This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
It's a light Friday, with only two games on the NHL slate. Don't fret, though. You can still play daily fantasy hockey, and I can still provide you with some players to target.
GOALIE
Anaheim Ducks, ANA vs. NAS ($15,900): The Predators have only scored 2.33 goals per game, third fewest in the NHL, and they've also only managed 29.0 shots on net per contest. John Gibson's GAA is up because he's faced a lot of shots, but he still has a strong .919 save percentage. Considering that the Ducks only allowed 29.6 shots on goal per game last season they will likely get stingier eventually.
CENTER
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, EDM vs. NJD ($10,100):Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are the two most-expensive centers Friday so, if you want to try and save a couple bucks, Nugent-Hopkins may be your best option. He's been plenty good, as the Nuge has averaged 12.00 fantasy points per game this season. The Devils have a team GAA of 2.82, but they have also allowed 34.5 shots on net per contest, which is awfully high.
Adam Henrique, NJD at EDM ($9,000): Despite not being a household name, Henrique has at least 20 goals in three of his last four seasons, including last year. This season, he has eight points through 11 games, including four on the power play. The Oilers are off to a slow start defensively, as Edmonton has a team GAA of 3.27.
WING
Filip Forsberg, NAS at ANA ($16,000): Nashville's offense has struggled in general, but that doesn't mean every Predator has been bad. Forsberg has notched eight goals and five assists through 12 games, including a whopping seven points with the extra man. The Ducks have allowed 34.3 shots on net per tilt this season and Forsberg can take advantage of that, even if most of his teammates don't.
Patrick Maroon, EDM vs. NJD ($11,100): Maroon scored 27 goals last season, which seems to have earned him a spot on the Oilers' top line. He's averaged a career high 18:47 in ice time, and his 2:35 per game on the power play is also a personal high for him. The Devils had a team GAA of 2.94 last year, and as previously noted New Jersey has given up 34.5 shots on goal per game this season.
Ondrej Kase, ANA vs. NAS ($9,400): Kase is off to a hot start, as he's averaged 13.33 fantasy points per game this season. He has five goals in nine games, and four of those goals have come in his last five contests. There's nothing specifically wrong with Nashville's defense, but with only four teams in action the options are slim. For a player who is performing this well Kase's price is quite low. You can justify rolling the dice here.
DEFENSEMEN
Oscar Klefbom, EDM vs. NJD ($11,700): Klefbom broke out last year with 12 goals, 26 assists, 201 shots on net, and 16 power-play points. This year, he only has two points, but assists, but he's notched 37 shots on goal through 11 games. The goals will come in time. In the meantime, Klefbom has also helped out defensively, as he has 31 blocked shots. That's why he's averaged 13.45 fantasy points per contest.
Will Butcher, NJD at EDM ($9,100): Butcher has 11 points in 11 games despite the fact he has zero goals (and only 10 shots on net). However, there are some reasons to believe Butcher can be a legit offensive threat going forward. He's started 66.2 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, the most of any Devil. Butcher has also averaged 3:26 per game on the power play, which is where he's notched seven of his points. That sort of favorable usage bodes well for Butcher's future, and perhaps for your daily fantasy lineup.
