Welcome to another season of NHL DFS! We have a small 4-game slate that, thankfully, doesn’t include Connor McDavid. As much as we love him, his out-of-this-world play can ruin a slate.  We can also target some other noteworthy players, plus an outdoor game in Winnipeg between the Jets and Habs. There’s a lot to break down, so let’s dive right into the action.

Before we dive in, I want to remind everyone that the start of the season is often very volatile. We’ll be using last season's data, and not everything will translate perfectly to the 2026-27 season. Be cautious with your bankroll in the first week of action. We have an entire year ahead of us, so let’s take it slow and build up to something great, like prom night. Keep units small so your wins can grow as the season progresses.

If you’re looking for wagers from everyone on the NHL team, you can find them here, on the NHL Bet Tracker.

Dominate your NHL DFS contests today with our DFS Playbook,  Player Projections, & Lineup Generator .

Follow me on Twitter @fuzzychris91

  • 2026-27 Season Record: 9-10
  • 2026-27 Season Bankroll: -0.98 Units

 

 

 

 🏒NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 10/25

🔥 Minnesota Wild vs Vancouver Canucks Prediction

The Minnesota Wild are expected to be quite popular tonight, and for good reason. The Canucks struggle defensively and allow a lot of scoring chances. This could mean a big night for Minnesota’s elite top line. Matt Boldy is an exceptional shooter and has exceeded this total in four of the last five games. The only factor that might hold him back is a one-sided game, which could reduce his minutes. Let’s hope he hits the Over before the third period begins.

 

🔥 Montreal Canadiens vs Winnipeg Jets Prediction

Outdoor games can be difficult to predict. Most players are experiencing this atmosphere for the first time, and the weather is expected to be cool. NHL coaches often emphasize one key point in these conditions: keep it simple. With that in mind, Cole Caufield embodies this approach.

Although he didn’t play on Saturday night, he can still be a significant threat on Sunday. The Canadiens are missing some key offensive players, so they will look to him for scoring. Caufield is a shooter in all situations, and if Montreal is trailing late in the game, he'll likely get even more quality opportunities. The Jets have a solid defensive lineup, but they do allow the ninth-most shots to left wingers. Therefore, we predict that Caufield will exceed his shot total.

 

🏒Today's NHL DFS Cheat Sheet & Stacks

🏅Goalie of the Day: Calvin Pickard, MIN

I’m hesitant to pay a premium for Calvin Pickard, especially since he’ll be playing on the tail end of a back-to-back. However, given how poor the Canucks have been, he could be a viable option. At this price, he needs to allow fewer than two goals and secure a win to provide value, which is a tough expectation but certainly achievable. The Canucks' offence is lacking, and they haven't won a game since October 3rd. If you're aiming for a win, this seems like the way to go.

🏅Honourable Mention: Jake Oettinger, DAL

Jake Oettinger has made a strong comeback after a challenging 2025-26 season and is looking to maintain that momentum tonight. His performance this season has been outstanding, and he faces the New York Islanders, a team that doesn’t pose much of an offensive threat. Although he comes at a high price, he is definitely worth it.

🏅Skater of the Day: Kirill Kaprizov, MIN

If you're choosing between Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, either option is a great choice. Both players are elite and will have plenty of chances to shoot and score points. Kirill has a slight advantage since he averages more fantasy points per game on the road. However, if you can include both players in your lineup, you should.

🏅Honourable Mention: Quinn Hughes - MIN

Quinn Hughes is returning to Vancouver for the first time since being traded. While we don't expect him to get the same warm welcome Brady Tkachuk did on his return to Ottawa, it's clear Hughes will want to impress the fans. He is an elite player who spends a lot of time on the ice. He could easily add multiple points and maybe even score.

🏅Value Play of the Day: Phillip Danault - MTL

With Nick Suzuki out of the lineup, the Canadiens are quite thin at center. Jake Evans stepped up against Chicago and scored two goals, but another player to watch is Phillip Danault. He will handle key faceoffs, which means he will spend a lot of time on the ice. Danault also has experience playing outdoors. While players may claim that this is "just another game," the conditions are different, and that could affect their performance. His line has been strong since the start of the season, giving him multiple chances to make an impact.

🏅Top Stack of the Day: MIN L1

There is no better stack to target tonight than Minnesota’s top line. Although they underperformed against Calgary, their matchup against Vancouver is too favourable to overlook. You can pair all three forwards on the top line, or swap one player for Quinn Hughes. Either way, it works!

 

💲 How To Make NHL Best Bets Today At Novig Sportsbook & Claim Your $50 Bonus w/ Promo Code ALARM

Now that you’re locked and loaded with some prime targets for your fantasy lineups, here’s the ultimate way to enjoy the NHL best bets today, which started off with a guaranteed Novig promo code bonus:

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That’s a 10x boost to your account with no questions asked, so you can lock that in before you even feel rushed to also use our NHL DFS cheat sheet predictions! Whichever order you do things in, you can 🔗 use this link 🔗 to activate our exclusive Novig NHL promo code ALARM!
 

 

Player Pool

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