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
Roman Josi – This game here between the Predators and the Sharks somehow may be for the final spot in the Western Conference. Nobody wants to make the playoffs in the west and every team sucks, but one team has to suck slightly less. With everything on the line, I think that Nashville is going to play Roman Josi upwards of 30 minutes a game from here on out. Josi is just far and away the Predators’ best defenseman, and he is Mr Everything for that team. The Sharks can also give up some goals in any given game.
Jan 31, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) celebrates after scoring a goal in the first period against the Nashville Predators at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Matthew Schaefer – All this kid does is score goals, and he gets a juicy home matchup against the Blackhawks here. The Islanders are a desperate hockey team and need to win constantly to keep pace in the gauntlet of the Eastern Conference. Schaefer will play a ton of minutes and be out there in every situation possible, against this inferior opponent.
Parker Wotherspoon – The Penguins are at home against a very aggressive Avalanche attack. Wotherspoon is a top pairing defenseman that blocks shots and kills penalties. He plays the defense which allows Erik Karlsson to push up the ice. In a game like this, Wotherspoon has a high floor with his shot blocking ability.
Simon Edvinsson – Detroit has a huge game here against the Senators. The Wings have played themselves in a tough spot and need to win games to maintain a push for the playoffs that is very close. The Senators are also surging and catching everyone. Edvinsson is a top pairing guy that plays big minutes and kills penalties for the Wings, and is trusted in all big game situations.
🏁 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.
