NHL Fantasy Hockey Weekly Picks: Top Playoff Pickups and Hot Forwards to Watch

Discover the top NHL fantasy hockey pickups and hot forwards to watch this week. Optimize your lineup with expert insights and strategic tips for the playoff season.

Weekly NHL Fantasy Hockey Picks

As the NHL season heads into its final stretch, fantasy hockey managers are looking for every edge to secure their playoff spots. Here are some key players to consider adding to your roster this week.

Forwards to Watch

  • Quinton Byfield, F, Los Angeles Kings (1.4 FPPG, 54.4% available): Byfield is on a six-game goal-scoring streak, averaging 2.7 fantasy points per game. With the Kings facing the Wild, Blackhawks, Hurricanes, and Bruins this week, he’s a must-add.

  • Nick Schmaltz, F, Utah Hockey Club (1.7 FPPG, 69.6% available): Schmaltz has been on fire since his return, with five goals and seven assists in the last three weeks. He’s a top-line player with significant power-play minutes.

  • Mason McTavish, F, Anaheim Ducks (1.6 FPPG, 87.4% available): McTavish has five goals and eight assists in his last dozen games. Consider adding him next week when the Ducks have a favorable schedule.

Defensemen to Consider

  • Luke Hughes, D, New Jersey Devils (1.4 FPPG, 57.4% available): Hughes has a goal and 10 assists in his last 10 games, with four power-play assists since Dougie Hamilton’s injury. He’s a top-unit defenseman now.

  • Shakir Mukhamadullin, D, San Jose Sharks (1.3 FPPG, 99.0% available): Mukhamadullin has seven assists in his last 11 games. While the Sharks have a light schedule this week, he’s a great pickup for next week’s busy stretch.

Goaltenders to Add

  • Pyotr Kochetkov, G, Carolina Hurricanes (2.6 FPPG, 55.7% available): Kochetkov is 5-0 with a .948 SV% and 1.19 GAA since Feb. 25. Add him before the Hurricanes’ busy schedule this week.

  • Sam Montembeault, G, Montreal Canadiens (1.8 FPPG, 67.6% available): Montembeault is 6-0-1 since the 4 Nations break, with a .928 SV% and 1.96 GAA. He’s a solid option for any fantasy roster.

Short-term Streamers

  • Tristan Jarry, G, Pittsburgh Penguins (1.0 FPPG, 67.0% available): Jarry is 4-0 since returning from the AHL. Consider him for Friday’s game against the Blue Jackets.

  • Mackie Samoskevich, F, Florida Panthers (1.5 FPPG, 91.2% available): Samoskevich is thriving on the Panthers’ second scoring unit, averaging 2.2 FPPG in the last month. He’s a great short-term add.

Team to Watch

  • St. Louis Blues: The Blues are on a hot streak, averaging 3.92 goals per game since the 4 Nations break. Consider adding Brayden Schenn, Jake Neighbors, or Alexey Toropchenko for this week’s matchups.

Conclusion

With the fantasy playoffs approaching, every roster move counts. Keep an eye on these players and teams to maximize your chances of success. Good luck!

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