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
Rasmus Dahlin – This Habs/Sabres game is my favorite game on the slate. Since it is my favorite game on the slate, I might as well have the most expensive and highest projected defenseman on the slate as my top option. The Sabres concede goals, but they also score them. Dahlin is a focal point in the majority of offensive chances for Buffalo, and I expect no different in a high octane game like this.
Conor Timmins – He plays solid minutes, is giant, and blocks a lot of shots. He also chips in offensively and shoots more than you’d think. He is a hero that is on the top penalty kill unit as well. This will be a very fast pace game with a lot of shots, so I suspect a high floor here from Timmins.
Zach Whitecloud – Carolina shoots the most shot attempts per game in the entire NHL year in and year out. It is ingrained in their coach’s system and philosophies. Whitecloud is a top 4 defenseman that is on the top penalty kill as well. I am expecting a high floor in this situation and matchup for this cheap hero.
Sean Walker – A little bit of this and a little bit of that is what you will get from this hero. Walker is on the top pairing on defense, kills penalties, and fills in on the 2nd powerplay unit. This should be a pace-up matchup against Vegas, so I expect a high floor from the veteran defenseman.
Mar 28, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Lane Hutson – All of the offseason drama and contract disputes are over, so now Lane Hutson can just focus on playing hockey. The Habs are in a great spot here at home against the absolutely terrible Buffalo Sabres who love to concede goals. Hutson is a young horse that runs the top powerplay unit, and has about as much upside as anyone.
Vince Dunn – Seattle has been a pleasant surprise this year thus far and Vince Dunn is one of the main parts to this engine. Dunn is a horse that is on the top pair and the top powerplay unit. The Flyers may stink again this year, and I don’t believe in their goaltending long term. This is a good spot for Dunn and the Kraken to attack.
🏁 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.
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