NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Forward Pickups March 18 - Cozens, Laine Key Cogs in Sens-Habs Matchup

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.

Dylan Cozens, C, OTT at MTL (41% rostered)

The Habs aren’t deep at center, and if Nick Suzuki is hard matched against Tim Stutzle, that’s going to open up a lot of opportunities for Cozens. This is a big game for the Sens and Cozens has already proven he can be a big-game player, scoring four points in five games during the Sens’ winning streak. He’ll provide plenty of faceoff wins and hits at the minimum, with some upside in goals and shots, especially with PP1 minutes. Having a veteran such as David Perron, who’s been playing his best all season, will also be a big help.

Patrik Laine, LW/RW, MTL vs. OTT (40% rostered)

Laine’s a power-play merchant but this is a good matchup for him. He’s red-hot with a two-game goal streak coming into this game, and the Habs and Sens rank sixth and seventh in penalties taken this season. In a big game with huge playoff implications, special teams could be the difference maker here and both teams should get plenty of opportunities.

Ryan Donato, C/LW/RW, CHI vs. SEA (37% rostered)

The Hawks are struggling but Donato has not, continuing to put up points on a regular basis. He assisted on both of their goals in a 6-2 loss to the Canucks on Saturday, and since Feb. 1 has scored 22 points (!) in 16 games.

Will Cuylle, LW/RW, NYR vs. CGY (36% rostered)

After a quiet stretch, Cuylle is on fire again with a three-game points streak. The Flames are playing the second game of a back-to-back after allowing six goals against the Leafs on Monday, and expected to start backup Dan Vladar. Even if Cuylle doesn’t score, he offers a lot of hits.

Nick Schmaltz, C/RW, UTA at EDM (35% rostered)

If you need points, Schmaltz is a good option. He’s practically attached to Clayton Keller’s hip most nights, and he’s also proven to be a very reliable scorer. He can run hot and cold, but he’s been excellent since 4 Nations with five goals and seven assists in 12 games.

Jake Neighbours, LW/RW, STL at NSH (19% rostered)

Neighbours is on a four-game points streak with two goals and three assists with a good chance to score more against the basement-dwelling Preds. Neighbours is playing L1 with Robert Thomas and PP1 with Brayden Schenn, Dylan Holloway and Justin Faulk, which has been the better unit lately.

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