With the Fantasy Hockey Playoffs looming, there’s no better time to take advantage of the waiver wire.

The NHL trade deadline is quickly approaching, and with that, we’ve already seen a few trades that could consequently have an effect on the fantasy hockey market.

In the 2019-20 Fantasy Hockey Week 18 Waiver Wire, we’ll be taking a look at some of the players impacted by recent trades, as well as some of the potential trades on the horizon that could shake things up from a fantasy perspective.

2019-20 Fantasy Hockey Week 18 Waiver Wire

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Jack Campbell, G, Toronto Maple Leafs (25% Owned)

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Acquired in a mid-week trade with Los Angeles Kings, Jack Campbell joined the Toronto Maple Leafs, serving as the replacement for Michael Hutchinson. Hutch was a massive disappointment for the Leafs faithful and Jack Campbell could be the breath of fresh air the Leafs need.

Since the trade, Campbell started both games in relief of All-Star Frederik Andersen. Anderson is currently sidelined with a neck injury. Expect Campbell to see the bulk of Toronto’s starts until Freddie returns.

Campbell was immediately thrown into the fire. Serving as the Leafs’ starter in a back-to-back, he went 1-0-1. The Port Huron, MI. native was minutes away from securing a shutout against the Canadiens, but surrendered a goal with 2:33 remaining in the third, leading to an OT loss.

Last season with the Kings, Campbell had a .928 save percentage with the Kings and is worth adding while Anderson is out. Toronto’s high-powered offense should lead to wins for the Leafs’ newest netminder.

Campbell will be taking on the Arizona Coyotes at home in his third start as a Maple Leaf.

Pavel Buchnevich, RW, New York Rangers (15% Owned)

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On the New York Rangers’ top line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, Buchnevich has shown his fantasy value. Despite going scoreless in his last two starts, the Russian sniper had six points in the previous five games.

Buchnevich scored four goals and added a pair of helpers during that span, including two power-play markers. Centering the second power-play unit, Buchnevich could see an extended role in New York following the trade deadline (Feb.24).

New York is expected to be active with the impending trade deadline. Kreider nears the top of many analyst’s lists as potential trade bait. Buchnevich could see a potential boost in fantasy value, should Kreider be moved to a Stanley Cup contender.

While playing on the first line, Buchnevich provides upside for fantasy owners but could be even more valuable given the trade talks surrounding Kreider.

Joonas Korpisalo, G, Columbus Blue Jackets (44% Owned)

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The second goaltender on this week’s list is a proactive play. Joonas Korpisalo was replaced by Elvis Merzlikins following Korpisalo’s surgery to fix a torn meniscus. Although Merzlikins has torn up the competition in Korpisalo’s absence, the Finnish goalie should be on his way back in the Columbus crease rotation soon.

The 25-year-old has a 17-10-4 record this season, with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage. He has also recorded two shutouts thus far.

Korpisalo is projected to be back in the lineup by mid-February and will serve as a great hand-cuff option.

Owners looking to bolster depth between the pipes should pull the trigger sooner than later.

Jason Zucker, LW/RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (34% Owned)

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Zucker has found a new home in Pittsburgh following the most recent trade in the NHL.

Zucker was traded by the Minnesota Wild on Monday for forward Alex Galchenyuk, a first-round pick and defenseman prospect Calen Addison.

The newly acquired Zucker is slated to play on the wing alongside Sidney Crosby. Crosby is one of the most dominant players in the league and has been since joining the league in 2005. By playing beside Crosby, Zucker should see an uptick in productivity going forward.

“He’s a top-six guy that skates really well,” said Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford. “[Zucker] Should fit into our style. He has a good shot and can move the puck good. ”

Considering the fact that playing in the top-six as a winger for Pittsburgh means playing with either Crosby or Evgeni Malkin, Zucker will be surrounded by talent, even when Jake Guentzel makes his return off the injured reserve.

Owners of Bryan Rust can attest to increased fantasy value that playing among offensive juggernauts like Crosby and Malkin can have on marginal talents like Zucker. Strike now, while he’s still available on the waiver wire.

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