DailyFaceoff Fantasy Minute: 12/17/24

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Welcome to the DailyFaceoff Fantasy Minute for Tuesday, December 17th.

Let’s look at some of the best waiver wire options at forward, defence and goalie.

Bryan Rust (PIT – RW) – 36%

Rust has been on an absolute heater over the last couple of weeks. The veteran winger has scored seven goals with five assists (12 points) in his previous nine games. Rust should have no issues continuing his strong production, either. He’s shooting the puck a ton, averaging 3.3 SOG/gm during that stretch, and playing 19:26 TOI/gm. However, what’s most impressive is how dominant the lines of Rust, Sidney Crosby, and Rickard Rakell have been. Of the 56 lines that have played at least 120 5v5 TOI together, PIT1 has the highest Expected Goals For/60 (4.3). Additionally, they’ve shot just 7.5 percent together, so there’s a chance the production from that trio improves moving forward.

Alex Vlasic (CHI – D) – 19%

Vlasic should be rostered as long as Seth Jones is sidelined. Since Jones was hurt, Vlasic has posted nine points (2G / 7A), including six PPP, while averaging 2.3 SOG/gm and 24:19 TOI/gm. Jones has been skating recently, so he’s close to a return, but there’s a chance Vlasic retains his value even when Jones is back. Before the Jones injury, the Blackhawks’ PP was operating at 20.4 percent; since then, they’re at 29.0 percent, the sixth-best mark in the league during that stretch. If Vlasic can maintain his PP1 status, he will have a season-long value.

Karel Vejmelka (UTA – G) – 28%

Vejmelka had a tough start to the season, but he’s been excellent in the last two months, going 6-4-2 with a 2.30 GAA, .919 SV% and +10.0 GSAx. With Connor Ingram still sidelined, Vejmelka remains the No.1 in Utah. They’re not the best defensive team in the league, so you’ll still have to be picky with his matchups, but he’s a great option as a third fantasy goalie. He’s got some decent matchups coming up as well: vs. Vancouver (Wednesday), @ Minnesota (Friday), and vs. Anaheim (Sunday). All three teams rank in the bottom half of the league in All Situations Expected Goals For/60 this season.