This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Robin Lehner, BUF vs. OTT ($7,200): Somewhat surprisingly, the former Senator popped up as top value in the RotoWire Lineup Optimizer. But with a low salary and juicy matchup, Lehner's current form is all the more attractive. He's posted a .940 save percentage through his past three outings, and Ottawa enters sporting a 1-9-2 record while averaging 1.42 goals per contest and just 8.98 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes during the slump. Just note, Lehner remains more of a contrarian lean than high-floor play.
CENTER
Evgeny Kuznetsov, WAS vs. COL ($6,000): This is a manageable cap hit for Kuznetsov, and he lands in a favorable matchup with Colorado playing its second road game in consecutive nights. The Russian center has posted 10 goals, 31 points and 78 shots through 31 contests for the campaign, and both his fantasy floor and ceiling have climbed because of his inclusion on the No. 1 power-play unit.
Erik Haula, LAS vs. CAR ($4,700): Carolina enters on the second leg of a back-to-back road set, so Cam Ward projects to patrol the crease against Vegas. The veteran netminder sports a .907 save percentage through his past 219 games, so Haula and the Golden Knights are in a soft matchup all around. The 26-year-old center has clicked with linemates David Perron and James Neal of late, as Haula has three goals, five points and 14 shots through his past three outings. His salary is also manageable.
WING
Patrick Kane, CHI vs. FLA ($7,700): With the Panthers playing their second road game in consecutive nights, the Cats are likely to turn to Harri Sateri for his first career start Tuesday. After missing the scoresheet in four consecutive outings, Kane collected two assists last time out, so this cushy matchup should help the established scorer kick-start a heater.
Sebastian Aho, CAR at LAS ($4,900): Write Aho down as a potential contrarian option who should fly under the radar with the Hurricanes are on the second leg of a back-to-back road set and in a tricky schedule spot (seven of eight contests away from PNC Arena over the past 15 days). Still, Vegas plays high-event hockey with an average of 6.6 goals and 23.8 high-danger scoring chances per game over its past 10 outings, so there's upside here. Aho has also recorded 13 shots through his past three contests while logging 20:02 of ice time (3:27 on the power play).
Nick Bjugstad, FLA at CHI ($4,100): A promotion to the No. 1 line alongside Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau has Bjugstad back on the fantasy radar. The 25-year-old forward has collected a modest two goals, three points and 20 shots through his past six games, but it's also rare to find a player with a go-to offensive role in his price range. Additionally, the Blackhawks remain a target-worthy matchup with the fourth-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes allowed this season.
DEFENSE
Rasmus Ristolainen, BUF vs. OTT ($4,600): While the Finn has missed the scoresheet in seven consecutive games and was even demoted off the No. 1 power-play unit to start Sunday's game against the Blues, he's still an intriguing option. His offensive track record is rock solid, and he's recorded 16 shots and 14 blocked shots while averaging 29:58 of ice time (4:28 with the man advantage) through his latest four contests.
Vince Dunn, STL vs. TB ($2,900): A low-priced flier stepping into an expanded role, Dunn is projected to skate with the No. 1 power-play unit in the absence of Alex Pietrangelo (foot). Pietrangelo's status will be important to monitor, but if he's out, Dunn's a solid source of cap relief. He logged 3:30 of power-play time and recorded two shots and two blocked shots against Buffalo on Sunday.
