Anyone who straps on skates and plays with Crosby is bound to score points, which makes McCann a viable option for fantasy owners.

McCann has 14 goals and 11 assists this season for a total of 25 points.

Be aware that McCann’s value is directly linked to his time on the top line. If Rust comes back from injury, or McCann is replaced on the first line, he will certainly lose his value in fantasy leagues.