This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
With just one game on tap Wednesday between the Canucks and Blackhawks, DraftKings is featuring six Flex positions for all contests…
FLEX
Elias Pettersson, VAN vs. CHI ($12,000): With seven goals in seven games he's the most talented player to skate for the Canucks since Pavel Bure. The challenge is figuring out how much ice time he should get per night; too much and he might fatigue, too little and the team doesn't benefit. Either way, Pettersson will be used in a lot of offensive situations as Vancouver's best scorer. He has the team's second-best Corsi rating, so it's no fluke.
Alex DeBrincat, CHI at VAN ($10,200): DeBrincat has been held off the score sheet for two straight games but continues to get opportunities with two shots and over 19 minutes of ice time in his most recent game. The shifty winger will be a tough assignment for an injury-riddled Canucks defense, especially for Erik Gudbranson, who patrols DeBrincat's side and is definitely not known for his agility.
Bo Horvat, VAN vs. CHI ($10,000): A long-term injury to Brandon Sutter means Horvat is going to get an even bigger role after playing 22 minutes against Minnesota. Horvat's comparable to Jonathan Toews, a strong two-way player with multiple seasons of 20-30 goals. However, Horvat is seven years younger and a big reason why the Canucks have been surprisingly good so far.
Erik Gustafsson, CHI at VAN ($5,800): He trails only Duncan Keith in average power-play ice time and overall ice time, emerging as a potential No. 2 to replace Brent Seabrook. Gustafsson has scored just five points in 12 games this season and one assist in his past six games, but he has a good matchup against the Canucks, who are missing two of their top penalty killers.
Ben Hutton, VAN vs. CHI ($5,400): He's stepped up in Alexander Edler's absence, playing over 27 minutes against Minnesota and scoring a goal with three shots and another blocked shot. Hutton's play has been so good he's gotten a bit more power-play time, which increases his potential value. The points may not come easily but Hutton can block shots, contributing in other areas.
Jake Virtanen, VAN vs. CHI ($4,900): He looked fantastic against the Wild, registering four shots on goal and making good on a laser that beat Devan Dubnyk's blocker side. With injuries to key players Virtanen's ice time hasn't increased, but he's been getting regular shifts on the second power-play unit and late in games. Those are both good signs and his speed may be difficult for the Blackhawks to contain.
