Studs and Stacks – October 11
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 Stud: Kirill Kaprizov
Looked great in the Wild’s opener, notching three assists and being every bit as active as we’ve come to expect him. Now Minnesota has its home opener against Columbus, a gritty team but who can be scored upon. He had a ton of energy last time out, and I can see him showing out in front of his home fans.
The Pivot: William Nylander
Nylander looked great in the Leafs’ first game, scoring an empty net goal and adding two helpers. Tonight Toronto gets a Wings team that just looked awful defensively, giving up five goals to the Habs who were on the second half of a back-to-back. Things set up nicely for him in this one, and he’s going to be relied on even more this season to provide the scoring he’s more than capable of.
Dec 15, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov (97) makes a pass against The Vegas Golden Knights during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
The Low-Owned: Mikko Rantanen
First game back in his former stomping grounds since nearly single-handedly eliminating his former team last postseason, scoring eight points in Games 6-7, including the only Game 7 third-period hat trick in NHL history. He picked right back up in the Stars’ opener a couple of nights ago, scoring a goal and adding a couple of helpers.
The Value: Ryan Hartman
Two goals on four shots in Minnesota’s opener.
STACKS
The Full: TB (Kucherov-Point-Guentzel)
The Devils gave up six goals to the Hurricanes in their opener, and Tampa Bay is every bit as good offensively. Three goals and six assists between this trio in the Bolts’ opener.
The Mini: BOS (Pastrnak-Lindholm)
The Bruins have been surprising offensively through their first two games, and these two have been leading the charge. Larger slate plus lack of respect leads to a solid choice for a mini stack here with the Sabres being one of the worst teams coming into the season; the game has a 6.5 total and Boston is favored at home.
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