This week’s waiver wire report highlights several players to target for fantasy leagues. Jackson Blake of the Carolina Hurricanes, currently available in 99.5% of leagues, has seen a surge in value following the acquisition of Mikko Rantanen, allowing him to join a potent line with Sebastian Aho. Jonathan Drouin, now on a line with Nathan MacKinnon after a trade, provides job security and power-play opportunities. Morgan Geekie is making waves with the Bruins, scoring six goals in seven games after moving to the top line. Meanwhile, Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks is also on the rise following a goal streak.

On defense, Tony DeAngelo and Alexander Romanov from the New York Islanders are worth considering due to their increasing roles in the wake of injuries. In goal, Jake Allen steps up as the starter for the New Jersey Devils after Jacob Markstrom's injury. Cam Talbot continues to show potential with the Detroit Red Wings. Short-term streaming options include Chandler Stephenson and Brock Nelson, who have favorable matchups coming up.

The Colorado Avalanche showcased a dominant performance against the Dallas Stars, winning 6-3. Artturi Lehkonen starred with two goals and two assists, while Cale Makar netted two goals, including his 100th career goal. Jonathan Drouin and Casey Mittelstadt contributed significantly with a goal and two assists each. The Avalanche improved to 10-3-1 in their last 14 games, tying for third in the Central Division.

For the Stars, Jason Robertson shone with two goals and an assist. Despite a strong start with Matt Duchene scoring first, they struggled to keep pace and suffered their third loss in four games. A crucial moment occurred when a Dallas goal was overturned, allowing Colorado's Drouin to extend the lead late in the second period.

The Colorado Avalanche secured a decisive 6-3 victory over the Dallas Stars, buoyed by standout performances from Artturi Lehkonen and Cale Makar. Lehkonen netted two goals and provided two assists, while Makar achieved a milestone with his 100th career goal, becoming one of the fastest defensemen in NHL history to do so.

Other Avalanche contributors included Jonathan Drouin and Casey Mittelstadt, who both registered a goal and two assists, further enhancing Colorado's offense. The game's momentum shifted when Dallas had a potential goal overturned due to an offside call, allowing Colorado to pull ahead decisively.

In the latest updates from the NHL, several teams are dealing with injury concerns as they prepare for upcoming games. The Chicago Blackhawks will have forward Taylor Hall back in the lineup, while Craig Smith is listed as day-to-day due to a back injury.

The Colorado Avalanche welcomed Jonathan Drouin back from an upper-body injury, while the Montreal Canadiens reported that David Savard and Patrik Laine are not traveling with the team due to injuries and illness, respectively.

In Nashville, the Predators are missing Luke Evangelista for four weeks, alongside Jeremy Lauzon and Adam Wilsby, both on the IR. The New York Islanders are hopeful that Semyon Varlamov and Isaiah George will return to practice soon, but Hudson Fasching is sidelined for two weeks. The New York Rangers saw Igor Shesterkin return after an injury absence.

Further updates include Ottawa's Noah Gregor being out with a lower-body injury, Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin missing another game due to an upper-body injury, and San Jose's Fabian Zetterlund as a game-time decision. The Winnipeg Jets anticipate the return of Dylan Samberg and Josh Morrissey for their next matchup.