This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Connor Hellebuyck, WPG vs. MIN ($7,500): The Wild enter with an injury-depleted lineup, and Hellebuyck has been rock solid this season with a .950 save percentage and 1.67 GAA through his three starts. Minnesota is also generating just 26.9 scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five this season, which is the eighth fewest in the league. Additionally, this salary offers plenty of value considering the netminder's recent play.
CENTER
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS at DET ($6,500): While the Red Wings are off to a nice start this season, they allowed six goals in losing fashion to Toronto on Wednesday and grab another daunting test here. Backstrom is steady and priced well below the top-tier centers despite jumping out to a strong start. He's logging 19:50 of ice time per game (3:50 on the power play) and has three goals and 11 points through seven games.
Bryan Little, WPG vs. MIN ($4,700): While it's been a hit-or-miss start with just a single goal, three helpers and nine shots through six games, Little's strong offensive track record has long legs. He should face softer five-on-five matchups playing on the second line, and he's projected to center Nikolaj Ehlers and Patrik Laine. It's a cushy fantasy setup.
WING
Phil Kessel, PIT at FLA ($6,000): It's nice to know what you're paying for, and Kessel has established himself as one of the most reliable high-floor, high-ceiling daily assets. He's notched seven points -- two goals -- and 29 shots through seven games while logging 4:24 of power-play time per contest. This salary is extremely manageable, too.
Evgeny Dadonov, FLA vs. PIT ($4,600): With a goal and four assists through five games and two multi-point showings this is an affordable price for the top-line winger. Dadonov has averaged 18:35 of ice time with 5:52 on the man advantage, and he was an established scorer in the KHL before returning to North America this season. The Penguins have also allowed the third-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (13.3) this season.
Sam Reinhart, BUF vs. VAN ($3,800): After a stint centering the fourth line, Reinhart has looked much more comfortable on the wing. He's scored in consecutive games and has nine shots and an average of 3:08 of power-play time through his past three outings. The Canucks aren't a daunting opponent, and Reinhart's a talented scorer who's skating on an encouraging line with Ryan O'Reilly and Kyle Okposo. This salary also opens up plenty of cap relief, too.
DEFENSE
Brent Burns, SAN at NJD ($7,200): While Burns has just two assists through the first five games of the season, he's been able to provide a high fantasy floor through his 20 sots and 14 blocked shots. He's locked into a huge workload -- 26:04 of ice time per game with 3:57 on the power play -- and is coming off a league-best 2.2 points per 60 minutes among defenseman last season. The Devils have also allowed four goals in consecutive games.
Michael Del Zotto, VAN at BUF ($3,600): This is an affordable salary to take a stab at Del Zotto's recent hot streak. With Alexander Edler (lower body) out of the lineup, Del Zotto has stepped into a larger role and posted four helpers, 12 shots and five blocked shots through his past three games. Additionally, the first-year Canuck has seen his ice time climb to 25:37 per contest with 4:40 on the power play during that three-game stretch.
