NHL Building Blocks for October 20
In this article, we spotlight today’s top NHL DFS studs and stack recommendations, focusing on high-upside players and synergistic line combinations that can elevate your lineups. Whether you’re targeting cash games or GPPs, these picks are designed to maximize value and exposure. Let’s dive into the matchups and identify the key players to target.
Oct 26, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield (13) scores a goal against the St.Louis Blues during the third period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
CASH
Forward: Sebastian Aho
Aho has been producing at an elite rate, with 14 points (six goals and eight assists) through 10 games. He added an assist and three shots in Sunday’s loss to Calgary, continuing to generate offense even as Carolina’s winning streak came to an end. Vancouver is the matchup, and Aho’s ability to contribute as both a scorer and playmaker gives him a reliable path to production. I like his workload and consistent involvement as a cash anchor.
Defense: Evan Bouchard
Bouchard has 16 points through eight games, including six goals and 10 assists, while averaging more than 25 minutes per night. He added an assist and three shots in Saturday’s 6-2 win over Utah, and his offensive role remains one of the best among NHL defensemen. Minnesota is playing its second game in as many nights after Monday’s win over Columbus, which gives Edmonton a chance to take advantage of a tired opponent. Bouchard’s power-play role and heavy minutes make him a strong cash choice.
Goalie: Pyotr Kochetkov
Kochetkov is 5-0 with a 1.78 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage through five starts. His most recent appearance was a 3-2 win over Winnipeg, where he stopped 21 of 23 shots. Carolina lost Sunday with Brandon Bussi in net, so Kochetkov comes into this matchup with some rest. Vancouver is a road opponent, but Kochetkov’s perfect record and Carolina’s ability to control games give him a strong case for cash.
Oct 1, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) during the second period against the Utah Hockey Club at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
SINGLE ENTRY
Forward: Cole Caufield
Caufield is coming off his best performance of the season, scoring twice against Buffalo, including the overtime winner. He now has five goals and six points through eight games, with 29 shots on goal. That shot volume gives him a solid foundation, and the matchup against San Jose is appealing with the Sharks coming off Monday’s 3-1 loss in Toronto. I like Caufield’s goal-scoring upside here, especially against an opponent playing on consecutive nights.
Defense: Matthew Schaefer
Schaefer has been impressive early, recording seven assists through eight games while averaging nearly 26 minutes per night. He also has 31 shots on goal, which is particularly encouraging for a defenseman whose fantasy value could otherwise depend heavily on assists. He added another assist and five shots against Toronto on Saturday. Anaheim is the opponent, and Schaefer’s combination of heavy ice time, puck-moving ability and willingness to shoot makes him a strong single-entry target.
Goalie: Jake Oettinger
Oettinger has been outstanding, posting a 3-2-1 record with a 1.00 goals-against average and a .952 save percentage through six starts. He’s also recorded three shutouts, including a 19-save performance in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Chicago. Boston should present a tougher test, but Oettinger’s early form and Dallas’ defensive structure give him a strong floor. I like him for single-entry because he’s been limiting goals while still giving Dallas a chance to win.
Stack: EDM (McDavid-Bouchard-Podkolzin)
Edmonton is coming off a six-goal performance against Utah, and McDavid was at the center of it with two goals and three assists. He now has 23 points through eight games, while Bouchard adds another major scoring threat from the blue line. Podkolzin has been finishing chances at an impressive rate early in the season, giving this group a different look from Edmonton’s more familiar top-line stacks. Minnesota is a difficult matchup, but their blue line is banged up, and I like the Oilers’ offensive upside.
Oct 26, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates with teammates on the bench after his goal tied the game against the Boston Bruins late in the third period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
LARGE FIELD
Forward: Kirill Kaprizov
Kaprizov is off to a ridiculous start, scoring his 10th goal in just nine games with Monday’s power-play winner against Columbus. He has points in six straight games and is currently leading the league in goals. The matchup against Edmonton could turn into a high-scoring game, particularly with the Oilers’ offense capable of pushing the pace. His scoring form gives him one of the highest individual ceilings on the slate.
Defense: Cale Malar
Makar has nine points through eight games, including three goals and six assists, and he remains one of the most dangerous offensive defensemen in the league. He was held off the scoresheet in Monday’s 3-2 loss to Philadelphia, but he had recorded two assists against Pittsburgh in his previous game. The concern is Colorado’s schedule: the Avalanche are playing their second game in as many nights, traveling from Philadelphia to New Jersey. I still like Makar’s multi-point potential for tournaments, but the back-to-back adds some volatility.
Goalie: Jesper Wallstedt
Wallstedt is 6-1-1 with a 1.99 GAA and a .921 save percentage through eight appearances. He won his fourth straight start Monday, stopping 13 shots in Minnesota’s 2-1 victory over Columbus. The obvious concern is the matchup as Minnesota has to face Edmonton tonight. That makes him a high-risk tournament option despite his excellent results, but if he delivers another strong performance, his recent form gives him the upside to be a difference-maker.
Stack: NJ (Hughes-Hischier-Bratt-Gritsyuk)
New Jersey has enough scoring talent to make this an appealing four-man tournament stack, especially with Colorado coming off a road loss Monday. Jack Hughes has nine points through eight games, Bratt has seven, and Hischier and Gritsyuk have each contributed five. Gritsyuk has been particularly efficient around the net, while Hughes remains the group’s primary playmaking engine. Colorado’s back-to-back schedule gives the Devils an opportunity to attack a tired defense, and this group has the potential to spread production across several players if New Jersey gets rolling.
Unlock the Ultimate NHL DFS Edge!
Want access to the most advanced Daily Fantasy NHL content in the industry? Join DFS Army VIP and chat player picks and lineups with our DFS pros and a community of savvy players. Get exclusive projections, optimizer tools, and insider insights that give you the edge every slate.
Sign up today with promo code DARTH to grab 10% off your monthly membership. Don’t miss out — this is the best deal and the strongest DFS team you’ll find anywhere!
