If you follow the NHL, you already know all of the top players. Obviously, when playing DFS, those players will come at a high cost. In this article, we are looking to find the cheaper value plays to help you afford the superstars

Erik Haula, Center, Carolina Hurricanes

FanDuel Price: $4,400

His time on the top line didn't last long, but Erik Haula still remains on the top power-play unit, which is great. He is slotted to center the Carolina Hurricanes' third line with Martin Necas and Ryan Dzingel. The Hurricanes lead the NHL with a 54.78 Corsi For Percentage (CF%) and are one of the best possession teams in the NHL.

With 19 points in 30 games this season, Haula is having a solid season and is also averaging just over 2 shots per game with 62 shots in 30 games. He's a solid option on tonight's relatively short slate.

Jared McCann, Winger, Pittsburgh Penguins

FanDuel Price: $4,900

Jared McCann will be in the Jake Guentzel role tonight, as he plays on the left side of Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust. McCann is having a career year with 14 goals and 28 points in 47 games, which would pace out to 24 goals and 49 points — both of which would be career highs.

While McCann doesn't have the luxury of playing on the stacked top power-play unit, he does get a bit of time on the second unit. The matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers is a relatively neutral one this evening, especially with the Pittsburgh Penguins on the road.

Aaron Ekblad, Defense, Florida Panthers

FanDuel Price: $4,800

Aaron Ekblad has points in four of his last five games and is on pace to eclipse his career high in points (38), as he is on pace for 48. However, he is also on pace to have his first season without hitting 10 goals, though there is still an outside shot if he pots a couple soon.

Not only does Ekblad provide some offense, but he averages 2.3 shots and 1.3 blocks per game, which increases his floor. The Chicago Blackhawks allow the most shots per game at 35.3, giving him ample opportunity to pile on some shots on goal.

Ryan Sheppard is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Ryan Sheppard also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username donkshow_. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.