NHL Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-06-06

Welcome back to the SportsPulse.com weekly fantasy picks column, where we dissect the NHL slate to give you the edge on DraftKings and FanDuel. The NHL season is heating up, and coming off a thrilling 4-3 Carolina Hurricanes victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, we're looking for players poised to deliver big.

Here are your must-have insights for the upcoming week:

Top 3 Players to START This Week

1. Sebastian Aho (CAR) – Center: Aho was a key catalyst in Carolina's recent win over Vegas, showing why he’s a consistent DFS producer. He's averaging over a point per game this season and is a central piece of the Hurricanes' potent power play. With Carolina's offense clicking, Aho’s high shot volume and playmaking ability make him a lock against any opponent. Lock him into your lineups. 2. Nathan MacKinnon (COL) – Center: MacKinnon is simply matchup-proof. He’s been on an absolute tear, regularly hitting the fantasy scoresheet with goals and assists, complemented by an insane shot volume. He leads the Avalanche's top line and power play, guaranteeing him maximum ice time and opportunities. His floor is incredibly high, and his ceiling is unmatched in DFS. 3. David Pastrnak (BOS) – Right Wing: "Pasta" is a goal-scoring machine who thrives on the power play. He's consistently among the league leaders in shots on goal and will be facing teams that struggle to contain elite offensive talent this week. Boston's top line is dominant, and Pastrnak is the primary beneficiary, making him a fantastic high-upside play.

1. Adin Hill (VGK) – Goalie: After surrendering four goals to the Hurricanes, Hill’s recent form is concerning. Goalie performance can be volatile, and given Vegas's defensive inconsistencies and potential tough matchups ahead, investing a high salary in Hill is too risky this week. Look for more stable options between the pipes. 2. Anze Kopitar (LAK) – Center: Kopitar is a fantastic real-life player, but his DFS production has been sporadic lately. While he provides a solid floor with assists and faceoff wins (DraftKings), his goal-scoring is down, and his shot volume isn't high enough to warrant his salary. Against defensively stingy teams, his upside is limited. Fade him this week.

Two Value/Bargain Plays Under Salary Cap

1. Martin Necas (CAR) – Right Wing: Necas played a significant role in the Hurricanes' recent offensive outburst, showcasing his speed and scoring touch. He's often overlooked compared to Aho or Svechnikov, but he provides excellent value on Carolina's secondary scoring lines and potentially the power play. For his mid-tier salary, he offers a great blend of shot volume and scoring potential.

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