Welcome back to another season of Fantasy hockey! It may still be preseason, but we’re ready to start feeding you waiver wire picks, and as always, we only recommend players that are most likely available on your wire (owned in 50 per cent or fewer leagues at ESPN and 55 per cent or fewer at CBS).

This week, the Blue Jackets held a tribute for the late Johnny Gaudreau; Skyler Brind’Amour played his first NHL game… coached by his dad; and Winnipeg rewarded Cole Perfetti with a new two-year, $6.5-million deal.

And now, let’s get to the season’s first batch of…

Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Picks

Ty Emberson, D, Edmonton Oilers (ESPN: 0.3; CBS: 32 per cent): Could Edmonton have again struck gold here? Traded to the Oilers this summer, Emberson is on the cusp of breaking out, and could conceivably see PP time. He managed to record 10 points in just 30 games as a rookie for the Sharks last season and did get a bit of a look on the man advantage. It’s been a long road to get to the NHL for Emberson, originally a third round pick in 2018 by Arizona, but now that he’s arrived, do not sleep on him… but DO keep him away from Nathan MacKinnon (see video below).

Yakov Trenin, C/RW, Minnesota Wild (ESPN: 0.1 per cent; CBS: 2 per cent): Trenin, a double-digit goal scorer for the third straight season in 2023-24, could get bumped up the lineup early with Matt Boldy (LBI) possibly sidelined to begin the season. Trenin’s expected goal total last season suggests he was a bit unlucky, so perhaps he can get back to where he was in 2021-22, especially if he gets some top six time.

Simon Nemec, D, New Jersey Devils (ESPN: 2.2 per cent; CBS: 37 per cent): The second overall pick from 2022 enjoyed a strong rookie effort and will benefit with Luke Hughes out, perhaps seeing PP2 time to begin the season.

Boone Jenner, C/LW, Columbus Blue Jackets (ESPN: 48 per cent; CBS: 36 per cent): Jenner caught our eye midway through the 2021-22 season when it seemed he was on track for a career best in goals. Well, he stumbled in the second half, but has bounced back since, scoring 26 in 2022-23 and then 22 in just 58 games last season. And as unfortunate as the loss of Gaudreau was, the reality is that it does present an opportunity for Jenner to play on the top line and PP1, so perhaps another run at 30 goals is coming.

Bobby McMann, C/RW, Toronto Maple Leafs (ESPN: 0.7 per cent; CBS: 2 per cent): McMann had an impressive rookie season interrupted by a knee woe, but is healthy now and with Calle Jarnkrok already hurting (again), he could see top six/PP2 time to begin the campaign. McMann can put the puck in the net, so if he gets to play with more talented linemates, look out.

Matthew Poitras, C, Boston Bruins (ESPN: 1.2 per cent; CBS: 10 per cent): Poitras showed a nice offensive touch as a rookie, so is a sleeper regardless, but if Elias Lindholm misses time early on, he should get top six role and perhaps some PP1 time. The fact that Poitras is playing on the top line during exhibition play speaks volumes, so listen.

Logan O’Connor, RW, Colorado Avalanche (ESPN: 1.3 per cent; CBS: 6 per cent): Colorado obviously thinks highly of O’Connor, just locking him up to a six-year extension. The middle six forward potted a career-best in goals and would have shattered his high in points had he not missed 25 games. There’s not a ton of upside here, but O’Connor could reach 40 points or more if he stays healthy this season.

Anton Lundell, C, Florida Panthers (ESPN: 3.3 per cent; CBS: 18 per cent): Over two and a half years ago, Lundell headlined our waiver wire picks based on a strong rookie season that saw him spend some time in the top six. He cooled off somewhat in the second half before regressing in his sophomore season. Lundell had a very similar effort last season, but he’s not yet 23 and is heading into his fourth campaign, one in which he’s expected to get PP2 time and is poised for a breakout. Yes, he’s currently dealing with a minor LBI, but we’re fully expecting him to pot 40 or more points this season.

Brandt Clarke, D, Los Angeles Kings (ESPN: 2.8 per cent; CBS: 40 per cent): This edition of the Troll is loaded with breakout candidates, including Clarke, who has the skills to become an elite offensive defenseman. For the last two seasons, he’s struggled to stick in the NHL, but really, given that he’s still just 21, the Kings wisely let him develop slowly. Finally ready for a full-time gig, Clarke is expected to begin the season on the third pair, but will be a key component of the second power play unit, and with news that Drew Doughty has a broken ankle, there’s a golden opportunity for the youngster to step up.

Will Cuylle, LW, New York Rangers (ESPN: 0.5 per cent; CBS: 1 per cent): Cuylle is another youngster coming off a solid rookie effort who is poised to take a step forward, and if Artemi Panarin‘s LBI lingers into the season, it will open a huge door for top six PT for the physical youngster. For what it’s worth, the Breadman says he’s fine, but what else would he say given that it’s the preseason?

RotoRob Tune of the Day

New York City alt rock band Spin Doctors have been active since 1988, save a two-year break at the end of the millennium. In 1991, they released their debut album, Pocket Full of Kryptonite, featuring the song “Refrigerator Car.”