Top DFS Value Picks for the NHL Opening Night

The NHL season is officially kicking off, and with a small slate of games on October 8th, DFS players have a chance to find some excellent value to build out their lineups.

The key for this day’s slate is identifying players who can deliver solid point production at reasonable salaries.

Joonas Korpisalo — Boston Bruins — Goalie

• Salary: $7.4k
• Projected Fantasy Points: 15.5
• Value: 2.09

Korpisalo comes into this game against the Panthers with a decent salary considering his potential for racking up saves.

Despite the Bruins losing Jeremy Swayman to a contract dispute, Korpisalo is the de facto starter, and he’ll need to step up big to keep Florida’s offense in check.

His last outing against the Kings wasn't stellar, allowing four goals, but it was mostly due to a hat trick by Quinton Byfield. Given that Byfield is a monster, we won’t hold that against Korpisalo.

Boston's defense should provide more structure around him compared to what he dealt with in Ottawa last season.

Expect a bounce-back game here, especially with Florida’s scoring dominance likely keeping him busy. At his price, Korpisalo could offer great value if he racks up saves while keeping the Panthers at bay.

Robert Thomas — St. Louis Blues — Center

• Salary: $6.0k
• Projected Fantasy Points: 10.2
• Value: 1.70

Robert Thomas has been a solid playmaker for the Blues. He is consistently finding ways to rack up assists.

In his last game, he added two assists in St. Louis’ 4-3 overtime win against the Stars, setting up Philip Broberg and Jordan Kyrou for key goals.

After a breakout season in which he posted 86 points (26 goals, 60 assists), Thomas has cemented himself as the Blues' No. 1 center.

His price point is really nice considering his high offensive upside, especially in a matchup against Seattle. While he doesn’t offer much in terms of peripheral stats like shots or hits, his consistent production in scoring categories makes him a solid value pick.

With ample power-play time and a knack for setting up goals, Thomas should be a great option for DFS players looking to balance their lineup without breaking the bank.

Jordan Binnington — St. Louis Blues — Goalie

• Salary: $7.6k
• Projected Fantasy Points: 13.4
• Value: 1.76

Binnington has a nice matchup against the Seattle Kraken, and at $7.6k, he provides some fantastic value considering his potential to post a strong performance.

St. Louis did a great job limiting the Stars' offense in his last game, holding them to just 20 shots in a 4-3 overtime win.

That kind of defensive support is critical for Binnington's DFS outlook, especially against a Kraken team that can be hit-or-miss offensively.

Binnington is projected for a 13.4-point output, and with Seattle’s top scorers not expected to light it up, there’s a good chance he’ll post solid numbers without facing an avalanche of shots.

This keeps his floor high, and with his reasonable price, he’s a top-tier value pick for DFS players.

Jordan Kyrou — St. Louis Blues — Winger

• Salary: $6.8k
• Projected Fantasy Points: 13.3
• Value: 1.96

Kyrou is a great offensive option at a reasonable salary of $6.8k.

His goal in the Blues’ last preseason game showed exactly why he’s primed for another strong season.

Kyrou is a top-six forward with 30-goal, 70-point potential, and he’ll be heavily involved in St. Louis’ attack against Seattle.

Kyrou might not offer the same level of consistency as some higher-priced wingers, but at his $6.8k salary, you’re getting a player who can provide significant upside.

If he stays hot and plays a key role in the Blues' power play, Kyrou has a great shot at returning close to 2x his value in this game.

Elias Lindholm — Boston Bruins — Center

• Salary: $5.5k
• Projected Fantasy Points: 9.8
• Value: 1.78

Lindholm is set to make his debut after overcoming an injury sustained at the start of training camp. He’s slated to play on Boston’s first line and should see significant time on the top power-play unit, giving him strong DFS potential. 

Last season, Lindholm tallied 15 goals and 29 points across 75 games, splitting time between Calgary and Vancouver.

While his offensive production doesn’t pop off the page, his positioning on the Bruins’ top line and power play gives him a great opportunity to add value, especially at this $5.5k price point.

Facing off against a Florida Panthers team that allows opportunities for centers to get on the scoresheet, Lindholm could be a sneaky good value pick for managers looking to round out their rosters with a mid-tier salary option.

Key Takeaways for the NHL Opening Night

The October 8th slate offers plenty of value with strong goaltending options being the standout plays.

With these value plays, you’ll have the flexibility to build around some higher-priced stars, giving your DFS lineup both a strong floor and high ceiling. Load up on these players to maximize your DFS potential for this NHL slate.