Target struggling defenses with Zach Werenski against the Canucks and Miro Heiskanen against the Predators. Uncover hidden gems like Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Bowen Byram for your fantasy roster.
On every game day this season, THN Fantasy will highlight players and goalies for fantasy managers to stream or roster for the rest of the season. The recommended players and goalies are rostered in less than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues and can be selected in standard fantasy leagues and/or for daily fantasy games.
Zach Werenski, D, CBJ at VAN (100% rostered) – FanDuel $6,700
The Canucks are very shorthanded and will either start backup Kevin Lankinen or third-string Jiri Patera with Thatcher Demko’s status questionable for their weekend back-to-back. The Canucks do not defend well and it presents a good opportunity for the Jackets’ offense to shine. Werenski has been a little quiet to start the season but provides elite shot volume.
Miro Heiskanen, D, DAL at NSH (94% rostered) – FanDuel $5,900
With Heiskanen quarterbacking PP1, I think he’s a better value play than Thomas Harley ($6,100). The Preds are one of the worst teams in the league, allowing the seventh-most goals per game in the league. Heiskanen is coming off a four-assist performance against the Ducks and registered at least two shots on goal in nine straight games.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, TOR vs. BOS (24% rostered) – FanDuel $5,000
That’s now two assists in two games for Ekman-Larsson, who has taken over from Morgan Rielly on PP1. The Leafs power play has been lackluster all season but this is a good opportunity for a value play in a matchup where the Leafs should be heavily favored.
Bowen Byram, D, BUF at CAR (12% rostered) – FanDuel $4,500
The Sabres PP will be in a state of flux without Rasmus Dahlin, and I wouldn’t rule out a five-forward top unit. However, should the Sabres want to play a defenseman, my best guess would be Byram, who has the play driving ability and offensive awareness and aggressiveness that Owen Power struggles to bring consistently. Byram is not particularly productive in fantasy, but it may be worth the dice roll in case he gets put in more offensive situations.
John Klingberg, D, SJ vs. FLA (11% rostered) – FanDuel $5,100
It’s the Sharks’ second game of a back-to-back though they’re at home. Klingberg has been the Sharks’ top option on the power play and it can be a potent one with the amount of talent they have on the ice. The Panthers PK has been very suspect this season, ranking only 22nd in the league.
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