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!

What to Read Next

Washington Capitals Unveil Nostalgic Third Jerseys with Local Flair
NHL

Washington Capitals Unveil Nostalgic Third Jerseys with Local Flair

The Washington Capitals reveal their new third jerseys, blending franchise history with local pride, featuring the iconic Screaming Eagle logo.

7 Innovative Strategies to Elevate Your Fantasy Hockey League Experience
NHL

7 Innovative Strategies to Elevate Your Fantasy Hockey League Experience

Discover seven creative ways to enhance your fantasy hockey league, from implementing unique punishments to introducing new league awards.

Exclusive NHL Star Insights: Playoff Formats, Cheat Meals, and Hype Tunes for the 2025-26 Season
NHL

Exclusive NHL Star Insights: Playoff Formats, Cheat Meals, and Hype Tunes for the 2025-26 Season

Get the inside scoop from NHL superstars on playoff formats, their favorite cheat meals, and pregame hype music as they gear up for the 2025-26 season.

Ultimate 2025-26 Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide: Strategies, Tips, and Expert Insights
NHL

Ultimate 2025-26 Fantasy Hockey Draft Guide: Strategies, Tips, and Expert Insights

Master your 2025-26 Fantasy Hockey draft with expert strategies, player rankings, and essential tips to dominate your league.

Top NHL Forwards Poised for Breakout Seasons in 2025-26
NHL

Top NHL Forwards Poised for Breakout Seasons in 2025-26

Discover the top NHL forwards set to have breakout seasons in 2025-26, based on age, experience, and fantasy hockey metrics.

Mastering NHL Fantasy Hockey: Ultimate Goalie Guide for 2025 Draft Success
NHL

Mastering NHL Fantasy Hockey: Ultimate Goalie Guide for 2025 Draft Success

Unlock the secrets to drafting the best NHL goalies for your 2025 fantasy hockey league. Learn top picks, late-round steals, and expert strategies to dominate your league.

2025 NHL Fantasy Hockey Draft: Comprehensive Forward Tiers and Strategy Guide
NHL

2025 NHL Fantasy Hockey Draft: Comprehensive Forward Tiers and Strategy Guide

Master your 2025 NHL Fantasy Hockey draft with detailed forward tiers, player projections, and expert strategies to dominate your league.

2026 Winter Olympics: Team USA vs. Team Canada Hockey Roster Projections and Rivalry Analysis
NHL

2026 Winter Olympics: Team USA vs. Team Canada Hockey Roster Projections and Rivalry Analysis

A deep dive into the projected rosters for Team USA and Team Canada for the 2026 Winter Olympics, exploring the intense rivalry and key players to watch.

Master Your Fantasy Hockey League: Expert Strategies, Draft Tips, and Winning Plays
NHL

Master Your Fantasy Hockey League: Expert Strategies, Draft Tips, and Winning Plays

Unlock the secrets to dominating your fantasy hockey league with expert advice on drafting, managing your roster, and making strategic trades.

Mastering Fantasy Hockey: Choosing the Perfect NHL League for Your Strategy
NHL

Mastering Fantasy Hockey: Choosing the Perfect NHL League for Your Strategy

Explore the best fantasy hockey leagues on ESPN, from H2H points to Dynasty, and find the perfect match for your NHL strategy.

Top 99 Creative Fantasy Hockey Team Names for the 2025-26 NHL Season
NHL

Top 99 Creative Fantasy Hockey Team Names for the 2025-26 NHL Season

Discover 99 unique and clever fantasy hockey team names for the 2025-26 NHL season, curated by Arda Öcal to inspire your league.

Team USA Men's Hockey: Road to the 2026 Olympics and Key Players to Watch
NHL

Team USA Men's Hockey: Road to the 2026 Olympics and Key Players to Watch

As the 2026 Olympics approach, Team USA men's hockey is gearing up for a gold medal run. With NHL players back in the mix, key players like Matthew Tkachuk and Tage Thompson are under the spotlight.

2025-26 NHL Season: Comprehensive Guide to Watching Games on ESPN Networks
NHL

2025-26 NHL Season: Comprehensive Guide to Watching Games on ESPN Networks

Get ready for the 2025-26 NHL season with ESPN's exclusive coverage. Learn how to watch key matchups, including the Frozen Frenzy, and stay updated with the latest NHL content.

NHL Legends: Players with the Longest Careers in Hockey History
NHL

NHL Legends: Players with the Longest Careers in Hockey History

Discover the NHL players who have had the longest careers, including legends like Gordie Howe and modern stars like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.

The Ultimate NHL Draft Legends: Best Picks from Slot 1 to 224
NHL

The Ultimate NHL Draft Legends: Best Picks from Slot 1 to 224

Discover the greatest NHL draft picks from every slot, analyzing players from 1967 to 2025. From Mario Lemieux to Wayne Simmonds, explore the legends who shaped hockey history.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.