This week is better for most when it comes to defensemen to stream in fantasy hockey, as it can be very thin sometimes. Not only are these defensemen playing well and in good spots, but they all have three games remaining in Week 8.
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Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Defensemen to Target for Week 8
Darren Raddysh, Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are very banged up on the back-end, and that means whoever remains has to really step up. That has been the case for Darren Raddysh with Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, and Erik Cernak out. All it would have taken is Hedman to be out to give Raddysh the chance he’s getting on the power play, but he is the top d-man for the time being.
Raddysh has taken full advantage, and the Lightning have been playing well, too. His four-game point streak was just snapped, but he still has a goal and six points in his last five games, with three of them coming on the power play. Raddysh shoots, hits, and blocks shots on top of the production, and Tampa Bay plays the Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers this week.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Toronto Maple Leafs
As far as defensemen on the Toronto Maple Leafs go, Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been the best and the most consistent, especially fantasy-wise. He is on a six-game point streak and has nine points in his last 10 games, failing to produce just once. The veteran is up to three goals and 16 points in 22 games.
Ekman-Larsson hardly produces on the power play, but that is tough to expect from every waiver wire defenseman when looking for the best options. Regardless, he has been able to get in on the action every game. He shoots, hits, blocks shots, and finds the penalty box a fair bit. He has been a great all-around addition on the back-end if you’ve grabbed him before. The Maple Leafs match up against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Washington Capitals, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Bowen Byram, Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are finally getting some offense, and with that comes production from sources that haven’t been finding the scoresheet as much, including Bowen Byram. This is an offensive-type defenseman who has been overshadowed since the start of his career, but will find points throughout the season. In his past seven games, he has three goals and six points.
Like the other options available this week, Byram also contributes hits and blocks along with shots. He recently put up a power-play point, and surprisingly, the second unit of Buffalo is strong if they get a chance on the man advantage. The Sabres have the Penguins, New Jersey Devils, and Minnesota Wild on tap this week.
Related: Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Week 8 Forward Streamers
Don’t wait to add any of these defensemen or you are going to miss out on some important games. Be sure to come back next week as well for the top suggestions for goalies, forwards, and defensemen again.
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