Studs and Stacks – October 9
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 Chalk: Nathan Mackinnon
Always in play no matter the situation. Two helpers in the Avs’ first game, and now they’re at home for their home opener. Even on a large slate like this, he’s viable in cash and in play as a tournament option.
The Pivot: Nikita Kucherov
Kuch has nearly the same ceiling as Mac and is on an elite offense as well. The Bolts get their opener at home, and Ottawa’s defense wasn’t that good last season and doesn’t look like they’ve done much to get better, but he’s matchup-proof as well.
Apr 13, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) races to the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-USA TODAY Sports
The Low-Owned: Kirill Kaprizov
The league’s newly-crowned highest-paid player gets his first action after signing his record-setting contract. Decent matchup, but he’s also shown that he can do what he wants in most instances; he was likely the Hart front-runner last season before getting hurt, and he’ll want to kick off the season right where he left off while showing that he’s worth the investment.
The Value: Matthew Schaefer
The top pick in the draft gets one of the best matchups on the slate, and we get to see what all the hype is about. Price is nice, especially on DK ($4000 compared to $5000 on FD).
STACKS
The Full: COL (Mackinnon-Necas-Nichushkin-Makar)
The Avs looked great in their opening night win with this quartet leading the way with three of the team’s four goals (and five assists between them). Makar is the cheat code even though he’s technically not a forward. Colorado now hosts the Utah Mammoth (neat and weird to say at the same time), and if they’re scoring, it’s likely these four are involved.
The Mini: DET (Larkin-Raymond)
These two have had great chemistry over the past couple of seasons, and the Red Wings open their season hosting the Canadiens who are on the second half of a back-to-back. Nice little mini stack here with great upside.
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