Forwards are usually the position that is changing the most on your fantasy hockey team each week. So many players go on hot streaks and other fringe roster players get cold and you move on. Whether you are constantly rotating through who is doing well or you are just looking for a streamer for the week, these are three of the top options that should be available in the majority of leagues that will contribute to your success.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Forwards to Consider for Week 5
Ryan Donato, Chicago Blackhawks
Ryan Donato has started the season as arguably the Chicago Blackhawks’ most impressive player. Not only has he not played as many games as most of his teammates, he is leading the team in goals (7) and second on the team in points (9) in 11 games. This is all while averaging 13 minutes per game and he has been moving all around the lineup.
Donato just recently got moved up to the first line to play with Connor Bedard and Philipp Kurashev. This is the best thing for him as his linemates played great together last season and Bedard is the best player on the team. Not only did Donato get the boost at 5-on-5, but he was also placed on the top power-play unit, so his value rises further. None of his points have been on the power play yet, so expect his production to improve on top of playing top minutes. As for games, the Blackhawks play three times. These come against the Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, and Minnesota Wild.
Nino Niederreiter, Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets have been the most impressive team in the NHL and production has come throughout the lineup. Nino Niederreiter is playing on the third line, but that hasn’t stopped him from scoring five goals and recording 10 points in 12 games. His line has very good chemistry and the second power-play unit, which he is on, has been very effective. He has chipped in on three power-play goals so far.
Whether it’s +/-, hits, or shots, Niederreiter has got you covered. He is an effective all-around player that does go quiet sometimes in the points department, but will still continue to shoot and hit on a good team.
Dylan Strome, Washington Capitals
Dylan Strome is an assist machine and has started the season by recording at least one assist in every game but two. Through 11 games, he has four goals and 17 points. Three have come on the man advantage. He is playing on the top line with Alex Ovechkin who is red-hot in the goal department, so the assists for Strome aren’t going to slow down.
The Washington Capitals are surprisingly good and as long as that even relatively keeps up, Strome is going to be in on a lot of the offensive production. He may not be on the top power play, but Ovechkin stays out there for the entire two minutes and both units are effective. The Capitals match up against the Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, and St. Louis Blues. These are all opponents that the Capitals can keep rolling against as they’re all struggling.
Related: Week 5 Fantasy Hockey Goalie Streams
Any of these options to stream this week could very well turn into players you keep for longer than this week as the potential for sustained success is there. While it may not be the intention, sometimes it works out that way. Ride the hot hand and you will not be disappointed with your fantasy hockey season.