NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Defensemen Pickups January 5 - Slavin Stepping Up With Ghost Sidelined

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.

Jaccob Slavin, CAR vs. PIT (13% rostered)

Carolina will need someone to step up to help make up for the absence of Shayne Gostisbehere who will be out for a while with an upper-body injury, Slavin did so Thursday, scoring the game-winning goal while adding an assist. Slavin has shown in the past he can contribute offensively, as he did last season when he potted six goals with 31 apples. He will need to do so this year with the Ghost sidelined.

Jackson LaCombe, ANA vs. TB (16% rostered)

LaCombe continues to produce from the blueline for Anaheim. He scored Friday for the first time since Dec. 14, though he had four helpers over eight games between goals. LaCombe has been a consistent presence on the blueline for the Ducks, his last scratch was Dec. 11, despite the addition of Jacob Trouba. He has impressed in a top-four role with seven goals, 15 points (three on the power play), 56 shots on net, 52 blocked shots and a plus-2 rating over 31 contests.

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