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
Matthew Schaefer – The Sharks stink and Schaefer has a 5 game point streak to start his career. I expect him to be a horse here and lug the mail for the Islanders playing against a glorified roller hockey team.
Adam Larsson – This is a spot where the unsung hero that eats pucks for breakfast should shine. Larsson also plays tons of minutes and I am unsure if Brandon Montour is suiting up for this one or not. The Capitals love to shoot and Larsson loves eating pucks, it’s a simple recipe.
Jake Sanderson – This game at home against the Oilers excites me in sensual ways. OK, maybe not, but with Tkachuk out, I feel like Sanderson is going to have to drive the bus for Ottawa and keep it on the road. Sanderson may not even have a license, but he has his little driver’s cap and the bus needs to go, so this horse has to produce for his squad.
Apr 24, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) and center John Tavares (91) defends Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Brandon Hagel (38) during the first period of game four of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Morgan Rielly – Back to the well once again this early season with captain Morgan. That was a joke about alcohol. Their goalie Anthony Stolarz called out the team for being soft on both ends, so I think the Leafs respond in a big way in this home tilt. Another narrative is their former coach Sheldon Keefe coaching the Devils who they are up against. If I am on the Leafs, I am on Morgan Rielly, period. Stolarz told the media that his team needs to get in front of the other net like how he is getting screened on his end. So, Rielly shoots it with traffic in front, puck goes in. Easy game.
Dimitri Simashev – This game will be sink or swim time for the rookie Simashev at home against the Mammoth’s division rival Colorado Avalanche. Simashev is a giant guy that blocks shots, but he will have to skate with the Avs who are the fastest team in the NHL. This is a riskier floor game here but his ceiling is kind of nice at this price if his minutes stay up. We love penalty kill heroes here.
Ryan Shea – This hero has not looked out of place in the NHL and is playing solid minutes and killing penalties. I like his floor as a strong skater and top penalty killer in a faster matchup against the Canucks.
🏁 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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