Studs and Stacks – October 21
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: Nathan Mackinnon
Might have the best floor/ceiling combo in the league. Basically a cash game lock, but think about fading him in tournaments just because of his ownership (or throw him in as a one-off).
The Pivot: William Nylander
Not taking a ton of shots yet (just 11 through six games), but he’s got two goals and nine helpers during that stretch, so he’s due for some positive regression shot-wise. Devils aren’t that intimidating defensively, and he’s always got lovely upside.
Feb 23, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) skates with the puck skates with the puck as Washington Capitals right wing Brandon Duhaime (22) defends in the second period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The Low-Owned: Shane Pinto
The league-leader in goals with seven, and Ottawa hosts an Edmonton team that is still not that settled in the defensive end. Worth some consideration.
The Value: Cutter Gauthier
Three goals in five games for the Ducks’ young stud, and he’s taken 26 shots during that stretch as well (he’s actually tied for fourth in the league with Auston Matthews). Predators don’t intimidate defensively, either.
STACKS
The Full: EDM (McDavid/Draisaitl/Nugent-Hopkins)
The Senators are allowing an average of five goals per game, and this is a spot for the Oilers to really turn it around as they’ve averaged exactly half that per game thus far. Mix in either Mangiapane (L1) or Tomasek (PP1) as a fourth.
The Mini: WSH (Strome-Wilson)
Five goals and 12 helpers between them, and they’re in a good matchup against a Seattle team on the second half of a back-to-back who is most likely starting their backup. Good way to get some exposure without looping in Ovie.
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