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
Mikhail Sergachev – Prime matchup for the Mammoth and this horse to get right as they have been struggling as of late. If the Mammoth want to turn it around, they will look at Sergachev to play a huge shutdown role, as well as quarterbacking the top powerplay unit. This spot against the lowly Sabres is just too good of a floor/ceiling combo for Sergachev to be ignored here.
Sep 22, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Utah Mammoth center Nick Schmaltz (8) shoots on goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Luke Hughes – The Blackhawks have been super surprising, but long term, I don’t think this level of success is sustainable. Luke Hughes is a horse and is looking to solidify his role as the top offensive option on defense with Dougie Hamilton on the shelf. Hughes has a high ceiling, and I think his upside has a higher chance to hit than normal in this fast-paced matchup.
Cam York – I am unsure of what his salary is, but right now he is listed as a top 4 defenseman who is on the top powerplay and penalty kill unit. That is quite the role for York who is talented, but has had kind of a roller coaster type of career. Coach Tocchet must like York, and with a role like this he needs 2nd and 3rd looks from fantasy owners.
Bowen Byram & Owen Power – With Rasmus Dahlin out, both of these young guys entering the early part of their prime need to step up for Buffalo. Dahlin’s timetable is not known, so these guys have to understand the opportunity they have and the job they have ahead of them. Both will play a ton of minutes, but Bowen Byram is slated to quarterback the top powerplay unit. Power will play more shutdown and penalty kill minutes, and chip in on the 2nd powerplay unit. These guys needed to be clumped together, and they have a big job to do and large shoes to fill.
🏁 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.
👉 Join the DFS Army today and turn your lineups into weapons. Get full access to our NHL cheat sheets, optimizer, and private Discord coaching for every slate.
