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
Vladislav Gavrikov – Another slate, another good spot for Gavrikov to be a high scoring hero. The Rangers are playing a little better and have a tough home matchup against the angry Avalanche. Gavrikov plays a ton of minutes, blocks shots, and kills penalties; which is great, because the Avalanche love to fire pucks on net. Adam Fox may miss again as well, which may give Gavrikov even more ice time depending on the game situations.
Dylan Samberg – Samberg is a hero I rarely talk about but has a solid opportunity in this game environment. On the road in Edmonton who is clawing back in the standings makes for a good opportunity for unsung heroes. Samberg is a big minute player who kills penalties, and with no Hellebuyck, the Jets have no choice but to protect their goalie.
Apr 29, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken center Matty Beniers (10) skates with the puck against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Vince Dunn – Dunn is a horse that quarterbacks the top powerllay unit for Seattle. Seattle finds themselves at home against a Detroit team who is starting a long road trip out west. The Red Wings cannot make a save, and even though Seattle isn’t a sexy team to build around, I am going out of my way to attack Detroit until they prove to me that they can make a save. Dunn has as good of a chance as anyone on the Kraken to have a solid fantasy day.
Shayne Gostisbehere – The Ghost is a horse who has performed amicably in the absence of Jaccob Slavin. The Ghost has always been a solid powerplay specialist, but his role has expanded a little due to the Slavin injury. Carolina at home is always a plus spot and it doesn’t hurt that they are playing the Nashville Predators who are full of stinky poopoo farts. There should be plenty of fantasy goodness projected around the Hurricanes in this spot.
Rasmus Andersson – This Swedish horse is at home against a Mammoth team that has slowed down a little bit. I like finding reasons to play Andersson because he is super active all around the ice, but when he is on the powerplay as well, I look extra hard. The pace, the activity, and the powerplay make Andersson a solid floor and ceiling combination across the board.
🏁 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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