NHL Building Blocks for October 26
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: Connor McDavid
McDavid’s 11-game point streak survived Saturday’s ugly 7–2 loss to Toronto as he picked up two assists to reach a ridiculous 33 points in 11 games. The matchup with Detroit gives Edmonton a chance to bounce back, and McDavid remains difficult to fade with his combination of elite playmaking, shot volume and power-play responsibility. The blowout loss is a reminder that even this offense can stumble, but I’m still chasing his ceiling.
Other: Auston Matthews, Mika Zibanejad
Winger: William Nylander
Nylander scored twice against Edmonton on Saturday, including his 300th career NHL goal, and has now recorded points in four straight games. He’s up to six points (three goals and three helpers) during that streak, and his one-timer remains a major weapon on Toronto’s power play. Calgary is next, and with Nylander producing consistently while Toronto has won four straight, he’s an appealing option even if his recent scoring pushes his salary up.
Other: Alex DeBrincat, Alexis Lafreniere
May 5, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander (88) carries the puck against the Florida Panthers during the second period of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Defense: Moritz Seider
Seider’s biggest DFS selling point is the workload: he’s regularly playing more than 25 minutes and remains a fixture on Detroit’s power play and penalty kill. He has five assists through 11 games, though his recent box scores have been quieter offensively. Edmonton is a tough opponent, but the potential for a high-event game gives Seider opportunities to accumulate peripheral stats alongside his usual heavy ice time.
Other: Evan Bouchard, Adam Fox
Goalie: Dylan Garand
Garand is maybe a riskier goalie option after allowing five goals on 22 shots in Saturday’s 7–4 loss to Ottawa, but the matchup is strong. He had looked better in the two starts before that, allowing three goals combined against Anaheim and Columbus, so there is some rebound potential, especially against a bad Kings offense averaging under two and a half goals per game.
Other: Sergei Bobrovsky, Tristan Jarry
Value: Emmitt Finnie
Finnie has been a pleasant surprise for Detroit, contributing in several different ways while earning a role in the top six. He scored against Vancouver on Thursday and had a goal and an assist in Detroit’s earlier win over San Jose. The Calgary game Saturday was quiet, but his recent production and access to skilled linemates keep him in the value conversation. Against Edmonton, I like the upside.
Other: Easton Cowan, Kasperi Kapanen
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
STACKS
Full: TOR (Matthews-Nylander-Marchenko)
Toronto just put seven goals past Edmonton, with Matthews scoring once and Nylander finding the net twice, while Marchenko chipped in two assists. Marchenko has points in four straight games, and Nylander has six points over his last four. Matthews isn’t on the same even-strength line as the other two, so this isn’t a pure line stack, but their offensive roles and Toronto’s power-play production give the trio plenty of upside. Add in either Roslovic or Cowan for a fourth.
Other: EDM (McDavid-Draisaitl-Podkolzin)
Mini: EDM (Hyman-Nugent-Hopkins)
If you want exposure to Edmonton without paying up for McDavid and Draisaitl, Hyman and Nugent-Hopkins are an interesting pivot. They’re skating together on the second line but also benefit from power-play time alongside Edmonton’s top offensive weapons. Hyman nearly scored on a breakaway against Toronto before hitting the crossbar, while Nugent-Hopkins remains a capable playmaker. Coming off a two-goal loss, Edmonton has a good bounce-back opportunity against Detroit, and this pairing offers access to that upside at a potentially friendlier cost.
Other: DET (DeBrincat-Finnie), NYR (Zibanejad-Lafreniere)
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