Top 5 NHL DFS Value Picks For Tonight's Slate
Need value plays for your NHL DFS lineup? These 5 players offer big potential at low salaries, including JvR and Dorofeyev.
If you're in the midst of building your DFS lineup for tonight's NHL action, finding solid value plays should be the key to unlocking some upside while saving salary for your high-priced superstars. These aren’t always easy to find, but that’s why we’re here.
We’ve found the 5 best players with huge value potential based on salary, matchup, and their recent performances.
James van Riemsdyk — Columbus Blue Jackets — LW
- Salary: $2.6k
- Projected Fantasy Points: 8.9
- Value: 3.42
At just $2,600, James van Riemsdyk is one of the best value options coming into tonight’s 14-game slate.
He’s coming off a solid performance against Toronto, where he notched a goal and an assist for a solid 10.1 fantasy points. Despite a relatively limited role for the Blue Jackets, averaging just over 13 minutes of ice time, he’s made all of his chances count lately with 9 goals and 9 assists on the season. He’s a 2nd-liner that produces results.
Tonight, the Blue Jackets face the Carolina Hurricanes, a team known for their strong defense. However, JvR has somehow shown a knack for taking advantage of his opportunities against tougher opponents.
With his low salary, even a single point from him can provide massive ROI. He’s looking great lately with 3 points in his last 3 games and is still a cheap dart throw in deeper DFS formats.
Brandon Saad — St. Louis Blues — LW
- Salary: $2.7k
- Projected Fantasy Points: 8.4
- Value: 3.11
Brandon Saad is another steal that offers excellent value at $2,700 as the Blues take on the Vegas Golden Knights.
Although Saad hasn’t been the most consistent player this season and starts on the Blues’ 2nd line, he’s shown his ability to rack up fantasy points quickly. His 9.2 fantasy points in the last outing against Vegas make him worth a second look for tonight’s matchup.
Sure, he hasn’t scored in the last few games, but Saad is still seeing decent ice time and creating chances. He loads up on hits and his quick turnaround means he also gets a handful of blocks in front of the crease. His 7 goals on the season show that he can undoubtedly get on the scoresheet as well, especially when paired with his top-six linemates.
We know that Vegas isn’t invincible defensively, so if Saad finds himself in the right spot, he could easily provide some decent value with his speed and shot volume.
Andrew Peeke — Boston Bruins — D
- Salary: $2.6k
- Projected Fantasy Points: 7.7
- Value: 2.96
Andrew Peeke might not be a flashy name, in fact, you might not have heard of him unless you’re a Bruins fan, but at $2,600, he provides solid value from the blue line.
He’s registered at least 9.9 fantasy points in 2 of his last 3 games. While his offensive upside is limited, he brings peripherals like blocked shots and hits. This creates a safe floor for his discount price.
The Bruins face the Ottawa Senators, a team that has struggled defensively for the better part of the season. Peeke’s ability to log over 20 minutes of ice time means he’ll have more than enough opportunities to contribute in multiple categories.
If you’re looking to save a bit of salary on defense while still getting production, we think that Peeke is one of the best options.
Pavel Dorofeyev — Vegas Golden Knights — LW
- Salary: $5.3k
- Projected Fantasy Points: 15.1
- Value: 2.85
Pavel Dorofeyev is a bit pricier and tops our list of NHL DFS value players at $5,300, but he’s earned his spot as a value pick given his 19.3 fantasy points in his last game. Over his last 5 games, he’s actually averaging 21.8 points per game. So, he’s heating up right now. With 20 goals and 30 points this season, Dorofeyev has been one of the more reliable secondary scorers for Vegas.
He’s coming off a strong performance against St. Louis, where he notched both a goal and an assist despite the tough loss.
Tonight, he gets the same matchup, and the Blues’ defensive lapses are undoubtedly going to provide another great opportunity for Dorofeyev to stay hot.
His top-six role for the Golden Knights and regular power-play minutes makes him a high-upside option we wouldn’t pass up considering the slightly higher salary.
Nikita Zadorov — Boston Bruins — D
- Salary: $2.7k
- Projected Fantasy Points: 7.7
- Value: 2.85
Nikita Zadorov offers a sneaky value option for your blue line at just $2,700.
Zadorov’s 8.5 fantasy points in his last game simply highlight his ability to contribute across the board in multiple ways. With 9 points, 61 shots, and 77 hits this season, he provides a fairly consistent floor of peripherals that often get overlooked, but DFS managers love.
Boston’s matchup against Ottawa could bring additional upside.
The Senators have a tendency to allow scoring from defensemen beyond the hash, and Zadorov’s physical play means he stays involved in the game even if he doesn’t find the scoresheet. Between his blocks and hits, he’s racking up FP any way he can.
At this salary, he’s a reliable plug-and-play option to round out your lineup and save some salary cap for the big guns.
These Are the Best NHL DFS Value Picks for Tonight
Tonight’s NHL slate features plenty of high-profile stars. However, finding the right value plays can help you build a more balanced lineup so you can surge your salary on big players but not throw away slots in your lineup.
Whether it’s van Riemsdyk’s sneaky scoring upside, Saad’s insane speed, or even Zadorov’s consistent peripherals, these players can deliver tons of production without breaking the bank.
