Waiver Wired: Is Ward back?

It's interesting to think that a couple of weeks ago, Nashville's Filip Forsberg was owned in 40% of Yahoo leagues and I was trumpeting him as an early contender for the Calder Trophy. Now, he's owned in 71% of Yahoo leagues and not only does lead all rookies in scoring, but he also leads the Predators in points as well. Hopefully, everyone jumped on the chance to pick him up when they had the chance. This week's recommendations includes a couple of players returning from injury, a goaltender showing he still has some jump and a collection of players riding hot streaks.

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Derek Stepan (NYR) - C - Owned in 53% of Yahoo leagues

Stepan returned to the lineup on Saturday night after missing the first 12 games of the year with a fractured fibula. He displayed some rustiness in the contest, which isn't surprising, but he still managed to pick up an assist and one shot in 17:26 of ice time. Stepan centered a line with Mats Zuccarello and Chris Kreider in the match. Playing alongside Rick Nash at some point will probably come too. Pick him up if he's available as his ownership percentage is sure to skyrocket shortly.

Cam Ward (CAR) - G - Owned in 27% of Yahoo leagues

Ward has improved tremendously from his early season struggles and he's won four straight games in Carolina's crease. He has certainly benefited from playing teams like Arizona and Columbus in three of his past four outings, but he also played well against Los Angeles. He has allowed just two goals in each of his past three appearances and he pitched a 25-save shutout versus the Coyotes to open November. Ward still has an ugly .894 save percentage and his 2.72 goals-against average isn't flattering either, but his confidence is rising and his hot hand should benefit fantasy owners looking for a depth move in goal. At the very least, he makes for an intriguing short-term pickup.

Boone Jenner (CBJ) - C, LW - Owned in 6% of Yahoo leagues

Jenner got back in the fold for Columbus earlier this week and he has skated in three games. He made his debut on the third line, but in his past two contests he has been playing in the middle of Scott Hartnell and Cam Atkinson on the second unit. Jenner has registered two assists, nine shots and a whopping 15 hits thus far. He has excellent potential as a power forward and his ability to play center or the wing makes him a player of interest for present and the future.

Jori Lehtera (STL) - C - Owned in 14% of Yahoo leagues

Lehtera has enjoyed a successful introduction to the NHL as a member of the St. Louis Blues. He has produced three goals and 11 points in 13 games, while seeing the majority of his ice time alongside Vladimir Tarasenko, who is blossoming as an elite talent this season. Lehtera has one goal and four helpers during a four-game point streak. He's also been impressive in the faceoff circle with a 54.6 winning percentage on 195 total draws.

Carl Soderberg (BOS) - C, LW - Owned in 33% of Yahoo leagues

David Krejci has been injured and Patrice Bergeron has been sluggish at the start of the 2014-15 campaign, but Carl Soderberg deserves credit for his productive display thus far. He leads the Bruins with eight assists and 12 points and he sits second on the club with five goals. Soderberg is also tied for first on the team with four power-play points. He has been the team's most consistent threat, aside from a healthy Krejci, as he's done it while playing primarily on the third line.

Cody Franson (TOR) - D - Owned in 23% of Yahoo leagues

Franson took a step back in 2013-14 after an impressive lockout-shortened season. This campaign, he appears to be back on track and his ice time has increased as a result. Franson has collected two goals and five assists in 12 contests. He has chipped in four of those points with the man advantage, where he plays on the top power-play unit. Franson has also been very good in real-time stats with 34 hits and 22 blocks. He finished second in the league last year with 282 hits in 79 games.

Jiri Hudler (CGY) - LW, RW - Owned in 27% of Yahoo leagues

Hudler began the season strong with two goals and two assists in his first three contests before he failed to record a point in four straight games. He has generated three markers and six helpers in eight matches since. Calgary has been led in scoring by defensemen Mark Giordano and T.J. Brodie, but Hudler is the club's leading point producer among the forward group. It would be preferable to see his shot total (19) increase, but he still makes for a good addition. He had hot and cold spells last season as well before concluding the year with 54 points in 75 appearances. If his current pace continues then he could be in store for a 60-70 point campaign.

Sean Monahan (CGY) - C - Owned in 24% of Yahoo leagues

The sophomore forward has bounced back from a slow start, notching six goals and three assists in his past eight contests. Monahan has especially been hot of late with a five-game point streak. He leads the Flames with 43 shots on goal and has generated four points on the power play. The 20-year-old center should be able to easily surpass the 22 goals and 34 points he scored last season.

Elias Lindholm (CAR) - C, RW - Owned in 6% of Yahoo leagues

The 19-year-old Swede has caught fire after collecting one assist in his opening eight matches. He has put together a five-game point streak, with five goals and two assists during that span. Lindholm has potted the game-winning goal in three of those outings, which ties him for the most in the league going into Sunday's action. He's getting chances on the power play as well, where he's averaged 2:53 of ice time per game. Lindholm is more valuable in keeper leagues right now, but his hot play should grant him a place on the roster of fantasy GMs in standard formats.

Marcus Johansson (WSH) - C, LW - Owned in 10% of Yahoo leagues

Johansson has typically ran shotgun alongside Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin during his time in Washington, but that has changed this season. He's been skating with Troy Brouwer and rookie Andre Burakovsky recently and he's been clicking with them. Johansson had his four-game point streak (three goals, three assists) snapped on Saturday. He also still gets valuable minutes on Washington's potent power play, where he's earned three points. If you decide to add Johansson then be prepared to drop him when he completely cools off, as he isn't a stranger to point and goal droughts.