NHL Building Blocks for October 28
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 picked up another assist Monday against Detroit, setting up Vasily Podkolzin’s opening goal, but Edmonton ultimately fell 4–3 in a shootout. He now has 34 points through 12 games, including 26 assists, and has recorded at least one point in every game this season. Calgary is next, giving the Oilers a chance to respond after back-to-back losses. McDavid remains one of the slate’s toughest players to fade when looking for multi-point upside.
Other: Auston Matthews, Nathan MacKinnon
Winger: William Nylander
Nylander has points in five straight games, totaling seven points (4 goals, 3 assists) over that stretch. He scored again Monday against Calgary, although Toronto’s four-game winning streak ended in a 5–2 loss. His scoring touch and power-play role keep him firmly in the mix, and he’s shown he can produce even when the Leafs aren’t controlling the game. I still like the upside, particularly with his recent goal-scoring form.
Other: Leon Draisaitl, Martin Necas
Oct 19, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) skates in the third period against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Defense: Cale Makar
Makar has 11 points (three goals and eight assists) through 11 games, and his workload remains substantial, averaging roughly 22 minutes per night. His last two games have been quiet offensively, but he still logged more than 23 minutes Sunday against Nashville. When Makar gets rolling, he can pile up points quickly through his skating, shot generation and power-play involvement. He’s a strong blue-line option even if the recent box scores haven’t reflected his ceiling.
Other: Evan Bouchard, Jacob Chychrun
Goalie: Mackenzie Blackwood
Blackwood stopped 31 of 34 shots in Colorado’s 6–3 win over Tampa Bay on October 23. He’s shown he can handle a heavy workload, with 30 or more saves in two of his appearances this season, though his overall results have been uneven. I’d be mindful of the risk if Colorado’s defense gives up too many quality chances, but Blackwood’s save potential makes him worth considering when the matchup and salary line up.
Other: Tristan Jarry, Charlie Lindgren
Value: Easton Cowan
Cowan scored his sixth goal of the season Monday, extending his point streak to four games (three goals and three assists). He’s finding ways to contribute consistently, which makes him an interesting value option as his role continues to develop. The concern is that his ice time can fluctuate, but the recent production is difficult to ignore at a lower salary, and he skates on L1 with Matthews. I like him as a tournament value with some genuine scoring upside rather than simply a minimum-price filler
Other: Luke Evangelista, TJ Hughes
Mar 29, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (29) calls for a pass against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
STACKS
Full: EDM (McDavid-Draisaitl-Podkolzin)
Edmonton’s top unit remains an attractive stack despite consecutive losses. McDavid and Draisaitl combined on Podkolzin’s goal Monday, with McDavid recording the primary assist and Draisaitl also picking up a helper. The Oilers have shown just how explosive this group can be, and Calgary gives them a chance to get back on track. Bouchard as a fourth adds the key blue-line connection and power-play upside, making this a high-ceiling stack that can quickly pay off its price if Edmonton’s offense clicks.
Other: COL (MacKinnon-Necas-Lehkonen), NJ (Hischier-Meier-Evangelista)
Mini: TOR (Cowan-Roslovic)
Roslovic and Cowan have both been producing lately, even with Toronto coming off a loss in Calgary. Roslovic has points in four straight games (2 goals, 5 assists), while Cowan has a four-game point streak of his own and scored Monday for his sixth goal of the season. This pairing offers a less expensive way to get exposure to Toronto’s offense, with Roslovic providing the playmaking and Cowan bringing the recent finishing touch. Their recent production makes them an appealing value stack. They’re both on the top line with Matthews and also skate together on the Leafs’ second power play unit, so there’s some nice under-the-radar correlation.
Other: EDM (Hyman-Nugent-Hopkins), NJ (Hughes-Bratt)
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