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
Vince Dunn – This horse is on the top pair and top powerplay unit for the Kraken. Even though Brandon Montour has been the best defenseman for the Kraken from a fantasy perspective, Vince Dunn and the role he plays tends to carry the highest ceiling. Being at home against a Sharks team whose job it is to give up goals is about as good of a spot as there is in the NHL. Chase the ceiling here, and add him to your Kraken stacks to differentiate yourself from the field.
Zayne Parekh – It looks like the kid is getting the nod for the top powerplay unit for the Flames. The CBJ’s points of weakness so far this season has been their weak penalty kill, and their lack of pressure applied to the point. Opposing defensemen have torched the CBJ this year, and the Flames are at home and are a desperate team.
Rasmus Andersson – The exact same description for Parekh can be applied to Rasmus Andersson, minus the powerplay benefits. Andersson plays a ton of minutes and is super active blocking shots and shooting pucks. Talented and active defensemen should currently be considered when facing Columbus.
Mar 22, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) skates against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
Quinn Hughes – Vancouver is at home against a decent, but still beatable Blackhawks team. If Vancouver has any chance of making the playoffs then this is exactly the type of game they have to win. Quinn Hughes is a horse and the captain of the team, and he knows this. I like the Canucks a little bit here in this spot, and if I am going that route, I might as well be on their best player.
Jake McCabe – There are a few good hero candidates for the Leafs in this spot, but I am going to promote the hard hitting minutes muncher that is Jake McCabe. He is a big pulse for his team that blocks big shots, play all of the important minutes, and kills penalties. The Mammoth like to shoot and play fast, and I am looking at McCabe to get in their way a little bit.
🏁 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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