NHL Building Blocks for October 29
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: Macklin Celebrini
Celebrini had an assist and four shots on goal in Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to Buffalo, but San Jose’s bigger problem was generating offense consistently. He still played nearly 25 minutes and remains central to the Sharks’ attack, including their top power-play unit. Vancouver is next, and his shot volume and playmaking give him a strong ceiling even if the Sharks have struggled to finish chances lately.
Other: Tage Thompson, Sebastian Aho
Winger: Kirill Kaprizov
Kaprizov scored a power-play goal and added an assist in Tuesday’s 3–1 win over Utah, bringing him to a league-leading 14 goals through 14 games (and he’s got 23 points, third in the league). He’s maintained a goal-per-game pace to start the season, and Minnesota’s three-game winning streak has come with Kaprizov continuing to drive the offense. His shooting and power-play role give him an elite ceiling, especially when the Wild can draw penalties and get him into scoring areas.
Other: David Pastrnak, Nikita Kucherov
Dec 15, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov (97) makes a pass against The Vegas Golden Knights during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
Defense: Rasmus Dahlin
Dahlin was held off the scoresheet in Tuesday’s 2–0 win over San Jose, finishing with four blocked shots and just over 21 minutes of ice time. His season totals remain modest at five points, but he continues to handle important minutes in all situations for Buffalo. Anaheim is next, and Dahlin’s shot-blocking, workload and power-play role give him a route to DFS value even when the points aren’t coming.
Other: Quinn Hughes, Moritz Seider
Goalie: Jake Oettinger
Oettinger has won four straight starts and carries a 1.43 goals-against average with three shutouts into Thursday’s matchup with Montreal. His most recent outing wasn’t his sharpest—he allowed three goals on 20 shots against the Islanders—but his overall numbers remain excellent. Montreal can create chances, so there’s some save potential here; Oettinger’s combination of strong results and Dallas’ ability to support him makes him a solid goalie target.
Other: Jesper Wallstedt, Pyotr Kochetkov
Value: Max Shabanov
Shabanov is starting to show his offensive upside, coming off a two-point performance against Vancouver with a goal and an assist. He has nine points through 12 games, and his skill and quick release make him an interesting value option when he gets opportunities in the offensive zone. The modest ice time keeps him from being a safe play, but he is on the Wild PP1 with all of their big guns, and the results have showed.
Other: Emmitt Finnie,
Oct 20, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) looks on during the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
STACKS
Full: SJ (Celebrini-Smith-Stenberg)
Celebrini, Smith and Stenberg offer an interesting way to stack San Jose’s young offensive talent, although their even-strength alignment has changed. Celebrini and Stenberg started together on the top line Tuesday, while Smith moved to a different trio; all three are projected on the first power-play unit. Celebrini still logged nearly 25 minutes against Buffalo, but the Sharks were shut out despite generating 38 saves from the opposing goalie. Vancouver is the next opportunity, and I like the stack’s upside more in tournaments than as a safe cash-game build.
Other: MIN (Kaprizov-Boldy-Eriksson Ek-Hughes),
Mini: BOS (Pastrnak-Zacha)
Zacha scored Boston’s only goal Tuesday against Carolina, converting on the power play, while Pastrnak recorded an assist and played more than 22 minutes. Pastrnak remains the primary scoring threat, with 17 points through 13 games, and Zacha’s recent power-play contribution gives the pair some useful correlation. The Bruins’ eight-game point streak ended with the loss, but this duo has the skill and special-teams access to bounce back against St. Louis.
Other: EDM (Hyman-Nugent-Hopkins), NJ (Hughes-Bratt)
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