December 2025 fantasy hockey waiver wire: Top pickups and streaming strategies

December 2025 fantasy hockey waiver wire: Top forward pickups

The forward position offers the most volatility and opportunity on the waiver wire in December. Players are heating up as chemistry develops, while injuries create unexpected chances for secondary scorers to shine.

Hot streak candidates making waves

Several forwards have entered December on torrid scoring runs that demand attention. In Tampa Bay, Brandon Hagel has essentially carried the injury-ravaged Lightning offense with 10 goals in his past eight contests. His 17 tallies through 27 games showcase a scoring touch that transcends his current situation. While he’s approaching the 50 percent roster threshold in many leagues, managers should verify his availability immediately.

Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers represents another streaking option worth rostering. After a slow start with just five points in 18 games, Bennett has exploded for 12 points in his past 10 outings. His chemistry with Carter Verhaeghe and Brad Marchand has created a dominant puck possession line, with a 92-61 advantage in shot attempts despite being outscored 5-3. This underlying metrics suggest positive regression is coming.

Jason Zucker has found new life with the Buffalo Sabres, particularly on the power play. With Josh Norris back in the lineup, Buffalo’s top unit has scored in three consecutive games, with Zucker consistently creating scoring chances. His 1.86 fantasy points per game and 82.6 percent availability make him an intriguing add for teams seeking supplemental scoring.

Schedule streaming specialists

December’s schedule creates optimal streaming opportunities for certain teams. The Seattle Kraken and Utah Mammoth both feature maximum efficiency schedules with four games each on nights when an average of only 7.5 other teams are playing. This light-night advantage allows daily lineup managers to maximize games played without sacrificing star players.

For Seattle, Jared McCann has returned from injury and immediately rejoined the top line with Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle. Despite missing 17 of 26 games, McCann shares the team lead with five goals as a line unit at 5-on-5. His multi-position eligibility and 39.8 percent availability make him a perfect streaming candidate.

Utah Mammoth winger Lawson Crouse offers a unique blend of offensive upside and physical production. With 1.49 fantasy points per game and a willingness to collect hits and blocks, Crouse provides valuable category coverage during his team’s light-night schedule. Similarly, Kaapo Kakko has returned from injury to skate with Shane Wright and Berkly Catton, picking up assists in his recent action.

Injury replacement values

Injuries continue to create opportunities across the league. The Colorado Avalanche have seen Gabriel Landeskog emerge as a viable fantasy option, with 1.20 fantasy points per game and 47.7 percent availability. His role in a high-powered offense makes him worth monitoring as December progresses.

The Detroit Red Wings have unearthed a gem in Emmitt Finnie, who has posted 1.47 fantasy points per game while maintaining 89 percent availability. His positional flexibility across center and both wing spots provides lineup versatility for managers dealing with multiple injuries.

December 2025 fantasy hockey waiver wire: Defensemen to target

Defensemen often provide the most stable waiver wire production through blocked shots, hits, and power-play points. December rewards managers who target blueliners in favorable situations.

Power-play quarterbacks emerging

Simon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils has settled into a productive role on the second power-play unit behind Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes. With the Devils facing a fantasy-friendly schedule that includes three of the bottom four teams in allowing power-play goals, Nemec’s 1.66 fantasy points per game and 62 percent availability make him an attractive option.

Filip Hronek continues to benefit from playing alongside Quinn Hughes in Vancouver. The pairing has produced a 54.4% Corsi share while outscoring opponents 17-11 at 5-on-5. Hronek’s 1.75 fantasy points per game and 47.8 percent availability represent excellent value, especially when Hughes is in the lineup.

Physical production specialists

For managers in leagues that count blocked shots and hits, several defensemen provide consistent weekly value. Ben Chiarot of the Detroit Red Wings has been a blocked shot machine, leading the league in that category since November 21. His 1.92 fantasy points per game and 64.2 percent availability make him a must-add for category leagues.

Jake McCabe has found a perfect partner in Troy Stecher since the latter’s waiver claim by Toronto. The duo has outscored opponents 6-1 across 72 minutes at 5-on-5, with McCabe contributing blocked shots and hits at a reliable rate. His 1.99 fantasy points per game and 41.9 percent availability suggest he’s being overlooked in most formats.

Darren Raddysh of Tampa Bay offers an interesting profile with 1.77 fantasy points per game and 63.7 percent availability. Despite the Lightning’s injury woes, Raddysh has maintained consistent production from the blue line.

December 2025 fantasy hockey waiver wire: Goalie options

Goaltending remains the most volatile position in fantasy hockey, but December’s schedule creates opportunities for strategic streaming and long-term additions.

Starting goalie streamers

The Seattle Kraken’s Philipp Grubauer presents an ideal streaming candidate for specific matchups. With the Kraken scheduled to face the Kings and Sabres—two teams in the top 10 for fantasy points allowed to opposing goaltenders—managers can monitor lineup announcements and pounce when Grubauer draws these favorable starts. His 98.5 percent availability means he’s almost universally accessible.

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen of the Buffalo Sabres benefits from a four-game schedule that includes the Flames and Kraken. The Flames rank first in fantasy points allowed to opposing goaltenders at 3.79 per game, while the Kraken allow 2.37 points. Despite his 91.2 percent availability, Luukkonen could provide significant short-term value if he receives those starts.

Long-term crease considerations

Carter Hart has found new life since joining the Vegas Golden Knights, posting a pair of wins in his first week. With Adin Hill sidelined until later this month or potentially 2026, Hart has an opportunity to establish himself before the crease potentially becomes overcrowded. His 3.53 fantasy points per 60 minutes and 84.4 percent availability make him worth stashing if you have the roster flexibility.

Thatcher Demko appears poised for a mid-week return to the Vancouver Canucks lineup, and his services are desperately needed. Vancouver faces the Sabres and Devils to close the week—two teams in the top 10 for fantasy points to opposing goaltenders. With 42.1 percent availability, Demko represents an immediate impact addition.

For managers willing to embrace volatility, John Gibson of the Detroit Red Wings has shown flashes of brilliance. With a pair of recent wins and a schedule featuring the Flames (the top team for opposing goaltender fantasy scoring), Gibson could be a profitable short-term gamble despite his inconsistent campaign.

December 2025 fantasy hockey waiver wire: Streaming strategy

Success in December fantasy hockey requires understanding schedule dynamics and maximizing games played. The holiday calendar creates distinct advantages for prepared managers.

Light night streaming

The key to December streaming lies in targeting players from teams that play on nights with fewer games. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday typically feature lighter schedules, making players from active teams particularly valuable. The Seattle Kraken and Utah Mammoth exemplify this strategy, with four-game weeks aligned on these optimal nights.

Daily lineup formats benefit tremendously from this approach. Managers can pair a streaming forward from the Mammoth or Kraken with a star from another team, ensuring a filled roster spot every day without sacrificing premium talent. This strategy becomes especially crucial during weeks when your core players have limited games.

Teams with favorable December schedules

The New Jersey Devils possess the most fantasy-friendly schedule for Week 10, facing the Senators, Lightning, Ducks, and Canucks. Three of these opponents rank in the bottom four for allowing power-play goals, creating opportunities for the Devils’ special teams contributors. Simon Nemec stands out as the primary beneficiary from this advantageous slate.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals face exceptionally light weeks. In weekly lineup formats, managers may benefit from benching players from these teams in favor of streamers with more games. This counterintuitive approach can provide a significant edge in head-to-head matchups.

The Boston Bruins offer a unique streaming opportunity with Alex Steeves filling in for the injured David Pastrnak on the top line. Steeves has produced 2.02 fantasy points per game while playing alongside Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie. However, managers should monitor Pastrnak’s recovery closely, as he was recently spotted skating before practice, suggesting this opportunity may be short-lived.

Injury management and roster flexibility

December’s compressed schedule increases injury risk, making roster flexibility paramount. Players with multi-position eligibility like Emmitt Finnie (center/left wing/right wing) provide essential lineup options when multiple players hit injured reserve. Similarly, defensemen who contribute across categories—like Ben Chiarot with his shot-blocking and physical play—offer stable floor production during chaotic weeks.

The holiday break also necessitates planning ahead. Many leagues continue scoring through the NHL’s brief hiatus, so managers must ensure adequate roster coverage. Stashing an extra goalie or versatile forward during this period prevents unnecessary zeroes in your lineup.

By combining these waiver wire targets with strategic streaming based on schedule analysis, fantasy managers can navigate December’s challenges while positioning themselves for championship runs. The key is remaining proactive rather than reactive—identify opportunities before your opponents do and don’t hesitate to cycle players based on matchups.

What these December moves mean for your fantasy championship

The waiver wire pickups and streaming strategies outlined above can fundamentally alter your fantasy trajectory. December represents the final opportunity to address roster weaknesses before trade deadlines approach and playoff formats solidify. Managers who successfully identify emerging players like Sam Bennett or Brandon Hagel gain not just immediate production but potential keepers for the playoff run. The schedule-based streaming approach compounds these advantages, effectively giving your team additional games played over less-prepared opponents. As the holiday season approaches, the gift of proactive roster management may be the difference between a mid-table finish and a championship parade.