Trade deadline day is just one week away. A lot of big names have been rumored to be on the move for potential playoff runs. A few deals have already been made as we get closer to April. Tonight, there are nine games scheduled. With some very interesting matchups, finding the right DFS options will be tricky. Let’s dive into this slate and discover some of the best players of the evening.
Center
Sebastian Aho (CAR): $6,900 vs. NYR
The New York Rangers are traveling to Raleigh tonight in what should be a high-event game. Both teams like to play at a fast pace. The difference between the two teams is that Carolina creates a lot of offense. They are among the league leaders in shots for and Corsi for percentage. Sebastian Aho is the driving force on this team for goals, now with 24 on the year. Carolina’s top forward line is among the top stacking options tonight against the Rangers.
Evgeni Malkin (PIT): $6,500 @ NJ
After a rough stretch of dealing with injuries, Evgeni Malkin then had to serve a suspension. The Russian superstar has come back in a big way over his last two games. Scoring four goals and adding two assists against the Flames and Rangers, Malkin is in line for another big night against the Devils. New Jersey is coming off a rough road trip where they allowed 17 goals against in three games. While they are much better on home ice, the Penguins are a good team who should be able to take advantage of a dismantled Devils team.
Wing
Nino Niederreiter (CAR): $5,500 vs. NYR
Since being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in the middle of January, Nino Niederreiter has scored eight goals and five assists. He has immediately found success with new linemates Sebastian Aho and Justin Williams. Playing alongside the two during even strength and on the man advantage, the three Hurricane forwards line up to be a great stack.
Phil Kessel (PIT): $6,100 @ NJ
At their price points, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel are bargains. Paired together again, the dynamic duo will be a force which will be difficult to slow down. Kessel has been one of the most feared offensive players in the NHL since he has been in the league and is on his way to another great season. Averaging 3.8 DraftKings points per game, Kessel has massive upside with a high floor. He takes a ton of shots on goal and creates plenty of offensive chances. In addition, he will log time on one of the most lethal power-plays in the league.
Leon Draisaitl (EDM): $6,900 vs. ARI
While there is not a lot to be optimistic about in Edmonton, Leon Draisaitl is having an outstanding year. Now ranked third overall in the NHL for goals scored, the “German Gretzky” has lit the lamp 35 times. As one of the more underrated players in the league, Draisaitl has elite skill and plays alongside the best player in the world. Edmonton is a very desperate team who will give their star players plenty of opportunities to produce goals in order to win. Arizona is not a great team, however, they are fighting with Edmonton for a chance at the last wild card spot. This will be a hard-fought game.
Defense
Kris Letang (PIT): $6,500 @ NJ
Although he is the most expensive defenseman on the slate, Kris Letang is worth the price. Averaging 4.6 fantasy points per game, he is a premium producer. Paying up for defense is not a common strategy, however, they generally have the best chance to provide a safe floor. Averaging the most ice-time of any other player on his team, Letang will be out there during all facets of the game. At almost a point per game, Letang is a top option on the back end.
Mikhail Sergachev (TB): $3,400 @ PHI
Tampa Bay played in Columbus last night where star defenseman, Victor Hedman, left due to an undisclosed injury. Even if he does suit up tonight, he is clearly banged up and the Lightning will need to be extra careful with him as they gear up for the playoffs. Youngster Mikhail Sergachev will step into a much larger role and more specifically, during the power-play. At a near minimum price, Sergachev should have plenty of opportunities to produce fantasy points.
Goalie
Devan Dubnyk (MIN): $8,100 vs. ANH
The Wild are a -225 favorite tonight as they welcome the struggling Anaheim Ducks. While they have won two of their last three games, both games were at home. Beforehand, they lost their last six games in a row on the road. Minnesota is one team who is also fighting for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference and who is hungry for every win. On home ice, not only should Dubnyk get the win, but he also has a great chance at a shutout.
Jeremy Maw is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Jeremy, check out his archive or follow him @j_maw.
