NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Forward Pickups Dec. 27 - Bourque Seeing Top Line Ice Time

On every game day this season, THN Fantasy will highlight players and goalies for fantasy managers to stream or roster for the rest of the season. The recommended players and goalies can be used in standard fantasy leagues or for daily fantasy games

Jack Quinn, RW, BUF vs. CHI (20% rostered)

We may be starting to see signs of the Mighty Quinn or at least not so weak Quinn. Monday was Quinn's third multi-point game of the season with two coming over his last four appearances. After posting nine goals and 10 assists in 28 games in 2023-24, Quinn only has four and five, respectively, in 28 contests this season. But maybe his recent uptick in play is a sign of things to come.

Ryan Donato, C/RW/LW, CHI @ BUF (8% rostered)

Donato qualifies at all three forward spots, adding to his value. But that shouldn't diminish what he has able to do on the ice. With a point in five of the last seven contests, Donato continues to find ways to chip in on offense. The 28-year-old forward is on pace for a career-season, as he is up to 20 points, 78 shots on net, 57 hits, 22 PIM and an even plus-minus rating through 33 contests

Ilya Mikheyev, RW, CHI @ BUF (1% rostered)

Chicago has several forwards producing offensively, including Mikheyev. He saw his four-game goal streak end Monday with Mikheyev posting five of his seven markers during that span. Be careful not to overrate, as Mikheyev saw his production decline each of the last two seasons. With seven goals, Mikehyev has a good chance to exceed his 2022-23 and 2023-24 output.

Bobby McMann, LW, TOR @ DET (7% rostered)

I am a bit surprised that McMann's rostered percentage is so low. His goal streak ended at three Monday with that hot span upping his goal total to nine to go along with four assists in 27 contests. McMann is skating on Toronto's third line but his production and upside could see the young winger move into the top-six. The 47 hits this season and 117 last season show that he also fits as a bottom-six winger.

Andrew Copp, C, DET vs. TOR (20% rostered)

Copp is scoreless in is last two contests, which came after he posted two goals and three helpers in his prior five games. Detroit has deployed Copp on his second line giving him an uptick in value. If Copp keeps that placement, he is worth a look in deeper leagues. If not, well you know what to do.

Jack Roslovic, C/RW, CAR @ NJ (6% rostered)

Roslovic has massive cooled off, as expected, since a hot start to the season that saw him rack up nine goals and 10 points over the first 12 games. A regression to the mean and below was very much expected, but he has started to get back on the beam lately. Roslovic has points in three of his last four contests and five of his last nine. He has bounced up-and-down the lineup, skating now on the top line again.

Stefan Noesen, LW/RW, NJ vs. CAR (48% rostered)

Noesen's rostered percentage continues to steadily rise driven by his fine season for New Jersey. His tally Monday gave Noesen markers in three of the last four games. He is up to 16 goals, 25 points, 83 shots on net, 85 hits, 21 PIM and an even plus-minus rating over 37 appearances in his first year as a Devil. Noesen is skating on the team's second line at even-strength and on the second power-play unit.

Morgan Geekie, C/RW, BOS @ CLM (2% rostered)

Geekie has three goals and a pair of assists his last five contests for the Bruins. His production spiked from 28 points in 2022-23, his last season with Seattle, to 17 goals and 22 helpers in 2023-24, his first campaign in Boston. Geekie is skating on the B's second line, giving him fantasy relevance and making him worth a spot in most leagues.

Kent Johnson, C/LW/RW, CLM vs. BOS (24% rostered)

Columbus has several young forwards producing better than expected, including Johnson. Taken fifth overall in 2021, Johnson exploded on the scene in 2022-23 with 16 goals and 24 assists in 79 games. His output plummeted last season as a shoulder injury limited him to 42 games, though that wasn't the primary reason for his decline. Johnson is back on the beam with 10 markers and as many helpers in 21 contests.

Dylan Holloway, C/LW, NSH vs. STL (21% rostered)

Holloway notched his first career hat trick Monday ending a six-game pointless streak. Signed to a two-year, $4.58 million contract - offer sheet - by the Blues in August, Holloway is having a fine first year in St. Louis, Holloway is up to 13 goals and 22 points through 36 appearances this season while bouncing between the second and third line.

Mavrik Bourque, C, DAL VS. MIN (1% rostered)

Looking at Bourque's stats. you may wonder why Bourque is profiled in this column. The reason is that Bourque was recently moved up to get a look see on the top line in Dallas. If Bourque remains with Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson his fantasy value certainly spikes along with the production for a significant uptick in production.

Joel Kiviranta, LW, COL @ UTAH (0% rostered)

Kivi is rolling, With a hat trick Monday, Kiviranta has scored five times over the last three contests, giving him career highs with 10 goals and 12 points in just 36 outings this season. He also has remained a physical presence, dishing out 54 hits to date. Kiviranta is skating on Colorado's third line with one caveat for his future value the lack of power play time.

Brett Howden, C/LW, LV @ SJ (5% rostered)

Howden, as he has done all year, has stepped up his production when Vegas was shorthanded. This time, Ivan Barbashev was sidelined and Howden notched three goals and two assists his last five contests. Howden is on pace for a career-year, posting 13 goals and three helpers with 62 hits in 34 games. He should exceed his prior best in all categories by season's end.

Fabian Zetterlund, LW/RW, SJ vs. LV (35% rostered)

Zetterlund has spent most of the season on the second line but recently was moved to the third trio. That change has not adversely impacted Zetterlund, who has four points over his last five games. Acquired during the 2022-23 season from New Jersey, Zetterlund has settled in nicely in his new home. He posted 24 goals and 20 helpers last season and already had 11 markers and 13 apples in 37 contests.

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