NHL Building Blocks for November 1
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 start has been absolutely ridiculous: 37 points (eight goals and 29 assists) through 14 games, with at least one point in every game this season. He’s already 11 points clear of second place in the NHL scoring race and has recorded multiple points in 10 of those 14 appearances. His season-opening point streak is now at 14 games, and he’s averaging nearly 2.7 points per contest. With the Rangers allowing 18 goals over their last three games, McDavid has an outstanding opportunity to keep this historic run going.
Other: Leo Carlsson, Nick Schmaltz
Winger: Kirill Kaprizov
Kaprizov has 24 points (a league-leading 14 goals to go along 10 assists) through 15 games and remains one of the league’s most dangerous finishers. He added an assist against the Islanders on Thursday, and now gets a Washington team that has been playing well but still has to deal with Minnesota’s top offensive unit. His goal-scoring upside is obvious, and the first-line and power-play role make him a strong centerpiece for this smaller slate.
Other: Leon Draisaitl, Dylan Guenther
Oct 19, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) skates against Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson (77) in the third period at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Defense: Quinn Hughes
Hughes is coming off a two-point game against the Islanders, scoring once and adding an assist while playing 33:41. He has 20 points (four goals and 16 assists) through 15 games, including eight power-play points. That workload is remarkable, and he remains the engine of Minnesota’s offense from the blue line as his minutes and offensive involvement give him a very high floor.
Other: Evan Bouchard, Jackson LaCombe
Goalie: Jesper Wallstedt
Wallstedt has been one of the league’s busiest and most effective goalies, entering Sunday at 8-2-3 with a 2.14 GAA and .916 save percentage. He stopped 22 of 26 shots in Thursday’s overtime loss to the Islanders, so the latest outing wasn’t his sharpest, but he had won his previous two starts. Washington is a capable offensive team, which brings some risk, but Wallstedt’s workload and season-long consistency make him a strong option.
Other: Karel Vejmelka, Dylan Garand
Value: Max Shabanov
Shabanov has quietly put together a productive first season in Minnesota, totaling nine points (four goals and five assists) through 14 games. He scored and added an assist in the win over Vancouver before finding the net again against Utah. His third-line assignment limits the even-strength appeal, but he’s projected on the first power-play unit alongside Kaprizov, Boldy, Eriksson Ek and Hughes. That special-teams role gives him an interesting path to value at a lower salary.
Other: Gabe Perrault, Shane Pinto
Jan 19, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) carries the puck against he Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
STACKS
Full: MIN (Kaprizov-Boldy-Eriksson Ek-Hughes)
This group has been producing across the board, with Kaprizov leading the way at 24 points and Hughes already up to 20. Boldy and Eriksson Ek complete a strong top line while Hughes brings the puck-moving and power-play connection from the blue line. All four are projected together on Minnesota’s top line and first power-play unit, giving the stack excellent correlation. Washington is a tough test, but this group has the talent and usage to put up points in a hurry.
Other: EDM (McDavid-Draisaitl-Podkolzin), UTA (Guenther-Keller-Schmaltz)
Mini: NYR (Lafreniere-Zibanejad)
Lafrenière has been the more productive half of this pairing, recording 16 points (nine goals and seven assists) through 14 games, while Zibanejad has contributed 11 points (three goals and eight assists). Lafrenière’s nine goals give the duo a reliable finishing threat, and Zibanejad adds playmaking and power-play involvement. Edmonton is a difficult matchup, but the Rangers have enough offensive talent to make this a worthwhile tournament pivot. It’s a smaller slate, so finding some interesting edges is necessary, and the Oilers have their backup goalie going today as well.
Other: ANH (Gauthier-Sennecke), OTT (Stutzle-Batherson)
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