NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Defensemen Pickups March 8 - Raddysh Takes Over for Injured Hedman, Jones Gains Trust on Rangers Power Play

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 are rostered in less than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues and can be selected in standard fantasy leagues or for daily fantasy games.

Brady Skjei, D, NSH vs. CHI (40% rostered)

In what may be a high-scoring game with two defensively poor teams, note Skjei is the Preds' PP QB while Roman Josi is hurt. I don't think Skjei has much offensive upside, but he did score a goal in his previous game and also registered a shot in seven straight games. 

Darren Raddysh, D, TB vs. BOS (9% rostered)

The Bruins traded Brandon Carlo at the deadline and will now ice an even thinner blue line. They added Henri Jokiharju, but he's not known for his defense. Raddysh, who has five points in his past three games, will take over the power play - as usual - if Victor Hedman does not play. Hedman played just three minutes before suffering an injury in their previous game and he's officially questionable for Saturday's matinee. 

Timothy Liljegren, D, SJ vs. NYI (1% rostered)

Liljegren can be a tough sell in fantasy because he produces points very sparingly, and mostly in spurts. However, with the Sharks trading Jake Walman to the Oilers, Liljegren has basically taken all the PP TOI. What gives me a little more confidence in Liljegren this time is the Isles' woeful 29th-ranked PK. 

Zac Jones, D, NYR at OTT (0% rostered)

After playing just 15:54 in his first game since getting called up, Jones seems to have quickly earned Peter Laviolette's trust. He averaged 20 minutes over the next three games and even notched an assist in each of his past two games. The upside to Jones is his role as PP1 QB, replacing the injured Adam Fox. The Sens PK ranks 22nd and have a penchant for taking penalties, ranking sixth in the league.

There’s a chance the Jackets stage an upset, but they’re bad on the road (10-17-4) and tend to have trouble scoring goals on the road, ranking 24th in goals per game. That’s really troublesome because Merzlikins relies heavily on goal support to win games. I’d pass on Merzlikins in favor of a surer bet.

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