Good defensemen to stream are usually much harder to find, especially since roles offensively for many are limited, but there are always some that squeak through the cracks and will make a difference. Here are three of the top defensive fantasy hockey streamers for this week.
More Fantasy Hockey Analysis: | Goalie Streamers | NHL Usage Trends | Buy-Low, Sell-High | NHL Schedule Preview | Fantasy Hockey Cold List | Prospect Report | NHL Injury Report | Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Defensemen to Target for Week 14
Brandt Clarke, Los Angeles Kings
Brandt Clarke is progressing well in his career and is starting to get played in a larger role for the Los Angeles Kings. He is still behind Drew Doughty, whether that’s the right choice or not, but playing on a stronger second power-play unit has its advantages. He is playing with Kevin Fiala, Quinton Byfield, Andrei Kuzmenko, and Corey Perry on the second unit, which is arguably better than the top unit.
This has allowed Clarke to record two points on the power play over his last five games and he has four assists in his last six games. The young defenseman isn’t the most physical player, but he is shooting, blocking shots, and finding himself in the penalty box. He is doing a lot fantasy-wise for someone in the role he is. The Kings still play the San Jose Sharks, Winnipeg Jets, and Edmonton Oilers, so it’s a good three games to continue rolling.
Jared Spurgeon, Minnesota Wild
Jared Spurgeon has some other weapons in town, so his name isn’t mentioned as often. He is changing that as the captain is producing more offensively. He only has four goals and 13 points on the season, but he had a four-game point streak in December and now has two goals and five points in his last six games.
Spurgeon plays on the second pairing, on the second power-play unit, and on the top penalty killing unit, so he gets plenty of chances to contribute to your fantasy hockey team. He normally gets 1-2 shots per game, hits, and blocks a lot of shots. The Minnesota Wild still have games against the Seattle Kraken and the New York Islanders.
Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins
Kris Letang was pretty quiet offensively to begin the season, but his game has really turned around since the end of November. In his last 19 games, the veteran defenseman has two goals and 13 points. Considering he’s not on the top pairing or top power-play unit, that’s impressive. The Pittsburgh Penguins are scoring a lot more recently to counter their not-so-great goaltending or team defense.
Letang has proven to be a solid all-around player who shoots, hits, blocks shots, and finds the penalty box. If he hasn’t been grabbed in your league, he’s a great one to add and hold onto. The Penguins face off against the New Jersey Devils, Calgary Flames, and Boston Bruins to end the week.
Related: Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Week 14 Forward Streamers
There are some solid choices that have had sustained strong play over the past month or so, not just recently. Take advantage of these potentially available players and make sure to come back next week for more goalie, forward, and defense options to stream.
Fantrax is one of the fastest-growing fantasy sites in the fantasy sports industry, and we’re not stopping anytime soon. We are the most customizable, easy-to-use, and feature-rich platform in the industry, offering the greatest fantasy experience for your dynasty, keeper, redraft, and best ball leagues. Fantasy sports doesn’t sleep, and neither does Fantrax, with seasons running 365 days a year. Take your fantasy leagues to the next level now at Fantrax.com!
