NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Forwards Pickups Jan. 2 - The Return Of Kane?

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.

Patrick Kane, RW, DET at CLB (44% rostered)

Despite scoring at a 40-point pace, Kane's reputation precedes him. It's the only explanation why he's rostered in so many more leagues that players with similar production. Nevertheless, he's scored three points in his past two games, and he's historically dominated the Jackets with 81 points in 61 career games.

Jonathan Huberdeau, C/LW, CGY vs. UTA (40% rostered)

Huberdeau's two-point effort against the Canucks was his fifth multi-point performance in his past nine games. Utah's reeling with a five-game losing streak, and it's a good time to take advantage while he's red-hot.

Dmitri Voronkov, LW, CLB vs. DET (22% rostered)

Following a shutout loss to the Bruins where Voronkov's six-game points streak was snapped, he was right back where he started with a goal and an assist against the Canes in the following game. The Wings have limited opponents to just four goals in their past two games, but defensively they're still a little suspect, giving the Jackets offense to put on a show. Voronkov's up to 24 points in 29 games this season and possesses ROS value in deeper leagues.

Jonathan Drouin, LW, COL vs. BUF (21% rostered)
Ross Colton, C/LW, COL vs. BUF (19% rostered)

I have a feeling Drouin will be a very popular pickup in fantasy over the coming weeks. He notched two assists against the Jets in his return, playing 18:15 including 1:20 on the power play. Valeri Nichushkin suffered an injury and this may have paved the way for Drouin to rejoin Nathan MacKinnon on the top line. If that's the case, it'll supercharge Drouin's fantasy value. He's especially valuable in points leagues because he doesn't offer much else, but Drouin possesses point-per-game upside in the right situation. You won't find many of those this late in the season.

Fantasy managers who stayed patient with Colton were rewarded when he scored his first goal after a five-game scoring drought. He finished with four shots and four hits, which is more typical of his fantasy value in multi-category leagues. Keep rostering Colton because it looks like he might start heating up.

Jason Zucker, LW, BUF at COL (11% rostered)

Zucker's playing L1 and PP1 and averaging 17 minutes per game over the past six games. He's also scored three goals in his past four games, and the Avs' defense remains porous. Their goaltending has vastly improved, however, so it might make scoring a little more difficult, but you can't argue with the recent production and deployment for Zucker.

Nick Paul, TB at SJ (10% rostered)

With Jake Guentzel's status uncertain, we might see Paul get a little more time on the power play than usual. The big power forward has scored a goal in every other game since Dec. 17, so it feels like he's due. The Sharks will be shorthanded with William Eklund and defenseman Jake Walman injured.

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