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 eveal 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
Dmitry Orlov – With Klingberg potentially out, Orlov can run the top powerplay unit, and usually plays big minutes and isn’t afraid to block a shot. He is the type of player that will be relied on in tough back to back game stretches, and he is usually cheap around the industry.
Oct 24, 2022; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates after scoring against the Dallas Stars in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Sanderson – The Senators need to start playing well and earning wins, and Sanderson is a horse that is key to that recipe. The Senators are at home against an inferior Mammoth team, and Sanderson needs to rally his team. Brady Tkachuk may be the captain, but when Sanderson is playing at a high level, the Senators are a much different team.
Ian Cole – An unsung hero needing to do a big job for the Mammoth. He is playing more minutes than he was, and he is a fearless shot blocker when he gets out there. He knows his role, and this veteran plays that role to a tee.
Artyom Levshunov – This young gun is playing more minutes than ever and running the top powerplay unit for the Blackhawks. The sky is the limit from this youngster from Belarus, and with the season slipping for Chicago, the staff knows to develop this guy and play him a ton.
🏁 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.
