This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Mike Smith, CGY vs. LA ($7,900): The Kings lost 6-2 to Vancouver on Tuesday, so this checks out as a daunting second leg of a back-to-back road set for the Kings. With an 8-4-4 record, .940 save percentage and 1.86 GAA through his past 16 outings, Smith's salary looks a little short considering his current form in a likely soft matchup. The only concern is that Smith could be extremely chalky in this two-game slate.
CENTER
Auston Matthews, TOR at CHI ($7,400): With a manageable cap hit, Matthews is a strong lean based on his two-game point streak and dangerous play of late. He's been on the ice for 19.82 high-danger scoring chances per hour his past two outings, and Chicago has surrendered the fifth most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (12.54) for the campaign.
Nick Schmaltz, CHI vs. TOR ($5,600): Projected to center a new-look line with Patrick Kane and Brandon Saad, Schmaltz is positioned for offensive success. The 21-year-old pivot has recorded 16 points -- seven goals -- through the past 16 games and is also seeing time with the No. 1 power-play unit. Additionally, Schmaltz has clicked with Kane for a solid 3.66 goals per 60 minutes this season.
WING
Johnny Gaudreau, CGY vs. LA ($7,300): With two goals, 12 assists and five multi-point showings through his past nine contests, Gaudreau enters in solid form and draws the Kings in the second leg of a back-to-back road set. The winger's has consistently been a better scorer on home ice over the past three years, and he's recorded a high-end 3.54 points per 60 minutes at the Scotiabank Saddledome this season.
Brandon Saad, CHI vs. TOR ($5,600):As noted, Saad is projected to skate with Nick Schmaltz and Patrick Kane on an intriguing new line. A shakeup is needed, too. Saad has failed to mark the scoresheet in six consecutive games, and he also has just three goals and a 4.5 shooting percentage through his past 21 outings. Chasing positive regression is in play here, as Saad is skating with two talented playmakers.
Mitch Marner, TOR at CHI ($4,800): Another player projected to skate in a new assignment, Marner skated with Nazem Kadri and Patrick Marleau during Tuesday's practice. While the diminutive winger has just a single goal and two assists through his past 11 games, this trio has a lot of potential, and Marner's salary offers cap relief. As noted, the Blackhawks haven't been a daunting opponent this season, either.
DEFENSE
Jake Gardiner, TOR at CHI ($4,600): With Morgan Rielly (upper body) out of action, Gardiner has stepped into a larger role and logged 25:14 of ice time (2:39 with the man advantage) the past two games. Additionally, Gardiner enters with five assists and seven blocked shots during an active three-game point streak. His salary is also easily slid under the cap.
Brent Seabrook, CHI vs. TOR ($3,500): The shakeups are expected throughout the lineup for the Blackhawks, and Seabrook skated with the No. 1 power-play unit during Tuesday's practice. His low salary makes him a serviceable flier with upside, and while Seabrook's offensive numbers have dipped this season, he does offer a respectable fantasy floor through his shot and blocked shot volume -- especially out of a two-game slate.
