This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
In the coming weeks, there will be more data and fantasy happenings to pinpoint favorable matchups. At this stage of the season, trends are still developing as we teeter-totter between the results from last season, offseason moves, preseason buzz and early season results.
For now, then, we'll throw a few more potential value darts before honing in on a triple 20 next week.
CENTER
Mikael Granlund, Minnesota Wild – $4,800
The 23-year-old Finn has started his fourth season strong, netting a goal and three assists through three games. The fourth campaign usually aligns with an offensive breakthrough, and Granlund is just entering his prime years.
Most importantly, Granlund is seeing No. 1 unit power-play time and now playing in all situations with linemates Jason Pominville and Zach Parise. That trio is clicking, and with their long-standing chemistry, there's no reason to expect them to slow down significantly.
Minnesota draws the Blue Jackets on Thursday, which stands out as an especially favorable matchup. Currently, though, the No. 1 line for the Wild looks matchup-proof.
WING
Anthony Duclair, Arizona Coyotes – $2,900
The youth movement in Arizona has similarities to the showing we saw from the Calgary Flames last season. While it is unlikely the Coyotes maintain their early surge, they're fast and are clicking offensively.
Duclair has a point in each of the first four games of the season, and he has four goals over his past two outings, including at hat trick against Anaheim on Wednesday. His
In the coming weeks, there will be more data and fantasy happenings to pinpoint favorable matchups. At this stage of the season, trends are still developing as we teeter-totter between the results from last season, offseason moves, preseason buzz and early season results.
For now, then, we'll throw a few more potential value darts before honing in on a triple 20 next week.
CENTER
Mikael Granlund, Minnesota Wild – $4,800
The 23-year-old Finn has started his fourth season strong, netting a goal and three assists through three games. The fourth campaign usually aligns with an offensive breakthrough, and Granlund is just entering his prime years.
Most importantly, Granlund is seeing No. 1 unit power-play time and now playing in all situations with linemates Jason Pominville and Zach Parise. That trio is clicking, and with their long-standing chemistry, there's no reason to expect them to slow down significantly.
Minnesota draws the Blue Jackets on Thursday, which stands out as an especially favorable matchup. Currently, though, the No. 1 line for the Wild looks matchup-proof.
WING
Anthony Duclair, Arizona Coyotes – $2,900
The youth movement in Arizona has similarities to the showing we saw from the Calgary Flames last season. While it is unlikely the Coyotes maintain their early surge, they're fast and are clicking offensively.
Duclair has a point in each of the first four games of the season, and he has four goals over his past two outings, including at hat trick against Anaheim on Wednesday. His ice time has climbed the past two games, too.
The Coyotes host the Bruins on Saturday before heading east on a road trip. There will be plenty of value even if Duclair's salary jumps due to his hot start.
Jaromir Jagr, Florida Panthers – $5,100
Even if Jagr's cap hit jumps a solid chunk, there's profit remaining. The veteran looks revitalized alongside budding stars Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau, and the line has been frequenting the scoresheet to start the season.
Jagr has two multi-goal showings already, and he has at least one point in three of four games. As the focal shooter on both his own line and the power play, Jagr owns a high floor, while the Panthers boast a deep supporting cast, which will keep opposing defenses honest.
DEFENSE
Rasmus Ristolainen, Buffalo Sabres – $3,500
With a goal, two helpers and eight shots over his past two games, Ristolainen is picking back up where he left off last season. The rearguard grabs plenty of power-play looks, and he is averaging 24:49 minutes of ice time per game and has seven blocked shots through four outings.
Buffalo is no longer a doormat, and while their upcoming schedule isn't overly favorable, Ristolainen projects to have a solid showing against the Maple Leafs on Wednesday. His cap hit is gift wrapped.
Marek Zidlicky, New York Islanders – $3,300
The Islanders have scored four goals in consecutive games, and Zidlicky is manning the point with the No. 1 power-play unit. He is well accustomed to the role, and sharing the ice with four high-end scorers boosts his fantasy stock significantly.
Zidlicky has been playing offensively tilted minutes, as usual, and has a goal and an assist through the first four games. The Islanders have cushy matchups against the Bruins and Blue Jackets on tap, so Zidlicky checks out as a solid source of cap relief while his price remains low.
GOALIE
Frederik Andersen, Anaheim Ducks – $8,700
It has been a tough start for Anaheim offensively, but Andersen hasn't been the problem, stopping 86 of 90 shots for a .956 save percentage. The Ducks sit at 0-3, but with consecutive home games on deck, expect the winning ways to return.
Andersen certainly isn't priced as a bargain-bin goalie, but he could see his salary drop leading into the week. His play has been strong, and when the offense starts clicking and returns some goal support, the wins will pile up in a hurry. Andersen went 18-7-2 at the Honda Center last year with a .917 save percentage, so the upside is there.
