If you’re playing NHL DFS on DraftKings or FanDuel, you already know goalies and stacks are high priority. But the secret edge to climbing tournaments is finding those sneaky defensemen who fly under the radar—the Horses & Heroes. In this article, I’ll reveal my favorite undervalued NHL defensemen plays for this slate, explain why they matter for DFS strategy, and show you how to plug these picks into your lineups. Join the DFS Army today and get full access to our Discord, tools, and analysis that back every recommendation.
Horse – A defenseman that is more chalky than others that is a catalyst for their team. These players usually have higher ceilings, and can be used as the glue to bring a stack together. They typically quarterback the top powerplay unit and log a ton of minutes.
Hero – A hero is a cheaper defenseman that will be a role player on their NHL team. They usually kill penalties and are the unsung heroes that block shots for their team. They typically garner low ownership, have high floors, and are the key pieces needed to take down tournaments.
Horses & Heroes: Top NHL Defensemen to Target for DFS Lineups
Adam Fox – The Sharks are a pond hockey team, and Adam Fox wants to add to his poknt totals to make the US Olympic teams. Fox is a horse that has high upside with his offensive skillset. This is a match made in Heaven with the Shark loving to allow goals and give up powerplay opportunities.
Oct 26, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The New York Rangers celebrate a goal scored by defensemen Adam Fox (23) during the second period against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Philip Broberg – The Mammoth play fast and Broberg can skate. Broberg is on the penalty kill unit and usually sees a lot of ice time when he draws into the lineup. He will be an over-looked hero here.
Sean Walker – Top pairing and top penalty kill is the role for this hero, with a little powerplay time sprinkled in. He is just an important piece for the Carolina Hurricanes, and he never gets shown love. Slavin is out, and Walker has even more responsibility.
Brent Burns – A revenge narrative against the Hurricanes here and this will be fun. Burns has a slightly reduced role on the Avs but he is still a good hero for them and is very active. I expect a good game from the old wookie here.
Jake Sanderson – The Flyers are frauds and Jake the snake is an absolute horse. That really can be the entire breakdown. Sanderson is THE guy for the Senators now, and he needs to carry this team and lug the mail without their captain Brady Tkachuk. You have to beat the Flyers at home if you want to sniff the playoffs Jake, you just have to.
Matthew Schaefer – This stallion of a rookie is en fuego to start his career. He finds himself at home against a tired Detroit team playing in a nearby back to back going from Buffalo to Long Island. Detroit has some old veterans with lots of miles on them, and young kids who have never endured the rigors of an NHL season. Back to backs are no joke, and Matthew Schaefer is a special talent with fresh young legs ready to skate around the Red Wings on a random Thursday in October.
🏁 Final Thoughts — Ride Your Edge
Every NHL slate is loaded with obvious plays, but it’s the sharp eye for undervalued Horses and Heroes that separates casual players from consistent winners. The best part? You don’t have to do it alone. Our members are crushing NHL DFS every season using the same projections, tools, and strategy chats that fuel this article.
👉 Join the DFS Army today and turn your lineups into weapons. Get full access to our NHL cheat sheets, optimizer, and private Discord coaching for every slate.
