The waiver wire is a valuable way to add hidden gems and underrated players to your fantasy hockey club. This remains true whether you plan to use them as short-term or long-term parts of your fantasy hockey roster. Now that we are nearing April, we have a strong understanding of which waiver-wire defensemen are worth adding. As a result, here are three waiver-wire defensemen worth taking a chance on in Week 24.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Defensemen to Consider for Week 24
Jeremy Lauzon, Nashville Predators
Nashville Predators defenseman Jeremy Lauzon recently returned to the lineup after suffering a lower-body injury. This is certainly good news for the Predators, as he is a key part of the blue line, and they are preparing for the postseason. The 26-year-old is having a breakout season, posting new career highs with six goals and 14 points. Thus, now that he’s healthy, he’s a waiver-wire defenseman to consider in Week 24.
Yet, what makes Lauzon such a valuable player is his immense physicality. He leads the NHL with a whopping 341 hits, and Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway is in second with 294 hits. Clearly, Lauzon is a dominating player when it comes to his grit and steady defensive play, so he’s a waiver-wire candidate worth considering right now.
Connor Clifton, Buffalo Sabres
Similar to Lauzon, Connor Clifton has developed a reputation for being a hard-hitting and dependable defenseman. The 28-year-old is having a solid first season with the Buffalo Sabres, posting four goals, 17 points, 182 hits, and a plus-13 rating in 70 games. Due to this, that already builds his case of being a strong waiver-wire defenseman to consider adding.
However, what’s more encouraging about Clifton is that he has been on fire offensively as of late. Over his last three games, the right-shot defenseman has two goals and an assist. It is clear that the New Jersey native is feeling it right now, and fantasy hockey managers would be wise to add him as a waiver-wire pickup if available because of it.
Dmitry Orlov, Carolina Hurricanes
Dmitry Orlov is another waiver-wire defenseman who deserves some real consideration for this week. The 32-year-old is a highly impactful player because of his solid offensive contributions, reliable defensive play, and high physicality. Because of his strong all-around play, that automatically makes him an appealing target for your fantasy hockey club.
However, Orlov has been playing some of his best hockey of the season lately, posting three goals and eight points over his last nine games. He is only getting better as the campaign rolls on, and that only makes him a stronger choice for your fantasy hockey roster. Thus, if he’s still available in your league, bring him in as a waiver-wire addition.
Nevertheless, Week 24 offers some rather intriguing options when it comes to waiver-wire defensemen. Lauzon is ready to build on his career season, Clifton is starting to heat up, and Orlov is simply playing magnificently. We will need to wait and see how these three players perform for the remainder of the season from here.