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 – This man is a horse that runs the Jets’ top powerplay unit. Not much to think about here because the Jets are at home, and the Sabres are not very strong defensively. I would only play Morrissey if we are stacking the Jets as whole, which I highly recommend in a spot with this much upside.
Miro Heiskanen – This horse is at home as well and has a carbon copy description of Josh Morrissey. Heiskanen is the Finnish version however. The Stars play the over-achieving Sharks who just got their eyes pumped shut by the Capitals. Going from facing the Caps to the Stars in Dallas is a tough ask, and I think the Stars work the Sharks in this one.
Oct 26, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) and left wing Mason Marchment (27) and center Matt Duchene (95) and center Tyler Seguin (91) celebrates a goal scored by Duchene against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Tyler Myers – The Canucks are at home and are super desperate. The Mammoth are equally desperate and are in a little bit of a funk. Myers is a hero that is a giant man who gets in the way of everything and blocks and kills penalties. This is a solid path to fantasy production, and the Mammoth like to push the pace and shoot the puck. It’s a little gross but don’t be afraid to play Tyler Myers in sharper contests with smaller fields.
Radko Gudas – Carbon copy description as Tyler Myers just change the team to the Ducks. Gudas is probably even more active with his stick than Myers, as well as a little more chronically insane. This mutant is the captain of this young team, and he loves to block shots with his face and set the example.
🏁 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.
