The waiver wire defensemen to stream are likely going to be pretty thin for you in fantasy hockey, but there are options whether you need an up-and-comer, a veteran picking up his production, or a banger. Let’s dive in.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Defensemen to Target for Week 15
Jackson Lacombe, Anaheim Ducks
Jackson Lacombe was featured last week for the first time as a great streaming option. He is once again here because not enough fantasy owners have him rostered. The Anaheim Ducks visit the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers to close out the week, but it seems as though Lacombe has been getting in on all of the offense that the Ducks have been getting.
Once Cam Fowler was traded, it really allowed Lacombe to come into his own and he has been great. He has four goals and 14 points in his last 16 games, two goals and nine points in his last 10 games, and two goals and six points in his last six games while producing in five of them. Lacombe is on the top pairing and top power-play unit, so he is getting ample opportunity and is playing great. While he’s a must-stream, he’s also a strong option to hold onto if you have the space.
Brent Burns, Carolina Hurricanes
Brent Burns is another defenseman who we shined a light on last week. He has gotten going offensively, one of the things he has been known for throughout his career. He hasn’t been a player that you should roster the majority of the season, and even though he is off the top power-play unit because Shayne Gostisbehere is back, Burns still plays on the top pairing and is getting in on the action.
Burns has had some recent games where he has been firing the puck whenever he touches it and consistently blocks shots. He has three points in the last four games as well. I believe this is because he is just getting the puck closer to the net more. The Carolina Hurricanes play the Buffalo Sabres and the Vegas Golden Knights to finish up the week and the first matchup seems like a very favourable one.
Radko Gudas, Anaheim Ducks
We’re going to look at a bit of a different streaming target for this week that I haven’t usually suggested. There are many fantasy hockey owners who are in banger leagues and Radko Gudas has had himself a stellar couple of weeks hitting the categories that win those kinds of leagues.
Over the past two weeks, he has one goal and three points to go along with 14 penalty minutes, 15 shots, 18 blocks, and 30 hits. He has always been a hitting machine and if a game gets chippy, he is likely in on it and getting time in the penalty box. Don’t expect him to produce many points, but he is on the top pairing with Lacombe and the top penalty-killing unit. If you want to get the edge in categories some people forget about, he’s the player to boost you there.
Related: Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Week 15 Forward Streams
I highly recommend Lacombe this week, but Burns and Gudas may suit your needs or be the only other top defensive streamer options available. Good luck and be sure to come back next week for more options and to see if new players come into view.