NHL Building Blocks for October 22
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.
SKATERS
Center: Auston Matthews
Matthews has 18 points (eight goals and 10 assists) through 10 games and is coming off consecutive three-point performances against San Jose and Columbus. He scored once and assisted on another goal in Tuesday’s 6-2 win, continuing a productive stretch in which he’s contributing as both a finisher and playmaker. The Rangers are next, but Matthews’ recent production and ability to turn limited chances into goals keep him firmly in play.
Other: Jack Hughes, Jack Eichel
Winger: Kirill Kaprizov
Kaprizov keeps finding the back of the net, and his latest performance against Edmonton was another reminder of how dangerous he is right now: a goal and an assist, including his league-leading 11th goal of the season. He has 17 points through 10 games, with 34 shots on goal and three power-play goals. Calgary has struggled defensively, making this a favorable spot for a winger who is generating both volume and results.
Other: Mikko Rantanen, Clayton Keller
Mar 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Defense: Quinn Hughes
Hughes is averaging more than 27 minutes per game and has 13 points through 10 appearances, including 11 assists. He played 31:18 against Edmonton on Tuesday and added another assist, showing just how much Minnesota relies on him to drive its offense. Calgary has been giving up plenty of goals and shots, so Hughes has a strong opportunity to contribute through his puck movement and power-play work.
Other: Matthew Schaefer, Roman Josi
Goalie: Jake Oettinger
Oettinger has been outstanding, carrying a .945 save percentage and 1.13 GAA through seven appearances. He stopped 18 of 20 shots against Boston on Tuesday after recording a shutout against Chicago. Winnipeg is next, and Oettinger’s early-season form makes him an appealing goalie option.
Other: Jesper Wallstedt, Jeremy Swayman
Value: Easton Cowan
Cowan broke out in a big way Tuesday, recording his first career three-point game with a goal and two assists in Toronto’s 6-2 win over Columbus. The short-handed goal was especially encouraging, and he also assisted on Roslovic’s tally to help Toronto pull away in the second period. Cowan now has three goals and four assists through 10 games, and his floor and ceiling go up a bit skating with Matthews on the top line.
Mar 24, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Alex DeBrincat (93) warms up before a game against the Utah Hockey Club at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
STACKS
Full: TOR (Matthews-Nylander-Marchenko)
Toronto’s offense is coming off a six-goal outburst against Columbus, with Matthews and Nylander each recording a goal and an assist, while Marchenko scored on the power play in his return to Columbus. Matthews has points in back-to-back games (two goals and three assists), and Nylander has done the same (a goal and two helpers); Marchenko adds another scoring threat after recording points in consecutive games. With all three contributing to Toronto’s recent surge, this stack has plenty of multi-point upside. Roslovic and Cowan both make inexpensive fourth pieces.
Other: MIN (Kaprizov-Boldy-Hughes), NJ (Hughes-Bratt-Hischier)
Mini: DET (Debrincat-Larkin)
DeBrincat is coming off a two-point performance against Seattle, scoring his 300th career goal while adding an assist. He has 11 points through nine games, and Larkin chipped in two assists and six shots in that same game. Detroit has been getting meaningful production from its top offensive players, and Vancouver’s recent defensive struggles make this an attractive matchup. I like the pairing for its combination of finishing ability, playmaking and shot volume, and they will likely go a bit overlooked given the upside of some of the other combos on the slate.
Other: EDM (McDavid-Podkolzin), SJ (Celebrini-Smith)
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