Studs and Stacks – October 7
As the 2025–26 NHL season kicks off, daily fantasy hockey enthusiasts are gearing up for the action on DraftKings and FanDuel. In this article, we spotlight today’s top NHL DFS studs and stack recommendations, focusing on high-upside players and synergistic line combinations that can elevate your lineups. Whether you’re targeting cash games or GPPs, these picks are designed to maximize value and exposure. Let’s dive into the matchups and identify the key players to target.
FORWARDS
The Chalk: Nathan Mackinnon
Possibly the best player in the world not named Connor McDavid, Mackinnon notched his third straight season of 110+ points (and two straight with over an assist per game). Solid play in all formats as his floor is solid and his ceiling is the highest on the slate.
The Pivot: Artemi Panarin
The Breadman is in a contract year and the Rangers are motivated to turn things around after a disappointing 24-25 season. Panarin has 100-point upside every year and New York has the best matchup on the slate tonight, so he could easily come out of the gate with a bang.
Jan 25, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) skates against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
The Low-Owned: Sam Reinhart
Reinhart has 96 goals over the past two seasons, and he’ll be relied on to step up and lead the scoring with both Barkov and Tkachuk out.
STACKS
The Full: NYR (Panarin-Trocheck-Lafreniere)
May have the best matchup on the slate, and the upside here is very good as well. Miller and Zibanejad can be mixed in, but the first two are L2/PP1 together and Lafreniere is just too cheap.
The Mini: Reinhart-Lundell
Together on L2 and separate on each power play line; Reinhart is Reinhart and Lundell is going to get a lot more opportunity with Barkov out.
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