3 NHL FanDuel Values to Target on 3/5/21
Spending lower in any daily fantasy lineup is a way to incorporate some diversity into your roster. In NHL DFS, there is typically more value in this strategy but also a good deal more risk. This is especially true on tonight’s slate, where there are lots of lower-salaried plays. Plugging in these options will afford you more chances to play some studs, as well.
Friday night’s slate has six games on the schedule. Let’s rise to the challenge!
Gabriel Vilardi, Center, Los Angeles Kings
FanDuel Salary: $3,500
The Los Angeles Kings‘ center has significant danger because his production can yo-yo, but his ice time has been that of a second-line center for the past four contests (almost 17 minutes a night). There is good news in the fact that Vilardi has real-world points in six of his last eight outings.
He plays a solid two-way game and is growing into an offensive role in a gradual manner. His ability to get to the front of the net cannot be overlooked against a team like the St. Louis Blues. St. Louis has been very inconsistent on defense all season long. There are weaknesses to exploit.
Now, can Gabriel Vilardi begin to string along some games of solid production like he did a few weeks back? That is the question.
Dylan Gambrell ($3,500) could be a good value option for the San Jose Sharks on Friday night even against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Trevor Zegras, Wing, Anaheim Ducks
FanDuel Salary: $3,300
The Anaheim Ducks‘ forward gaining ice time is great news. He played more than 20 minutes on Wednesday night to go along with 17 minutes on Monday versus St. Louis. Trevor Zegras acclimated himself well and had five shots with four scoring chances in the miniseries.
Now, all Zegras had to show on the scoresheet was one assist (the other was taken away). But his presence and creativity in the top-six is something Anaheim sorely needs on a nightly basis. Playing against the Colorado Avalanche is never easy, but they are missing Cale Makar. Also, Colorado has looked a bit vulnerable at times (see: Monday versus San Jose, when they yielded six goals).
Max Comtois ($4,300) may be a nice alternative if one wants to spend at the highest end of the value scale. The Ducks’ winger has real-world points in four of the last five games.
Alec Martinez, Defenseman, Vegas Golden Knights
FanDuel Salary: $3,800
Defensively, Vegas relies on Alec Martinez to throw his body at everything. He has now blocked four-plus shots in four of his previous six starts. Martinez is rested a bit after playing fewer than 20 minutes on Wednesday night.
Our value options at the position could be considered a bit fewer than usual on Friday night, but they are out there. Martinez is a safe play, because he can get a few shots on goal along with his blocked-shot potential. He can get the occasional assist, as well, which is a bonus.
Also from the value bin, Matthew Grzelcyk ($3,800) is worth a look. He does see a solid amount of power-play time even with Charlie McAvoy patrolling the blueline.
Chris Wassel is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Chris Wassel also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username chriswassel. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his/her personal views, he/she may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his/her personal account. The views expressed in his/her articles are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.