Trenin’s expected goal total last season suggests he was a bit unlucky, so perhaps he can get back to where he was in 2021-22, especially if he gets some top six time.

Employing the wire can provide value in tons of ways. Sometimes, it offers a temporary fix for an injury issue or it’s simply a case of jumping on a hot player for the short term. But when you pick up a player and he sticks on your team for the entire season — or even most of it — and contributes throughout, that is the true definition of waiver wire gold.

As mentioned above, Hughes’ season is done, and Bowers has taken his place on the top line, making him an intriguing late-season flier. A 2017 first round pick, Bowers has yet to post a point through five games this season, but he’s starting to see more PT and generate shots, so the production should come. He did flash some offensive potential in the AHL this season with nine goals in 40 games.

We’re back to give him more love as he snapped a mini slump on Wednesday with a four-point showing that included one goal. Pinto has logged nine helpers this month and averaged nearly a point per game to reach 25 points in just 31 games since returning from his suspension. He’s more of a shooter than a distributor, but this week’s three-assist effort proves he is quite capable in that regard. The Sens may not be playoff bound this season, but watching Pinto’s improved play down the stretch is a bright spot.