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
Rasmus Ristolainen – As of right now this giant Swede is a hero that also is running the Flyers’ top powerplay unit. He usually is a competent shot blocker, and now he has a smidge of offensive upside; fun! The Flyers have also emerged in the playoff picture, so they will play their best players more minutes, which Ristolainen fits.
Erik Karlsson – This horse is scoring everything he touches, and even if it shouldn’t be sustainable, we are riding the hot hand. The Penguins are at home in a huge game against the Red Wings who play a super open and fast style of hockey that benefits Karlsson’s offensive game.
Nov 4, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) warms up before the game against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Carter Yakemchuk – This kid has stepped up huge for Ottawa and is running their top powerplay unit with all of the injuries on that D-core. Yakemchuk is a very talented young player that brings a high ceiling every time he takes the ice. The Senators are right there in the playoff picture, so the pressure is on to play the guys who are playing the best.
Ivan Provorov – With Severson out, the Blue Jackets are going to rely on their top 3 guys a ton. Provorov will be playing a ton of minutes and does a little bit of everything on the ice to contribute a high floor of fantasy points.
🏁 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.
