Guys, I understand that NFL season is upon us, and that’s where the big money is; I get it. But let’s not forget about the little guys. We are planning big things this NHL season at the DFSARMY, including a revamped Domination Station, a bolster of new talent that I get the honor of working with, and more frequent content to help crush your opponents. You have to subscribe if you want the 1 on 1 time with us coaches in the discord; you also can join in on verbally abusing me in there as well. Join for NFL season, stay for NHL and NBA season, seems like a plan.
1) Erik Karlsson to the Pittsburgh Penguins – In DFS and fantasy we want point production, and Erik Karlsson gives us that in spades. Karlsson led all defenseman in the league with 101 points; 25 more points than second place (which is an above average defenseman’s point total). Karlsson eclipsed the 100 point mark on a terrible Sharks team. Swap those Sharks out with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jake Guentzel, and Rickard Rakell. Karlsson may be a cash game lock on some smaller DFS slates this season.
2) Vladimir Tarasenko to the Ottawa Senators – Tarasenko has been a pure sniper his entire NHL career, and I am predicting a top powerplay unit and top line with him and Tim Stuetzle coexisting beautifully. Stuetzle is a young stud that plays fast, creates space, and distributes the puck well, and there is plenty of secondary talent to help Stuetzle and Tarasenko score.
3) Sean Durzi to the Arizona Coyotes – the Coyotes added Sean Durzi and Matt Dumba to their defense this offseason, and whichever one quarterbacks their top powerplay unit interests me greatly. I for all intensive purposes believe it will be Durzi. Sean Durzi had 38 points last year on the Kings while not get ample powerplay time, which is impressive. Stacking options should include Clayton Keller and Logan Cooley. Side note Logan Cooley starting his NHL career may be another big deal for the Coyotes offense this season. Keep tabs on these Coyotes’ lines and powerplay units, as there is a decent mix of young talent that wants future big NHL money.
4) Connor Bedard drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks – This kid is going to be chalk early on, but I am a little skeptical to start. Talent wise, Bedard, in a star studded league, may already be a top 10 offensive talent. My concern is based on his supporting cast. Couple that with him having a major target on his back from the opposition. In plus matchups, stacking situations include potentially Taylor Hall and Seth Jones. His talent has zero doubts about it, but he is a young 18 year old that is already going to get game-planned for by NHL bluelines.
Aug 20, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Team Canada forward Connor Bedard (16) carries the World Jr. Hockey Championship trophy after Team Canada defeated Team Finland in overtime in the championship game during the IIHF U20 Ice Hockey World Championship at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
5) Tyler Bertuzzi to Toronto Maple Leafs – It is only a 1 year deal, but DFS is a game to game profit to be had, and Tyler Bertuzzi can fill the net with pucks. Bertuzzi is a shoot first greasy guy that can score in a variety of ways. He will almost certainly be either playing on a line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner; or John Tavares and William Nylander. If he plays on the Marner/Matthews line, watch out, because he will put Michael Bunting’s point totals to shame. Matthews will give Bertuzzi space, and Marner is the play driving wizard. It is essentially a dream position to be in, and if the Leaf’s relationship with Nylander is fractured; maybe Bertuzzi takes his spot on the top powerplay unit.
6) Alex Debrincat to Detroit Red Wings – I have a weird feeling that Dylan Larkin and Alex Debrincat will be attached at the hip for a long time. Both signed massive extensions this past year, and both are in their prime. In plus matchups I’m looking to stack the two of them together with maybe Moritz Seider. This is not to be overthought. They are both all-star caliber players, and will have upside pair together on a nightly basis.
7) Matt Duchene to the Dallas Stars – Nashville bought him out (even though he is still good), and the Stars reap the benefits. I don’t think the Stars will mess up their Robertson-Hintz-Pavelski line, and they should keep them together on the first powerplay unit with Miro Heiskanen; however, I could see them slotting Duchene on the 2nd line wing with young phenom Wyatt Johnston, as well as potentially that 5th spot on their top powerplay unit. Duchene’s value strictly depends on if he slots in on that top powerplay. Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin still exist, but let’s keep an eye on this situation.
8) Pavel Zacha’s new role with the Boston Bruins – Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci are headed straight to the retirement home, and Pavel Zacha should be the new number 1 center in Boston. Pavel Zacha may be playing with David Pastrnak not only on the first line, but the first powerplay unit as well, which could make Zacha a near point per game player in the NHL. If the DFS sites don’t take this into consideration, Zacha could be cheap early in the season (so look out for that).
9) Ryan O’Reilly to the Nashville Predators – With Matt Duchene out of the picture, and Filip Forsberg coming back from injury, Ryan O’Reilly becomes a potentially cost-effective center in DFS. O’Reilly is an all around quality player and number 1 center, and I could see him with Filip Forsberg on the 1st line and 1st powerplay unit. Roman Josi would also be very stackable if this is the case.
10) Ryan Johansen to the Colorado Avalanche – The Avalanche did some cost controlled business, getting Johansen for half of his contract’s salary. With J.T. Compher out of the picture, I think that Joe Sakic has a clear vision of his top 3 centers being Nathan Mackinnon, Ryan Johansen, Ross Colton, in that order. Obviously Nathan Mackinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar bolster the top powerplay unit for the Avs, but if Johansen can earn 1 of the final 2 spots on that unit, there could be some sneaky DFS upside there for cheap. I could see tons of assists in his future, no doubt.
