NHL Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-09-06

Greetings, DFS enthusiasts! Sarah Chen here, your Fantasy Sports & DFS Editor, ready to dissect the NHL landscape and help you build winning lineups on SportsPulse.com. The puck drop is imminent, and this week presents some intriguing opportunities for those paying close attention.

NHL Fantasy Overview — This Week's Landscape The NHL season continues to deliver its usual mix of dominant performances and unexpected upsets. A key result this week saw the Carolina Hurricanes shut out the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0, a clear signal of Carolina's stifling defensive structure and goaltending prowess. This outcome highlights a broader trend: defensive solidity is becoming just as crucial as offensive firepower, especially for DFS goalies. Injury-wise, monitor updates on key players like Matthew Tkachuk who left a recent game; their absence could elevate linemates into prime scoring positions. Scheduling advantages favor teams with favorable home stands against struggling opponents, offering softer matchups for top-tier talent. Keep an eye on teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Vancouver Canucks, whose offenses remain consistently explosive, often leading to high-scoring affairs beneficial for DFS.

Must-Start Plays — Top 3 Starters Nathan MacKinnon (C, Colorado Avalanche): MacKinnon remains a DFS titan, consistently delivering elite production. Priced in the premium range on both DraftKings and FanDuel, his salary is justified by his astronomical shot volume and central role on Colorado's top power-play unit. Facing a team with a vulnerable defense this week, MacKinnon’s floor is incredibly high, and his ceiling is unmatched. His ability to generate points in multiple categories makes him a cornerstone for any lineup.

Cale Makar (D, Colorado Avalanche): Another Avalanche superstar, Makar is the offensive defenseman you build around. His salary is top-tier, but like MacKinnon, he offers immense upside. Makar’s puck-moving ability, power-play quarterbacking, and willingness to shoot from the point translate into consistent points and peripherals. His matchup this week against a team that struggles to contain mobile defensemen makes him an indispensable pick, providing a reliable source of points from the blue line.

Frederik Andersen (G, Carolina Hurricanes): Fresh off their 3-0 shutout against Vegas, Andersen and the Hurricanes are proving to be a defensive juggernaut. Priced in the upper-mid range on both platforms, Andersen offers a fantastic combination of win potential and low goals against average. Carolina’s tight defensive system limits high-danger chances, boosting his save percentage. If he faces a team that generates a decent volume of shots but struggles to finish, Andersen could rack up saves and secure the win bonus, providing excellent value for his cost.

Bench These — Players to SIT Jack Eichel (C, Vegas Golden Knights): Despite his star power, Eichel is a player to fade this week. His recent offensive output has been inconsistent, exacerbated by Vegas's struggles, as seen in their 3-0 shutout loss to Carolina. With a high salary on both DraftKings

Read all Fantasy Picks coverage on SportsPulse →