This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Semyon Varlamov, COL vs. MIN ($7,300): There are 20 starters to choose from but Varlamov has one of the higher value propositions. Prior to his injuries Varlamov was a clear-cut No. 1 goalie, and last year posted a .920 save percentage in 51 games. The Wild offense isn't explosive and Varlamov has fared well against them in the past, especially last year when he went 2-0 with a .970 save percentage.
CENTER
Sebastian Aho, CAR vs. NYI ($6,300): Aho gets overlooked playing in Carolina but he's as talented as any of the young players in the league. The Islanders won't be a tough opponent and the Hurricanes should have a little more jump with a new coach behind the bench. Playing center should help maximize his playmaking and Teuvo Teravainen looks like a legitimate first-line player as well.
Bryan Little, WPG at STL ($4,600): He's centering Patrik Laine… so, yeah. Even though Little never lived up to his offensive potential he's become a very reliable two-way player with 50-point potential. Obviously, his numbers will depend on Laine, so hope that the Finnish sniper's skills on the ice will be as sharp as his verbal jabs.
WING
Artemi Panarin, CLS at DET ($6,700): If Panarin wants out, it's in his best interest to have the best season ever. As it stands, he is still the Jackets' top offensive player and he's traditionally feasted on the Wings with 11 points in seven career games. He should have no problem again this time with the Wings debuting two rookies on the blue line and facing an uncertain situation in net.
Max Pacioretty, VGK vs. PHI ($6,000): He should excel playing alongside good friend Paul Stastny and without the burden of the Habs captaincy. Like last season, the Knights will take an offense-by-committee approach, but Pacioretty is probably the team's best shooter and a 30-goal season is highly plausible. The Flyers have shaky goaltending with a very young blue line in front of him.
Jordan Kyrou, STL vs. WPG ($3,100): Kyrou has flown under the radar but he's been generating some serious buzz in St. Louis. He had an impressive camp and will open the season on a 1B line with Brayden Schenn and Jaden Schwartz – a very ideal position for a young scorer. As the right winger Kyrou will also have an easier path to the net because the Jets defense is much weaker on the left side.
DEFENSE
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, ARI at DAL ($5,000): The Coyotes' newest captain has scored double-digit goals in all but two of his eight seasons in the NHL, and the team has recently become a trendy Cinderella pick. With Jakob Chychrun out of the lineup, Ekman-Larsson will eat up the vast majority of the power-play minutes, where he's scored 46 of his 102 career goals.
Miro Heiskanen, DAL vs. ARI ($3,500): There were roster spots open, which cleared a path for him to make the team, and being consistent will probably be a challenge for the teenager. Talented offensive defensemen like Heiskanen like to freewheel, so pairing him with Marc Methot is a message that the Stars are willing to let him take risks. He has John Klingberg-like upside.
