4 NHL FanDuel Values to Target on Thursday 12/16/21
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.
Ten games are on the docket Thursday night. There is always more value waiting in the wings.
Dawson Mercer, Center, New Jersey Devils
FanDuel Salary: $4,000
Dawson Mercer could be a sneaky buy-low option on Thursday night against the Vegas Golden Knights.
After all, Robin Lehner is allowing more than three goals a game in net. At home, New Jersey is a good deal more capable of scoring three or more goals.
The risk with Mercer is that inconsistent floor. He has just one goal in December, but in the last two games, he has seven scoring chances. The opportunities are starting to return for the forward. He is speedy and shifty enough to slice through the Vegas defense.
The center will not be very popular on Thursday with so many other value options at the forefront.
Warren Foegele, Wing, Edmonton Oilers
FanDuel Salary: $3,600
Will Warren Foegele see more playing time on Thursday night again?
Foegele has 11 shots and 12 scoring chances in his last three games. While real-world points have been tougher to come by, the chances are there. However, the Edmonton Oilers host the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Columbus is a team that allows 35 shots per 60 minutes on the road.
Foegele has eight real-world points in 27 games but has potential for more -- especially if he plays with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Foegele and Edmonton are projected to score 3.27 goals on Thursday, per our model. At the very least, his salary is as attractive as his shot potential.
Alexander Romanov, Defenseman, Montreal Canadiens
FanDuel Salary: $3,900
Alexander Romanov has been seeing more minutes of late. Despite some uneven coaching and inconsistent ice time prior, the trend has been towards increased shifts. Romanov has just two goals and three assists this year, but the Montreal Canadiens defenseman has six shots and seven scoring chances in the last two games.
Now, Philadelphia Flyers still allow a league-worst 34.5 shots per game, and they surrender the most unblocked shot attempts from the opposition's blue line.
Romanov is at least worth a look on Thursday night and a good way to save some salary.
James Reimer, Goalie, San Jose Sharks
FanDuel Salary: $7,100
James Reimer has been very good in goal for the San Jose Sharks. He is 5-2 over his last seven starts while allowing two or fewer goals in five of those games as well.
Reimer has a 9-5-1 record in 15 decisions and 16 appearances. However, his sterling .936 save percentage belies an incredible .939 save percentage on the penalty kill. Even more impressive, he has a .828 save percentage on high-danger save chances. That is increased from his .800 career mark.
The Vancouver Canucks have had some COVID-related issues, but they were able to get out of Canada. Reimer is worth a look at that low of a salary given how well he has played and a plus matchup.
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.
