NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Defenseman Pickups January 14 - Ryan Pulock A Sneaky Solid Option on the Island

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

Ryan McDonagh, TB @ BOS (7% rostered)

McDonagh's offensive production has waned since he posted 46 posted his first full season with the Lightning in 2018-29. His season high since then was 32 points, tallied last season, with a pair of 12-point efforts in the mix. The former Rangers' captain is on a bit of a roll, nothing four helpers over his last three contests, helping to make up for the extended absence of JJ Moser.

Mason Lohrei, BOS vs. TB (2% rostered)

Lohrei has struggled a bit this season and after solid 2023-24 rookie campaign. He has posted a minus-15 rating after being a minus-two in almost the same number of contests last season. Lohrei has slightly increased his offensive production and has one goal and three points in his last two outings following a five-game pointless slump. He has two goals and 19 points through 40 appearances this season.

Simon Edvinsson, DET vs. SJ (6% rostered)

I have profiled Edvinsson a few times this season as I clearly love the upside potential. He is still a work-in-progress but the 6'6 height coupled with his long reach and ability to break up plays while generating the attack from the blueline make him a very intriguing option for the future. That doesn't mean he is not worth a look now, but just wait until he matures and garners more experience, the sky may be the limit.

Jackson LaCombe, ANA @ WSH (34% rostered)

LaCombe just continues to produce. His two assists Sunday game the second-year blueliner two goals and seven assists over his last 10 outings. That production has pushed the former second-round pick, 39 overall in 2021, overall output in 36 contests above what he posted last season as a rookie in 75 games..Anaheim is building for the future and have a key blueliner piece in LaCombe.

Ryan Pulock, NYI vs. OTT (7% rostered)

It may amaze you to know that Pulock posted 32 points as a rookie in 2017-18 followed by 37 and 35 points. Since then, his high was 26 points in 2022-23 as Pulock has become more known for his physical play, hits and blocked shots. Pulock has shown lately that he still can contribute offensively, adding five points over his last six outings, Pulock also has blocked 18 shots while skating in a top-four role for the Islanders.

Justin Faulk, STL vs, CGY (18% rostered)

Faulk, brilliant offensively in 2021-22 and 2022-23 with 97 points in those two seasons, fell to 30 points last season. He didn't get off to the best start to this season but has found his game lately. Faulk has five points over his last six outings and is up to a pair of goals and 14 helpers in 40 contests on the season.

Tyler Myers, VAN @ WPG (2% rostered)

Myers, like Pulock, is more known for his defense rather than his offense. But like Pulock, he has added scoring lately, with four points (one goal, three assists) in his last six games. With that production, Myers still only has 12 points in 42 games -- but he also has 75 blocks and 40 hits on the season.

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