Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey Podcast · Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey

Must Add Players for Week 16! Best Schedules & Waiver Wire Targets

·1 hr 18 min·7 clips

Nate Grutten reveals how to win in week 16 with the Xergy Draft Strategy.

This episode of the Apples & Ginos Fantasy Hockey Podcast provides actionable waiver wire advice for Week 16 of the fantasy hockey season. Hosts Nate Grotten, creator of the Xergy Draft Strategy, and Blake Creamer analyze player schedules and injuries to identify key acquisitions. They focus on helping managers secure a playoff spot or improve their championship odds. The hosts specifically highlight the favorable four-game schedules for the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils. They recommend targeting Devils forward Ondrej Palat, who is seeing top-line deployment with Jack Hughes. Carolina's Seth Jarvis is mentioned as a prime add due to his role on a potent power-play unit. The discussion covers injury replacements, including options for managers missing stars like Elias Pettersson or Tage Thompson. Nate and Blake debate the sustainability of hot streaks from players like Arizona's Clayton Keller. They analyze deployment changes, such as a player being moved to a line with Connor McDavid, which dramatically increases fantasy value. The hosts provide specific roster percentage thresholds from fantasy platforms to identify widely available targets. They emphasize prioritizing schedule volume over name value for the upcoming week. A surprising claim is that some highly-touted recent call-ups may not offer immediate fantasy relevance despite hype. The most interesting insight involves a detailed breakdown of which specific category stats—like hits or blocked shots—a recommended defenseman contributes. A memorable moment is their shared frustration over the high volume of star player injuries impacting fantasy leagues. The tone is urgent and strategically focused, mirroring the critical late-season push for fantasy managers. The style is conversational and direct, with both hosts offering clear, competing opinions on player valuations. Fantasy hockey managers in redraft leagues needing a weekly edge will love this episode's targeted advice. Listeners in deep dynasty formats or those not in playoff contention might find the week-specific targets less applicable.

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