Top streaming options for Thursday include Detroit Red Wings pivot Joe Veleno, Washington Capitals playmaker Dylan Strome and feisty Vancouver Canucks winger Nils Höglander.
Joe Veleno, C, DET vs. CAR (5% rostered)
The Wings are going 11-7 with both Dylan Larkin and J.T. Compher out of the lineup, but it’s clear that Veleno’s the preferred option between Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane, two of the Wings’ most dangerous offensive weapons. Veleno has played over 21 minutes in three consecutive games and scored three assists, including two on the power play. As long as Larkin and Compher are out, Veleno’s fantasy value gets a significant boost as the Wings’ top center and should be one of the best streaming options to consider.
Dylan Strome, C, WSH at PHI (19% rostered)
It looks like the Caps have settled on Strome as the center for Alex Ovechkin, though curiously enough, Strome has scored more goals (11) than Ovechkin (5) and registered just three assists this season despite being known as a pass-first player. Nonetheless, a point is a point; Strome has scored three goals in his past three games playing L1 and PP1 minutes.
Nils HöglanderNils Höglander, LW, VAN vs. FLA (3% rostered)
Höglander’s on a four-game points streak and quickly earning more trust from Rick Tocchet, which in turn means more minutes. He’s a feisty winger who’s established really good chemistry with top scorer J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser, who leads the league in goals. At this rate, Höglander might even be worth holding onto in 12 or 14-team leagues on a very good offensive team.
Philipp Kurashev, C, CHI at SEA (3% rostered)
Kurashev owes a huge thanks to Connor Bedard this season. As one of the few capable offensive playmakers, Kurashev has been on Bedard’s wing for basically the entire season. I’d bet against Joey Daccord shutting out his opponents again, making Kurashev a worthwhile streamer if you’re looking for some points. Kurashev has registered at least a shot on goal in all but three games this season.
Kirill Marchenko, RW, CLB at TOR (13% rostered)
Marchenko’s line with fellow Russians Dmitri Voronkov and Yegor Chinakhov has been very productive, with Marchenko himself scoring four points in four games. The trio also form the core of the Jackets’ second power-play unit, joined by Johnny Gaudreau and Ivan Provorov. Marchenko, like any streaky scorer, tends to score in bunches, and he’s certainly got the hot hand now.
Connor Zary, C, CGY at MIN (3% rostered)
It’s a little frustrating that Zary doesn’t have LW eligibility yet since he doesn’t play center right now, but no matter; the more important thing is he’s playing in the top six with four points in his past five games.
Jake Neighbours, LW/RW, STL vs. OTT (13% rostered)
The hot streak is certainly over with only one goal in six games, but Neighbours continues to skate on the top line with Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas. This will be interim coach Drew Bannister’s first game behind the bench, and it’s unlikely he’ll make any drastic changes right away. Though Neighbours plays PP2, it still bodes well for him in this matchup against the Sens’ 31st-ranked penalty kill.
Justin Danforth, RW, CLB at TOR (1% rostered)
Danforth is definitely a lesser-known option — admittedly a personal favorite — but note he’s playing on the top line with Johnny Gaudreau and Adam Fantilli. He’s got speed to burn and doesn’t mind shooting the puck at all, registering 14 (!) shots on goal over the past two games. A former leading scorer in Finland’s top league, Danforth comes with some pedigree, and with lots of minutes and a steady diet of hits, he could be very productive against the Leafs, whose goaltending can implode at any moment. The only drawback is Danforth does not play on the power play.
(NEW) Brock Faber, MIN vs. CGY (4% rostered)
Jared Spurgeon is day-to-day and will not play, meaning one of the spots on PP1 has opened up. The Wild could go with a five-forward unit with Marcus Johansson, which they've done before earlier this season, or promote Faber from PP2. If you need a defenseman, Faber plays a ton of minutes and increased usage on the PP will raise his fantasy value. He's not an offensive dynamo and doesn't have the skill set of a traditional PP QB, but he's a good passer and makes smart plays. He's scored 11 points in 26 games this season.
