NHL Building Blocks for November 5
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 historic. He’s already at 40 points through 16 games, with a point in every game and an NHL-record season-opening assist streak that reached 16 games Tuesday against New Jersey. He’s also become just the fourth player in league history to reach 40 points in 16 games or fewer. Anaheim is next, and even after being held to one shot Tuesday, there’s no reason to expect this ridiculous production to slow down.
Other: Jack Hughes, Nathan MacKinnon
Winger: David Pastrnak
Pastrnak has 20 points (eight goals and 12 assists) through 16 games, with 57 shots on goal. He had an assist and fired seven shots in Monday’s overtime win against Vegas, so the scoring chances are certainly still there even when he doesn’t find the net. Pittsburgh is next, and Pastrnak’s shot volume and prominent power-play role give him a strong ceiling.
Other: Nikita Kucherov,
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: Cale Makar
Makar has been on a tear offensively, recording seven points (one goal and six assists) over his last three games. He had a goal and an assist in Tuesday’s 7–2 loss to Columbus, adding five shots in 22:32 of ice time. Colorado’s defenseman is still logging major minutes and quarterbacking the top power-play unit. Nashville is next, and Makar’s ability to pile up points in a hurry makes him an elite option.
Other: Evan Bouchard, Jackson LaCombe
Goalie: Jake Oettinger
Oettinger is 8-3-1 with a 1.91 GAA, .909 save percentage, and three shutouts through 12 appearances. He did give up five goals against Washington on Tuesday, but Dallas still came away with a 6–5 win. Columbus is a reasonable bounce-back matchup, and Oettinger’s season-long numbers and strong win potential keep him in consideration despite the rough outing.
Other: Brandon Bussi, Jeremy Swayman
Value: Roman Kantserov
Kantserov has been on a tear, recording a point in five straight games with four goals and an assist over that stretch. He scored in each of Chicago’s last two games, including Wednesday’s matchup in Florida, and has six goals and two assists through 15 games. The 22-year-old is averaging over 18 minutes per game and already has two power-play goals, and he’s developing some nice chemistry with Connor Bedard.
Other: Trevor Connelly, Tristan Luneau
Oct 9, 2025; San Jose, California, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) directs his teammates before a faceoff against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
STACKS
Full: EDM (McDavid-Draisaitl-Bouchard)
It’s a ridiculous stat, but this trio is 1-2-3 in the league in scoring. McDavid and Draisaitl combined for three points Tuesday, with McDavid assisting on Draisaitl’s power-play goal to tie the game late. Bouchard also had a goal and an assist, giving him a point in four straight games (two goals and five assists). McDavid’s 40-point start is obviously the centerpiece, while Draisaitl and Bouchard give this stack tremendous power-play correlation. Anaheim is a good opportunity for Edmonton to get back in the win column after Tuesday’s shootout loss.
Other: TB (Kucherov-Point-Guentzel), UTA (Guenther-Keller-Schmaltz)
Mini: VGK (Eichel-Stone)
Eichel and Stone continue to be one of Vegas’ most dangerous combinations, with both capable of contributing as scorers and playmakers. Eichel has 22 points (seven goals and 15 assists) through 17 games, while Stone has been a consistent offensive contributor when healthy. Detroit is the matchup, and the Golden Knights have enough offensive firepower to make this pairing dangerous. I like the two-man combination for its upside without needing to pay for a larger Vegas stack (though if you were, Marner is the first one I’d add in).
Other: WPG (Connor-Scheifele), CAR (Aho-Svechnikov)
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