Welcome to another season of NHL DFS! We have a massive 11-game slate that includes names like Macklin Celebrini, Alex DeBrincat, and Pyotr Kochetkov. Those are just a few of the players worth considering, but there are others we need to watch. Let’s dive into the action and see who else makes the cut.

Before we dive into the fun, 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 .

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  • 2026-27 Season Record: 10-13
  • 2026-27 Season Bankroll: -1.88 Units

 🏒NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 10/29

🔥 Buffalo Sabres vs Anaheim Ducks Prediction

I’m not convinced by the Buffalo Sabres or their 2-1-3 road record. They managed a 2-0 win against San Jose, which is nice, but the Sharks played poorly. While the Ducks are not an elite team and often struggle on home ice, I don't think they should be considered underdogs in this matchup. Their power play has been a strong point, and the Sabres sit in the bottom third of the league in penalty killing. I expect this game to have a lot of goals, and if things go our way, the Ducks should come away with the win.

🔥 Utah Mammoth vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction

The Penguins haven’t had a spectacular start to the season, but getting them at plus money on home ice feels like a great opportunity. The Mammoth can score goals, particularly on the power play, but they struggle to defend their own net. This is mainly due to below-average goaltending and a significant issue with their penalty kill, which is operating at just 67.4%. They have also accumulated 154 penalty minutes (PIMs). Taking so many penalties while being ineffective in killing them is a recipe for disaster. We expect the Penguins to stay disciplined and capitalize on their opportunities, giving them a reasonable chance to win.

 

 

 

🏒Today's NHL DFS Cheat Sheet & Stacks

🏅Goalie of the Day: Pyotr Kochetkov - CAR

The Carolina Hurricanes are performing exceptionally well this season, and much of their success can be attributed to Pyotr Kochetkov. He has an impressive record of 8 wins and no losses, along with a goals-against average (GAA) of 1.62 and a save percentage (SV%) of .918. Kochetkov faces a favorable matchup against a Columbus team that seems to lack motivation. However, he might not encounter enough shots on goal to greatly exceed his value, so he is likely best suited for cash games.

🏅Honourable Mention: Yaroslav Askarov - SJ

Yaroslav Askarov has recently delivered some impressive performances, but unfortunately, the results haven't reflected that. In his last three games, he has allowed only five goals, yet he has secured only one win. With Vancouver in town, this presents an opportunity for the Sharks to take advantage of a division rival and get their offense back on track. Askarov may not face many shots, but due to his higher price tag, his ownership could be relatively low. This makes him a potential high-upside goalie to consider in GPPs (Guaranteed Prize Pools).

🏅Skater of the Day: Macklin Celebrini - SJ

If the Sharks want to boost their offense, it needs to start with Macklin Celebrini. San Jose's captain has recorded only one assist in his last three games, which isn't enough. The Canucks allow many scoring chances, so Celebrini will have plenty of opportunities to get on the scoreboard. He could finish with multiple points and earn the shot bonus, making him a valuable option in all formats.

🏅Honourable Mention: Alex DeBrincat - DET

The Detroit Red Wings have announced that Dylan Larkin has likely played his last game in a Wings uniform. While this may impact the team's performance on the ice, it shouldn't affect Alex DeBrincat. He has shown he can score goals, especially at home. The Blackhawks struggle with defense and limiting scoring chances, so expect DeBrincat to find the back of the net and take a significant number of shots.

🏅Value Play of the Day: Emmitt Finnie - DET

Sticking with the Red Wings, someone needs to fill the void on the top line now that Larkin is sidelined. Early indications suggest that Emmitt Finnie will take on that role. Detroit may opt for 11 forwards, which would give the forward group a slight increase in ice time. Although Finnie isn't a big name likely to dominate the slate, he is inexpensive and could receive valuable ice time. This presents an opportunity for NHL DFS players. Consider using him as a single option in a GPP or as part of a stack in cash games.

🏅Top Stack of the Day: SJ PP1

The Sharks struggle to score at even strength, but their power play is effective, converting at 25%. On the other hand, the Canucks have a penalty-kill rate under 70%. If they spend too much time in the penalty box, Celebrini and his teammates are likely to capitalize. The trio we recommend targeting includes Celebrini, Will Smith, and Ivar Stenberg.

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Player Pool

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