Adding the right forward this week in fantasy hockey can make a big difference. Now that the trade deadline has passed and rosters have been bolstered or altered, there are three players that stand out as not only good options to stream this week because of their situation, but also their production. Here’s a look.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Forwards to Consider for Week 21
Quinton Byfield, Los Angeles Kings
Quinton Byfield is now promoted to the top-line center. It took longer than expected for the 22-year-old to start to become what the Los Angeles Kings had hoped he would, but now that he is in his projected long-time role and playing with productive players, it’s a great time to pick him up. During the first 32 games of the season, Byfield scored five goals and 14 points while averaging 17:21 of ice time per game. In the last 30 games, he has nine goals and 23 points while averaging 20:01 per game.
This is a major change and a big reason for grabbing him now while he’s still on the upswing. Byfield plays on the top line with Kevin Fiala and Alex Laferriere while lining up on the second power-play unit and second penalty-killing unit. He has scored a goal in three consecutive games along with adding nine shots and 11 hits. When he’s producing offensively, which is happening recently, he’s very effective in fantasy hockey. The Kings face the New York Islanders, Washington Capitals, and Nashville Predators this week.
Dylan Cozens, Ottawa Senators
Dylan Cozens was involved in the Ottawa Senators’ biggest trade of the deadline. While sending Josh Norris away, the team, who is battling for a playoff spot, brought in Cozens to now play in the top 6. He recorded an assist, a shot, and nine hits in his first game. There has been a huge uptick in his hitting, and now that he’s with better and more established players, his offense should also rise overall.
Cozens is currently on a line with Drake Batherson and David Perron and on the second power-play unit. It is a busy week for the Senators too. While they just played the Detroit Red Wings to kick off the week, the team also plays the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Don’t expect Cozens to be a point-per-game player if you add him, but his production is likely to rise and he is a solid all-around player.
Will Smith, San Jose Sharks
Will Smith and the San Jose Sharks have had no trouble scoring lately. The youth is really taking over the team as he in particular has points in six of his last seven games, three of them being multi-point games. On top of that, Smith has five power-play points in his last seven games and a total of four goals and nine points.
Smith is on a line with Macklin Celebrini and on the top power play as well that consists of five forwards and has been red hot. In terms of the Sharks’ schedule this week, it starts off very easy with games against the Predators and Chicago Blackhawks, but then they face the Capitals, who have been a bit leaky with allowing goals. There should be no question that Smith is going to continue his offensive surge as he’s shooting a lot and the breakout has come even further back from just the last seven games as well.
Related: Week 21 Fantasy Hockey Goalie Streams
Based on how these young players have been performing, none of them should disappoint and any one of them should be great streaming options for this week in fantasy hockey. Be sure to come back next week as the fantasy season winds down.
