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.
Let's search for value.
Derick Brassard, Center, Philadelphia Flyers
FanDuel Salary: $4,100
The Kevin Hayes injury for the Philadelphia Flyers is significant, but a great short-term fix may just be from within in the form of Derick Brassard. When the center gets going, he really can get scoring. Brassard is one streaky forward who has 18-plus FanDuel points in consecutive games and is now entrenched on the second line while getting solid power-play time.
He has played almost 16 minutes a night over the last four games and should see good power-play time once again. The Tampa Bay Lightning have looked a bit vulnerable on special teams lately, and that should be noted. Philadelphia can definitely score some goals in this spot.
On a night when many may look at Anthony Cirelli from the Tampa Bay Lightning -- and rightfully so at $4,400 -- Brassard may slip through the cracks a little.
Brandon Hagel, Wing, Chicago Blackhawks
FanDuel Salary: $3,600
If Brandon Hagel keeps producing and stays healthy, he might find himself in a full-time top-six role for the Chicago Blackhawks. Hagel has all five of his goals in the last eight games.
Despite getting mostly middle-six ice time, the winger has at least three shots on goal and three scoring chances in four of those eight games. For bonus points, Hagel even blocked three shots in his last game against the Vancouver Canucks. It appears Derek King has a player here who could develop much further.
The Calgary Flames are one of the hardest teams to score on, posting seven shutouts in 19 games. Jacob Markstrom, at $7,800, is one of the hottest goaltenders in the league. Hagel will still try to shoot right through him.
The middle-six forward will be squarely in those slot areas on Tuesday nights and offers a ton of value.
Rasmus Anderson, Defenseman, Calgary Flames
FanDuel Salary: $4,000
The Flames have two quality value options in Oliver Kylington ($4,100) and Rasmus Andersson.
Anderson has nine assists in 19 games but no goals on 28 shots, so he should be due for a goal or two in the near future. Also, Anderson has 29 blocked shots along with 36 scoring chances.
Anderson is steadily playing 21 to 22 minutes a night and just doing his job, getting about a real-world point every other game.
With Anderson facing a Chicago team that is giving up almost 36 shots per 60 on the road, he needs to be considered on this slate.
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.