Now that we are in February, teams will look to start acquiring assets for the playoff push. With the trade deadline just a few weeks away, the Maple Leafs have been the first team to address a need. Tonight, 12 games are on tap in the NHL. There are plenty of great DFS options this evening. Navigating through this slate will be difficult, so let’s break down some of the top players, along with some of the best value.
Center
Mark Scheifele (WPG): $6,800 vs. SJ
On pace to set career highs in points and assists this season, Mark Scheifele is now averaging 1.2 points per game. Showing amazing chemistry with captain Blake Wheeler and Kyle Connor, the trio make for a top-tier stack this evening as they host the San Jose Sharks. Although they have a solid penalty kill, the Sharks are allowing the third-most goals against this season in the NHL. Erik Karlsson is currently dealing with an illness and even if he does suit up, he will not be 100%.
Jonathan Toews (CHI): $6,200 @ EDM
The Chicago Blackhawks top forward line has been clicking as of late and will get a great matchup in Edmonton this evening. Toews is now on a four-game point streak, where he has recorded five goals and four assists. Edmonton has struggled to keep the puck out of the net lately and what is more concerning is their abysmal penalty kill.
Wing
Patrick Kane (CHI): $8,100 @ EDM
Currently, the hottest player in the NHL, Patrick Kane is on an unbelievable stretch. In his last 10 games, Kane has scored eight goals to go along with 17 assists. Kane has incredible skill when he has time and space. An area Edmonton has had issues with. Dropping their last two in overtime, the Oilers have had monumental breakdowns, allowing a lot of goals against.
Drake Caggiula (CHI): $3,600 @ EDM
Making his return to Edmonton, Drake Caggiula will surely be fired up to play this one. Playing alongside Toews and Kane on the top forward line, Caggiula will have plenty of opportunities to score against his former team. At just $3,600, he provides plenty of savings to afford his linemates.
Jonathan Drouin (MON): $5,100 vs. ANH
Given how poorly the Ducks have played recently, any Canadien player is viable tonight. Anaheim has given up 15 goals in their last two games and 23 over their four-game losing streak. John Gibson has finally come down to earth, and we now see the true defensive struggles. Jonathan Drouin has the speed and skill to take advantage of a weak team and put up multiple points tonight.
Defense
Erik Gustafsson (CHI): $4,900 @ EDM
As mentioned above, the Edmonton Oilers have struggled on the penalty kill. Giving up five power-play goals in their last two games, Chicago’s top unit should find similar success. Erik Gustafsson has 33 points on the season and takes plenty of shots on net. Now with 10 goals on the year, look for the Blackhawks special teams to be the deciding factor in this game.
Josh Morrissey (WPG): $4,700 vs. SJ
Averaging 23 minutes a night, Josh Morrissey has certainly taken over the responsibilities of a true number one defensemen. With the injury to Dustin Byfuglien, Morrissey has taken on a more offensive style of game to fit in with the high-powered Jets team. In an up-tempo game against the Sharks, Winnipeg should put up plenty of goals.
Goalie
Matt Murray (PIT): $8,100 vs. CAR
The Penguins host the Carolina Hurricanes this evening in a game which should feature plenty of shots on goal. While it is always risky starting a goalie against Carolina, it can be a tournament-winning strategy. Matt Murray has been brilliant since returning from injury and with the game on home ice, Murray should secure the win.
Jeremy Maw is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Jeremy, check out his archive or follow him @j_maw.
