This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Martin Jones, SAN vs. TB ($7,600): This is obviously a daunting matchup for Jones with Tampa Bay entering as the highest-scoring team in the league. However, the Lightning rank 21st in expected goals per 60 minutes and own the third-highest shooting percentage (10.3) at five-on-five. Additionally, Jones has allowed two goals or fewer in each of his past eight starts for a .949 save percentage and 1.37 GAA, and the Bolts are traveling across the continent for this contest. There's contrarian appeal here.
CENTER
Auston Matthews, TOR vs. MIN ($7,800): No regular NHLer has been on the ice for more high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five than Matthews, and he's marked the scoresheet in 12 of 16 games for 10 goals, 19 points and 53 shots. In a shallow player pool, locking in a high-floor, high-ceiling asset is encouraged, and Matthew's salary isn't prohibitive to beefing up the rest of your lineup.
Mikko Koivu, MIN at TOR ($5,000): While it's been a quiet stretch for Koivu of late with just a single goal and two assists through his past seven games, the Maple Leafs have been a mess defensively for most of the season. Toronto has allowed the third-most goals per game (3.63) and rank seventh-highest in expected goals against per 60 minutes, so Frederik Andersen's disappointing .895 save percentage isn't a fluke.
WING
William Nylander, TOR vs. MIN ($6,700): A strong stack option alongside linemate Auston Matthews, Nylander ranks just below his center in on-ice high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes. However, the offense hasn't been as consistent for Nylander, as he has just three helpers through his past eight games. As a result, the 21-year-old winger could carry a lower ownership percentage than he should.
Pavel Buchnevich, NYR vs. BOS ($5,000): With five goals and eight points through his past seven games, Buchnevich has scored his way to the top of the New York depth chart. He's also thrived at Madison Square Garden with five goals and 11 points through 11 home contests, so considering his role and current form, this stands out as a target-worthy salary.
Nino Niederreiter, MIN at TOR ($4,700): Since returning from an ankle injury Oct. 31, Niederreiter has recorded two goals and three points through four games. He's locked into a scoring role and projects to skate with Mikko Koivu at even strength, which makes the duo a cost-effective stack in the favorable matchup against the Maple Leafs' reeling team defense and mediocre goaltending.
DEFENSE
Kevin Shattenkirk, NYR vs. BOS ($5,700): The first-year Ranger enters with three goals, eight points, 14 shots and eight blocked shots during an active five-game point streak, so this is a soft salary for Shattenkirk. He's been an elite offensive contributor from the blue line throughout his career, and offers a respectable fantasy floor with his expanded role (21:31 of ice time with 4:09 on the power play), shot volume and increased willingness to block shots.
Torey Krug, BOS at NYR ($5,000): Similar to Kevin Shattenkirk, this price jumps off the page as a ripe value for an established offensive defenseman. Krug enters with two goals, six points and 10 shots during a four-game point streak, and the Rangers are allowing the most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (13.6) in the league. He's also locked in as the power-play quarterback on the No. 1 unit and has averaged 4:04 per game with the man advantage for the campaign.
