NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Defensemen Pickups Dec. 18 - Niko Mikkola A Solid Option

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

Niko Mikkola, FLA @ MIN (3% rostered)

Mikkola tallied a career-high 17 points last season while helping Florida win the Stanley Cup. He was seemingly just getting starting, as Mikkola has matched his career-high with three goals while also already adding 10 helpers in 32 games. Mikkola has also dished out 46 hits while blocking 38 shots, as he has slightly dialed down his physical play while skating over 20 minutes a contest again.

Michael Kesselring, UTAH vs. VAN (14% rostered)

Kesselring continues to produce for Utah. With four points in his last seven contests, he is up to 15 points, 55 shots on net, 38 hits, 25 blocked shots, 24 PIM and a plus-10 rating through 30 outings. Kesselring's ice time has risen over three minutes a contest this season as he is entrenched as a second-pair blueliner. Enjoy the uptick across the board in production.

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