With fantasy hockey championships on the horizon and trade deadlines looming in most leagues, it’s a crucial time for fantasy owners to utilize the waiver wire to separate themselves from the pack or slide into a playoff spot.

Injuries are in abundance at this point in the season and pose potential opportunities to savvy wire-hawks.

The Philadelphia Flyers have been on a tear as of late, and although their recent success is not likely getting them into the playoffs, it might be what owners need to push their teams into the postseason.

2019 Fantasy Hockey Week 18 Waiver Wire

Travis Konecny, RW, Philadelphia Flyers (42% Owned)

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The former first-round pick has had a down year, being unable to gain sustained traction within the Flyer’s depth chart. This, however, has changed with new line-mates.

Playing alongside of Claude Giroux and James Van Riemsdyk is always a good place to be. The two All-Star caliber players have helped Konecny amass nine points in his last eight games. During this time Konecny has put up 4G, 5A, 2PPP, 14SOG and a +3 rating.

Also, receiving time on the second power-play unit also helps his chances of increasing his point production.

Carter Hart, G, Philadelphia Flyers (63% owned)

Philly has used seven goalies this season, making the average fantasy player cringe at the inconsistency. However, their goaltender of the future, Carter Hart, has become the goaltender of now.

Winning the last eight games, Hart has cemented himself in the elite end of the goaltender spectrum of fantasy hockey. Hart has posted a 2.33 G.A.A. and 0.935 SV% over this period.

Although he is currently owned in over 60% of leagues, his recent dominance and top-five performance earns him a nod on this week’s must-add list.

Nick Bjugstad, C, LW, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (17% Owned)

It’s time to strike while the iron is hot.

With perennial All-Star Evgeni Malkin remaining sidelined, and Pittsburgh Penguin head coach Mike Sullivan recently juggling the lines, Nick Bjugstad has found himself on the same line as Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel.

In 36 games this season, Bjugstad has an abysmal five goals and 12 assists, but since his trade to Pittsburgh and the subsequent promotion to the top line, things are starting to look up. If history has taught us one thing, it’s that anyone who plays with Crosby automatically becomes a fantasy stud.

It’s also worth mentioning that since Bjugstad has been traded to the Pens, he has averaged over two hits per game.

Keep an eye on Malkin’s injury status, because Bjugstad can lose fantasy value in a heartbeat if bounced off the top line.

Oscar Klefbom, D, Edmonton Oilers (29% Owned)

@RearAdBsBlog @ryanwhitney6 @BizNasty2point0 @spittinchiclets @MikeGrinnell_ jersey toss at the Oilers game right in front of me. The fans are about to lose it in this city. Thoughts in the next pod? pic.twitter.com/S14oCKFvBv — William James (@William_J87) February 6, 2019

The Edmonton Oilers fans may be throwing their jerseys on the ice in frustration but fantasy owners shouldn’t fret. Despite Edmonton’s season-long funk, there is still value at the blue line.

Oscar Klefbom, has just come back to the line-up after an absence that lasted over 20 games. Prior to sustaining the hand injury, Klefbom led the Oilers in ice-time (25:15). In the 10 games prior to his injury, the blue-liner also racked up three goals, four assists and a whopping 35 shots on goal.

Also be sure to take a look at this week’s fantasy hockey planner by Keith Lott to stay ahead of the curve