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
Josh Morrissey – The CBJ are playing a back to back from Columbus to Winnipeg. Am I reading this right? That is tough. Assuming the CBJ struggle in this game Josh Morrissey becomes one of my favorite high upside horses on the slate. Morrissey is a volatile offensive defenseman that runs the top powerplay unit, and this Jets team has a good one.
Oct 24, 2025; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor (81) looks on prior to a face off against the Calgary Flames in the second period at Canada Life Centre. Mandatory Credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
Mikhail Sergachev – I will continue to stack against the Sharks until I am out of money and have to go get a loan. The Sharks have been surprisingly good defensively although I don’t think it’s sustainable over the course of an 82 game campaign. Utah is also on a back to back, but they are only traveling across California, which is no big deal for them. Sergachev is Mr Everything for the Mammoth and I just think that this game environment is one that he can thrive in.
Adam Larsson – This hero is a big minute muncher and penalty killer for the Kraken. The Kraken play the Red Wings who play fast and like to shoot, so the game environment is there for Larsson to have a solid floor in this one and eat some pucks for our fantasy lineups.
Simon Nemec – This 2nd overall pick from a couple years back is now starting to pop off. He is playing top pairing minutes and running the Devils’ top powerplay unit. He had a hat trick earlier this month and even though that is not a normal outcome, it shows the level of talent at large here. The matchup is scary, but the role for Nemec is there right now.
Rasmus Andersson – Andersson has been too cheap across the industry for some time now, and now he is running the Flames’ top powerplay unit. The Flames want Andersson to produce so that they can trade him for an awesome package before the trade deadline later on this year. Andersson is an active player that does a lot for his team and has the green light to do whatever he wants.
Mario Ferraro – The Mammoth can fly around this ice and love to shoot pucks, and Mario Ferraro would block them with his face if he had to. Ferraro is a hero that loves to do the dirty work and kill penalties, and he is actually a more talented player than people think as well. This is a decent spot for some fantasy production to come out, and I am banking on the game environment not slowing down here.
🏁 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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