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
Lane Hutson – This game environment is super fast-paced and fits Hutson’s play style in a great way. The Canadiens are playing the Sharks in the late night hammer game, and I can smell the offense from here. Hutson is a horse that is one of the league leaders in points for defensemen, and I love him here quarterbacking the powerplay for the Canadiens.
Mar 28, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson (48) looks on against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
Radko Gudas – Gudas is a hero that plays in an another amazing late night hammer game where the Ducks faceoff against the Avalanche. This is a huge home game for the Ducks and it will require a guy like Gudas to get in the way. Gudas plays big minutes and is a top penalty killer for the Ducks, so I am expecting some blocks here.
Jacob Middleton – The Wild play a big home game here against a tough opponent in the Tampa Bay Lightning. This is a heavyweight tilt that may require a big time shot blocker and penalty killer to make a play. Middleton is that hero for his team, and he often goes overlooked for what he brings to the table.
🏁 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.
