Studs and Stacks – October 18
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: Jack Eichel
The league leader in scoring with 11 points (five goals and six assists) as well as shots (27) through five games, Eichel looks re-energized this season, likely due to having Mitch Marner on his wing, clearly the most talented linemate he’s played with.
The Pivot: Nathan Mackinnon
The floor and ceiling combo for Mac might be the best of anyone in the league, and in a game that heavily favors the Avs, I want him in all formats. He’s just as good if not better of a play than Eichel to be honest, but both will be owned and both will be great plays.
May 5, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (88) carries the puck against the Florida Panthers during the second period of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Low-Owned: Kirill Kaprizov
Fresh off a disappointing performance (one shot) in a loss last night, I will have a few shares of Kaprizov here as he’s just too good and the Flyers don’t intimidate. The field may be off of him as the Wild laid an egg, but that’s just fine for his ceiling.
The Value: Easton Cowan
As long as he stays on L1 with Matthews and as long as he’s inexpensive, he’s a solid value either as part of a stack or as a one-off.
STACKS
The Full: TOR (Nylander-Matthews-Tavares-Knies)
The Leafs are in a good spot (-215 favorites in a 6.5-total game) at home, and as usual, if they’re scoring, it’s these guys (plus Rielly) doing the work.
The Mini: CBJ (Marchenko-Werenski)
Columbus can score in bunches from time to time, and they get a Tampa Bay team on the second half of a road back-to-back. These two are the ones who drive the offense.
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