NHL Building Blocks for October 6
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.
Oct 19, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) follows the play against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
CASH
Forward: Auston Matthews
The Toronto center is my cash anchor at forward. The Leafs are favored at home, Nashville is in a 5.5-total game, and Matthews gives you the combination of goal equity and shot volume I want in cash.
Defense: Adam Fox
Fox gives me a little more correlation with Shesterkin than chasing a pure scoring defenseman. The Islanders just erupted for six goals Saturday, but this Rangers team has won three straight and hasn’t allowed a first-period goal.
Goalie: Igor Shesterkin
New York is around -150 at home, the total is only 5.5, and Shesterkin has been outstanding at 1.67 GAA/.934 SV% through three starts. Carter Hart is viable as well.
Apr 30, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) shoots against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period in game five of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
SINGLE ENTRY
Forward: Jack Eichel
Eichel is the guy I’d build around in SE. Vegas is the biggest favorite on the slate at roughly -170 and he already has five points through two games. Seattle is maybe good enough to force him to stay involved, but Vegas has the better overall environment, and they’re lower-owned enough to be a nice balance between chalky and not.
Defense: Roman Josi
Josi already has a goal and an assist through two games, and he’s averaging 24:46 TOI, so the minutes and opportunity are there. Toronto will be aggressive, but his floor and ceiling are both solid.
Goalie: Sergei Bobrovsky
I’m sticking with Bobrovsky as my SE alternative to Shesterkin (though I would be fine if you flipped them). Toronto is around -155 with a 5.5 total, and Nashville has only three goals through two games. The low-scoring environment gives him a nice floor while the Toronto win provides the ceiling.
Stack: VGK (Eichel-Stone-Barbashev)
Vegas is the best combination of matchup, offensive form and win equity on the slate. Eichel already has six points through three games, while the trio is averaging more than 26 DK points per game. Seattle’s defense has been giving up quality chances, so I don’t mind paying up for the stack even if it draws ownership.
Dec 14, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov (97) follows the play against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
LARGE FIELD
Forward: Kirill Kaprizov
Buffalo is a much better matchup for Minnesota’s top talent than the near-even moneyline suggests. The 6.5 total gives Kaprizov additional ceiling, and he’s the type of high-volume offensive player I don’t mind paying for (he’s got three goals through the first two games of the season).
Defense: Quinn Hughes
Hughes already has a goal and two assists through Minnesota’s first two games in addition to nine shots and a team-high 24:57 average ice time. With Brock Faber out, his workload and offensive responsibility are huge, and single-digit ownership makes that upside especially appealing in large-field GPPs.
Goalie: Karel Vejmelka
This is the pure leverage goalie for me. New Jersey is favored, but only around -130, and the game is sitting around 5.5–6.0 depending on the market. Vejmelka has already won twice and is carrying a .957 save percentage through two starts. You might be giving up some win equity, but a 30-save upset is exactly the kind of outcome that can swing a large-field tournament.
Stack: MTL (Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky)
Montreal gives us a lower-owned way into the slate’s highest-total game. Carolina has already allowed 10 goals in three games, while Montreal’s top unit has all players on PP1, giving this stack plenty of correlation and breakout potential if the Canadiens can turn the matchup into a shootout.
Unlock the Ultimate NHL DFS Edge!
Want access to the most advanced Daily Fantasy NHL content in the industry? Join DFS Army VIP and chat player picks and lineups with our DFS pros and a community of savvy players. Get exclusive projections, optimizer tools, and insider insights that give you the edge every slate.
Sign up today with promo code DARTH to grab 10% off your monthly membership. Don’t miss out — this is the best deal and the strongest DFS team you’ll find anywhere!
