NHL Building Blocks for October 31
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 cooled off a bit after his earlier offensive surge, going without a point in each of his last two games. He did put five shots on goal against Columbus Wednesday, though, and still has 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) through 15 games. Vancouver has struggled badly this season, making this a good opportunity for Toronto’s top center to get back on track. The shot volume is encouraging, and the matchup gives him plenty of rebound potential.
Other: Nathan MacKinnon, Elias Pettersson
Winger: Cole Caufield
Caufield (AKA Mr. Saturday Night) is coming off a two-goal performance in Thursday’s 5–2 win over Dallas, giving him another multi-goal outing during Montreal’s four-game winning streak. His quick release and ability to find open space around the net make him one of the more dangerous pure goal scorers on the slate. The Canadiens have been getting contributions throughout the lineup, but Caufield remains their premier finishing threat.
Other: William Nylander, Mikko Rantanen
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
Defense: Cale Makar
Makar exploded for four assists in Tuesday’s 8–4 win over New Jersey, with all four coming on the power play. He logged more than 25 minutes and finished with four shots, showing the kind of all-around involvement that makes him such a strong DFS defenseman. Vegas is a tougher matchup, but Makar’s ability to rack up points through Colorado’s top power-play unit gives him an elite ceiling.
Other: Lane Hutson, Miro Heiskanen
Goalie: Jake Oettinger
Oettinger’s four-game winning streak came to an end Thursday, as Montreal scored five times on 21 shots in Dallas’ 5–2 loss. He stopped just 16 shots, so it was a rough outing by any measure. The Stars have now dropped two straight and allowed five goals in each game. Oettinger is capable of bouncing back, but the recent defensive struggles make him a less comfortable option than his season-long reputation might suggest.
Other: Mackenzie Blackwood, Anthony Stolarz
Value: Easton Cowan
Cowan has been productive for a value option, with 14 points (six goals and eight assists) on the season. His recent production has slowed, but he continues to get opportunities in Toronto’s offense and played 17:23 against Columbus on Wednesday. The matchup with Vancouver is appealing, particularly if Toronto’s offense can take advantage of a team that has struggled to keep the puck out of its net. His salary makes him worth considering, although the recent dip in production is a concern.
Other: Oliver Kapanen, TJ Hughes
Nov 30, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) skates in the Ottawa Senators zone during the game between the Stars and the Senators at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
STACKS
Full: TOR (Matthews-Roslovic-Cowan)
Toronto gets a favorable matchup against a Vancouver team that has managed just one win in its last 12 games. Matthews remains the centerpiece, while Roslovic and Cowan offer a less expensive way to complete the stack. Cowan has shown some scoring ability, and Roslovic adds another playmaking option around Matthews. The Leafs have been inconsistent lately, but this is a spot where their offense has the potential to put up a big number.
Other: COL (MacKinnon-Lehkonen-Makar), MTL (Caufield-Slafkovsky-Hutson)
Mini: DAL (Rantanen-Johnston)
Rantanen and Johnston both found the scoresheet in Thursday’s loss to Montreal, combining for three points. Johnston scored his first power-play goal of the season and added an assist, while Rantanen picked up two assists. Dallas has lost two straight, but this pairing has plenty of offensive talent and shares power-play exposure. The recent results aren’t ideal, yet their involvement in the Stars’ scoring gives them a reasonable bounce-back case.
Other: COL (Nelson-Landeskog), PIT (Crosby-Rakell)
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