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 larger slate, where there are lots of lower-salaried plays. Plugging in these options will afford you more chances to play some studs, as well.
Wednesday night features five games. Let's hunt for values!
Nick Schmaltz, Center, Arizona Coyotes
FanDuel Salary: $3,900
The Arizona Coyotes are more dangerous when Nick Schmaltz and Conor Garland are on the ice. Why neither is averaging more ice time is a mystery. Schmaltz is clocking in at just under 16 minutes a night. Against the Vegas Golden Knights, Schmaltz created a good amount of havoc with six shots on nine attempts and three scoring chances. While Garland's salary has gone up faster, Schmaltz's has not risen just yet. There is still some value to be had.
He has points in his previous two games and Vegas seemed to have few answers for this duo defensively. They were able to attack the left side of the ice mostly, even against the Vegas top-six. Vegas has always been vulnerable to this since the beginning of their existence which gives Arizona's top line a little more value on Wednesday than usual.
Jordan Kyrou, Wing, St. Louis Blues
FanDuel Salary: $3,200
There was this sense that Kyrou will see middle-six minutes at best, but so far, he has mostly taken advantage of it. He has two goals and an assist in three games despite seeing around 12 minutes of ice time a night. The St. Louis Blues forward enjoys a good matchup against a San Jose Sharks team that is learning to play in a tweaked defensive system. San Jose is still giving up plenty of opportunities, as evidenced by the 13 goals allowed in three contests.
With the Blues' getting last line change, Kyrou should be set up to go against some of San Jose's more lumbering team defense. His change of pace and acceleration are two big reasons why he is still a value play even though scoring chances may be hit or miss (three chances against the Sharks on Monday, none last Friday versus Colorado). As his confidence grows, will his power-play time increase? That may be the only risk with Kyrou at this juncture.
John Gibson, Goalie, Anaheim Ducks
FanDuel Salary: $7,400
John Gibson has little margin for error on Wednesday night as the Anaheim Ducks have scored just four goals in their three games. Fortunately, they are playing the Minnesota Wild, who can be just as futile at times offensively.
Gibson has a lower salary and there is risk again because of the lack of offense. Max Comtois has three of Anaheim's four goals by the way -- all at even strength. Gibson has seen 32 shots a night and among the most high-danger chances in the league per 60. It is early, but Gibson has to play at his highest level every night for Anaheim just to have a chance to win. When he does that, one sees what occurred on Monday -- a 34-save shutout. The risk is high but the so is the reward.
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.