This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Cam Talbot, EDM vs. CHI ($7,400): With a seven-game winning streak snapped last time out, look for Talbot to bounce back against Chicago. The Blackhawks boast the star power to flood the net any given night, but Edmonton appears to have turned a corner and scored the second most goals per game (3.64) in December. Talbot's salary opens up plenty of spending room for skaters, too.
CENTER
Jack Eichel, BUF at NJD ($7,100): The third-year pivot is locked into a nice stretch with six goals, 14 points and 39 shots while averaging 20:10 of ice time (2:52 on the power play) through his past 11 contests. His salary hasn't quite caught up to his recent production, and with a deep center pool, there's a decent chance Eichel's ownership percentage is down.
Leon Draisaitl, EDM vs. CHI ($5,100): The German enters with a five-game point streak (a goal and eight assists) and 3.03 points per 60 minutes, but he's priced as a middling contributor. Draisaitl's numbers are down slightly from last season, and he's not skating consistently at five-on-five with Connor McDavid, but it's tough to ignore him at this salary. Plus, the Blackhawks have also allowed the fourth most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes this season.
WING
Patrik Laine, WPG vs. NYI ($6,500): Projected to skate on a new-look No. 1 line with Blake Wheeler and Kyle Connor, the Finnish sniper is positioned to continue his strong month of production. Laine enters with seven goals, 12 points and 41 shots through 13 December games, and the Islanders allow a healthy 11.68 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes and 3.46 goals per contest.
Mitch Marner, TOR at COL ($5,000): Scorching hot to the tune of three goals and 13 points through his past nine outings, Marner's renewed confidence has been on full display of late. He's been more dangerous than ever, so this salary presents significant value with a favorable matchup against the Avs. Colorado is missing key defenseman Tyson Barrie and has surrendered 3.14 goals per game for the campaign.
Jesper Bratt, NJD vs. BUF ($4,300): There's nothing scary about a matchup against the Sabres, and Buffalo has allowed the third most goals per 60 minutes on the road (3.54) this season. Bratt has also found himself on the No. 1 line with Nico Hischier and Taylor Hall. Playing with the top two talents on the roster bodes well for the rookie winger, and Bratt's 2.54 points per 60 minutes is a solid mark for his asking price.
DEFENSE
Jacob Trouba, WPG vs. NYI ($5,100): Sporting a four-game point drought despite logging 24:56 of ice time (3:09 with the man advantage), Trouba is ripe for a rebound showing. He's climbed into the huge role with Dustin Byfuglien (lower body) out of action, and as noted, this sets up as a solid matchup for Trouba and the Jets.
Justin Faulk, CAR vs. PIT ($4,500): After recording just a single goal and six assists through the first 33 games of the season, Faulk has now marked the scoresheet in three consecutive outings. The offensive outburst has been long overdue, and considering his scoring track record, there's likely still statistical correction ahead. Additionally, the Penguins have allowed the most goals per 60 minutes (3.61) on the road this season, so the matchup also checks out.
