Sport: NHL

Welcome to the final edition of our buy low/sell high recommendations before the 2026 Olympics kickoff next week, and there’s plenty of talent that fantasy hockey managers should consider acquiring or offloading as the playoffs approach. Additionally, fantasy owners should capitalize on making these moves before most of their opponents get in on the action during the pause on the season.

More Fantasy Hockey Analysis: | Goalie Streamers | NHL Usage Trends | Buy-Low, Sell-High | NHL Schedule Preview | Fantasy Hockey Cold List | Prospect Report | NHL Injury Report | Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire

Fantasy Hockey Buy Low
William Nylander – Toronto Maple Leafs

William Nylander has struggled to stay healthy this season, but when he’s been on the ice, he’s been nothing but impressive. Despite the Toronto Maple Leafs’ struggles, Nylander has been the most consistent offensive producer on the team, being a reliable asset for goals and power-play points for managers. Nylander can currently be purchased at a lower price with managers anxious about his health, and if he manages to avoid injury when he comes back, he can be a game-changer come playoff time.

Erik Karlsson – Pittsburgh Penguins

Before getting injured earlier this month, Erik Karlsson was on fire for the Pittsburgh Penguins, having scored 7 points in 6 games. Since returning to the ice, Karlsson has yet to record a point, but he’s a defenseman who can be bought at a low price if managers target him before he starts to produce again. Although the 35-year-old can be unreliable when it comes to plus/minus, he can be a useful asset on Pittsburgh’s power-play, and should help fantasy owners who struggle to find offence on the back end.

Fantasy Hockey Sell High
Dougie Hamilton – New Jersey Devils

Dougie Hamilton had arguably been a droppable player for most of the season, but he’s put together his best stretch of games as of late. Throughout January, Hamilton has logged 12 points and has started to contribute to the New Jersey Devils’ power play. However, Hamilton has proven too many times that he can’t be relied upon to produce for an extended period of time or stay healthy on a consistent basis. For those who currently roster Hamilton, it is best to trade him ahead of the Olympic break in case his production tapers off when the season resumes.

Brandon Bussi – Carolina Hurricanes

Brandon Bussi has performed well since being given the starting goaltending role for the Carolina Hurricanes after Pyotr Kochetkov suffered a long-term injury, but his ability to win games has inflated his fantasy value. The Hurricanes lead the league for the fewest shots against per game, meaning if Bussi lets in just a couple of goals, his save percentage instantly drops. Just this month, Bussi recorded 3 wins where he faced 20 shots or fewer, which negatively affected his numbers in the crease. Although it can be tempting to keep a goalie who plays on a strong team, an insufficient amount of saves or a weak save percentage can be the difference between winning or losing a week this deep into the season.

The Olympic break will likely act as the decision period for managers as they determine whether to buy or sell going forward, but owners should get ahead of the curve by making moves before the three-week pause. Make sure to return after the international competition for more fantasy hockey advice.

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