Fantasy - WireTap: 3 players to watch on the wire

Every Sunday, we examine 3 players you should consider picking up from the waiver wire in your pool.

While the hockey world sits in waiting for a bevy of trades prior to Monday's NHL deadline, fantasy managers can scour the wire with a view to adding key pieces via free agency.

Here are three players to consider picking up this week:

Senators F Mike Hoffman: 23 G, 16 A, +23, 137 SOG

Owned in 26 percent of Yahoo leagues

Adding a potential 30-goal scorer to your fantasy roster for nothing would seem unimaginable at this point in the season, but that's precisely the opportunity presenting itself with Ottawa Senators forward Mike Hoffman.

The 25-year-old - who leads the club in goals - is averaging over a point per game in February, scoring six goals and adding seven assists in 12 games. 

And while Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg is being hyped as this year's Calder Trophy frontrunner, Hoffman is outproducing him at even strength.

While Forsberg is available in only 10 percent of Yahoo leagues, Hoffman - the 21st ranked skater over the past 14 days - is there for the taking in 74 percent of all leagues.

G Andrew Hammond: 5-0-0, 1.31 GAA, .957 Sv%

Owned in 24 percent of Yahoo leagues

Keeping with Ottawa, Andrew Hammond's tires were pumped in this space last week, and all he did over the past week was guide the Senators to a California sweep for the first time in franchise history. Hammond allowed just two goals in three games during that span, with two shutouts to his credit.

With Craig Anderson and Robin Lehner still dealing with injuries, head coach Dave Cameron is likely to ride the hot hand for the time being, meaning Hammond remains a decent plug and play option.

The Senators have a four-game week on tap, and Hammond may be good for a few more quality starts before the regulars return and/or regression sets in.

Blackhawks D Kimmo Timonen: 0 G, 0 A, even, 0 SOG

Owned in 6 percent of Yahoo leagues

The Chicago Blackhawks gambled by sending a pair of draft picks to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Kimmo Timonen, reminding fantasy managers that a top-flight defenseman is available in the majority of leagues.

Fully recovered from a scary diagnosis of blood clots, the veteran is hungry to be part of a contending team, and should be well positioned to succeed on the Blackhawks blue line.

For his career, Timonen has averaged 0.52 points per game, and is a proven power-play contributor. While he may be a tad rusty after having not played all season, the price paid by the Blackhawks suggests they believe he can and will thrive in their system.

Pick him up as a fourth or fifth defenseman, and reap the benefits down the stretch.