There are 22 teams on tap for tonight’s main slate, so it’s time to dig deep for our value plays. These options will free up some more cap space to snag a stud or two and should reward you with their under the radar production. Using all of them tonight would increase your average salary per player from $6,111 to $7,575.
Center
Pierre-Luc Dubois (CLS): $4,400 vs. ARI
In a move that surprised many, Columbus picked Dubois third overall in the 2016 entry draft ahead of the much more heralded Jesse Puljujarvi, but that move is looking shrewd lately. Dubois has a respectable 11 points in 28 games this year, but an eyebrow arching six points in his last six contests. With more established stars like Cam Atkinson and Nick Foligno struggling to create offense, Dubois has found his offensive role increasing, as is his ice time (now at 13:52 with 1:18 on the power play). While the Blue Jackets are 10th in scoring in the east, a sure fire remedy for that is usually playing a team like Arizona, which is a distant last in goals against.
Wing
Andrew Shaw (MON): $3,900 vs. EDM
Shaw is on a bit of a roll (six points in his last seven games), as are the Canadiens after a horrendous start. Their offense is suddenly on fire (just ask the Red Wings), and Shaw is currently slated to play on the top line with Jonathan Drouin (if he is over his flu) and Alex Galchenyuk. Edmonton is certainly struggling right now and is tied with two other teams for the fourth most goals against in the league. Factor in that their backup goalie, Laurent Broissant, is currently expected to start between the pipes (1-5-1 record, 3.71 GAA, 0.877 save percentage), and you may want to start a few Candiens tonight.
Jesper Bratt (NJ): $4,400 vs. NYR
Bratt is quietly having a very solid rookie season, with only one less point and four more goals than number one overall pick Nico Hischier. His skill is evident, primarily in shootouts, and with Kyle Palmieri still injured he is playing on the top line with Hischier and Taylor Hall. The Rangers are solid defensively, but the Devils can score now and Bratt is averaging an impressive 2:19 of ice time on the power play as well as 15:49 overall.
Defense
Tyler Myers (WPG): $4,600 vs. TB
Myers has had issues staying healthy in the NHL, which has stunted his growth and kept him out of the spotlight the last few years. At six foot eight, the 12th overall pick had a superb 48 point rookie season and seemed destined to be an impact player physically with a dynamic offensive game, some would say a poor man’s Chara. He may be back on track this year as he is on pace to score 13 goals and 39 points. With five points in his last eight games, he is trending in the right direction for the high flying Jets.
Goalie
James Reimer (FLA): $7,400 vs. COL
With Roberto Luongo injured, Reimer is the confirmed starter against the un-good Colorado Avalanche. While the Avs will welcome back Gabriel Landeskog (bad Viking!) from suspension, it may not be enough. Florida is a solid…okay, decent 6-5-3 at home while Colorado has a road record of 4-8-1. The Avalanche are also sporting a 3-6-1 record in their last 10 games and are tied with Florida for the fifth worst record in the league. While neither team is the clear favorite here, I’m leaning toward the home team. A wild card to consider (if he gets the start) is Aaron Dell of the Sharks. They are playing the woeful Senators at home, and his stats are impressive (1.93 GAA and 0.933 save percentage).
Sheldon Curtis is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Sheldon, check out his archive.
