Top DFS Picks for Today's NHL Matchups
These are the top DFS picks for tonight's NHL matchups, featuring high-value players like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Martin Necas, to elevate your lineup.
Today’s NHL slate is absolutely loaded with some excellent DFS options across the various positions, and there are high-value draft picks who should be unquestionably massive adds to your lineups.
These are the best DFS picks for your NHL lineup tonight.
| Player | Team | Position | Salary | FP Projection | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan MacKinnon | Avalanche | Center | $9,800 | 19.4 | 1.98 |
| Sidney Crosby | Penguins | Center | $8,000 | 14.5 | 1.81 |
| Cale Makar | Avalanche | Defense | $8,200 | 17.0 | 2.07 |
| Roman Josi | Predators | Defense | $7,700 | 13.2 | 1.71 |
| Martin Necas | Hurricanes | Winger | $7,200 | 16.9 | 2.35 |
| Jake Oettinger | Stars | Goalie | $7,400 | 14.0 | 1.89 |
| Brandt Clarke | Kings | Defense | $5,300 | 12.9 | 2.43 |
| Filip Forsberg | Predators | Winger | $8,500 | 13.9 | 1.64 |
Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche, Center
- Salary: $9,800
- Fantasy Point Projection: 19.4
- Value: 1.98
When Nathan MacKinnon is on the ice, he’s always a DFS threat. As for tonight against the Nashville Predators, he’s already primed for a huge game.
Colorado is riding a recent win over Carolina, where MacKinnon notched yet another goal and an assist, bringing his total to 7 goals and 22 assists this season. Facing a Nashville team that’s already allowing 3.33 goals per game, MacKinnon has a clear path to generate some huge fantasy points.
His salary may be on the high side of the house, but with a near-20 fantasy point projection and stats that back it up, he’s well worth the investment for DFS lineups. The Predators have struggled to contain elite forwards like him so we think he’s going to dominate tonight.
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center
- Salary: $8,000
- Fantasy Point Projection: 14.5
- Value: 1.81
Despite his age, Sidney Crosby is having another great season. He brings both consistency and a bit of upside into tonight's game against the Dallas Stars.
With 6 goals already this season, Crosby has a knack for stepping up in big games like this.
Sure, Dallas has a strong defense, allowing only 2.46 goals per game, but Crosby has been efficient against solid defensive teams — especially at home.
Given the Stars' recent struggles, including 3 big losses in their last 4 games, Crosby will take advantage of this team, especially if Pittsburgh’s power play gets going.
With a price tag that allows just a bit more flexibility in building the rest of your lineup, we’re banking that Crosby is a strong choice for your DFS lineup tonight.
Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche, Defense
- Salary: $8,200
- Fantasy Point Projection: 17.0
- Value: 2.07
If you're looking for a defenseman with an unusually elite offensive upside, Cale Makar is your guy.
Makar has been an absolute powerhouse for the Avalanche. He delivers in key moments and consistently racks up the FP.
In their last game against Carolina, Makar had a goal and an assist, pushing his season stats even higher.
Tonight, he faces a Nashville squad that has already demonstrated that they’re struggling defensively, which is a good look for Makar’s playmaking abilities.
His price is a bit steep, but Makar’s projection of 17 fantasy points combined with a high-value rating makes him one of the best defensive picks on the slate for tonight.
Roman Josi, Nashville Predators, Defense
- Salary: $7,700
- Fantasy Point Projection: 13.2
- Value: 1.71
Roman Josi faces a tough matchup against Colorado. However, he’s one of the few bright spots on Nashville’s roster.
Josi’s ability to put up the FP, even against difficult opponents, makes him a DFS pick we can’t pass up.
The Avalanche have allowed nearly 4 goals per game this season, which undoubtedly gives Josi some room to operate offensively.
Although he’s not expected to hit Makar’s level of fantasy points, his slightly lower salary means he’ll be good value, especially if he can contribute to the power play.
Martin Necas, Carolina Hurricanes, Winger
- Salary: $7,200
- Fantasy Point Projection: 16.9
- Value: 2.35
Martin Necas is quietly becoming one of the Hurricanes’ top fantasy performers. For tonight, we think he’s an outstanding mid-tier option.
Necas has recorded at least 1 point in each of Carolina’s last 9 games, including a goal in 5 of their last 6 games as favorites. So, he’s demonstrating that he can get into it and contribute night after night.
Facing Vegas, which has shown quite a bit of vulnerability in high-scoring games, Necas is in a position to keep his point streak alive and well.
His fantasy projection of 16.9 points at a modest salary makes him one of our favorite best-value picks on the slate. Carolina’s high-octane offense (4.15 goals per game) will most likely create plenty of opportunities for Necas.
Jake Oettinger, Dallas Stars, Goalie
- Salary: $7,400
- Fantasy Point Projection: 14.0
- Value: 1.89
Jake Oettinger is a high-upside goalie option every day of the week. Despite facing a tough matchup against Pittsburgh, we think he’ll put up the saves to boost your lineup.
Oettinger has been strong in net this season, allowing only 2.46 goals per game, which ranks third-best in the league overall.
Pittsburgh has some scoring threats in Crosby and Malkin, of course, but Oettinger’s dominance could help him manage a big game. At $7,400, he’s decently priced and has enough upside if you’re looking to save a bit at the goalie position without completely sacrificing FP.
Brandt Clarke, Los Angeles Kings, Defense
- Salary: $5,300
- Fantasy Point Projection: 12.9
- Value: 2.43
Brandt Clarke has been putting up solid performances for the Kings. We feel that he’s a value pick worth considering for tonight’s slate as he comes with a really nice price tag.
With a salary of $5,300, Clarke offers excellent value at a projected 12.9 fantasy points. His matchup against Calgary, a team that’s had its fair share of defensive woes, should be a great opportunity for Clarke to contribute in both offensive and defensive categories.
He’s not the flashy pick everyone wants, but he brings a balanced approach that can easily meet or exceed expectations.
Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators, Winger
- Salary: $8,500
- Fantasy Point Projection: 13.9
- Value: 1.64
Filip Forsberg is Nashville’s biggest offensive threat, and while he’s up against a challenging and solid Colorado defense, Forsberg has shown he can score in even the toughest of situations.
He has 8 goals and leads the team in shots, so the volume is definitely there. As for his scoring touch, that’s undeniable.
However, his high salary and slightly lower value rating make him a risky play in this spot. That might be a bridge too far for most fantasy managers.
We think Forsberg’s worth considering if you’re looking for a ceiling play with a good chance of scoring but know that he may not be as reliable as some cheaper options in the slate.
Get Your DFS Picks In for Tonight’s NHL Slate!
This slate has plenty of star power and value.
Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are phenomenal picks if you’re willing to pay up for their salaries, as both are set up for productive games against the Preds. For budget-conscious picks, Martin Necas and Brandt Clarke will deliver excellent value with solid fantasy projections. As for a goalie, Jake Oettinger is an affordable goalie option who could deliver in competitive matchups.
Make sure to balance the high-cost stars with value picks to max out your DFS lineup potential.
