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Articles by Ryan Dadoun
Potential fantasy hockey busts for 2026-2027: Matt Boldy's lofty draft cost comes with regression concerns
So much of a fantasy manager's prep ahead of a draft is about attempting to determine which players have been undervalued, but it's equally important to dodge potential traps. Sometimes a player is coming off a big season, but there's reason to suspect a regression. Other times, a player has so much hype that managers are simply jumping on them earlier than they should.
Potential Fantasy hockey busts for 2026-2027: Matt Boldy's lofty draft cost comes with regression concerns
So much of a fantasy manager's prep ahead of a draft is about attempting to determine which players have been undervalued, but it's equally important to dodge potential traps. Sometimes a player is coming off a big season, but there's reason to suspect a regression. Other times, a player has so much hype that managers are simply jumping on them earlier than they should.
2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Sleepers: Stuart Skinner appealing late-round target if Connor Hellebuyck is traded Original
Looking for players who haven't lived up to their potential lately but are poised to rebound this year? Then you're in the right place because that's exactly the type of player I'll be highlighting below. Before we get started, let's be clear on what I'm looking for when it comes to a sleeper candidate and how I differentiate them from potential breakout players.
Fantasy hockey busts for 2026-27: Matt Boldy, Jack Hughes among players being drafted too early
So much of a fantasy manager's prep ahead of a draft is about attempting to determine which players have been undervalued, but it's equally important to dodge potential traps. Sometimes a player is coming off a big season, but there's reason to suspect a regression. Other times, a player has so much hype that managers are simply jumping on them earlier than they should.
Best Fantasy Hockey Draft Line Stacks for 2026-27 Original
Best Fantasy Hockey Draft Line Stacks for 2026-27 Is it an effective strategy to draft multiple forwards from the same line? Not always. Typically, you want to get whoever the next-best player is by your assessment, and that's not necessarily going to be someone who happens to be on the same line as a player you already drafted. But fantasy hockey doesn't have to be just about efficiency. It's also about fun.
Fantasy Hockey Regression Candidates: Bounce-Backs and Busts Original
Every hockey season brings surprises, some pleasant, and some not so much. Correctly predicting who those surprises will be will go a long way towards winning your league, so with that in mind, this article will feature major players who are due for positive or negative regressions -- in other words, players who are likely to outperform their latest campaigns or fall from their recent heights.
Fantasy hockey breakout candidates for 2026-2027: Egor Chinakhov, Logan Stankoven among top draft-day values
Like real NHL teams, winning isn't just about having good players; it's about getting those players cheaply enough to gain a competitive edge. In standard fantasy leagues, a player's cost is measured by when you drafted them rather than by a cap hit, but the principle is the same. One of the best ways to end up with terrific value is to select a player who goes on to have a breakout season, and this article will help you do just that.
Fantasy hockey breakout candidates for 2026-2027: Egor Chinakhov, Logan Stankoven among top draft-day values
Egor Chinakhov, Logan Stankoven and Michael Misa headline the young players poised to make a Fantasy leap in 2026-27 We hope you found this article worthwhile. Before you close this tab, please consider supporting The Press and the future of independent community journalism. At a time when truth, accountability, and editorial independence matter more than ever, the Press remains committed to accurate and fair reporting that provides the context needed to understand a changing world.
2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Defenseman Rankings: Draft Tiers & Sleepers Original
2026-27 Fantasy Hockey Defenseman Rankings: Draft Tiers & Sleepers There are some amazing offensive defensemen in the league, but as you go down the list, the gap between them narrows dramatically. It can lead to some of them blurring together when assessing their fantasy value for 2026-27, so to help with your upcoming drafts, I've assembled them into tiers. Be sure to read my details within each tier for more nuance and analysis of that grouping.
2026-27 forward preview: Connor McDavid leads loaded Fantasy hockey tiers featuring elite stars, rising talent
The best of the best in the current forward class have cleanly set themselves apart from the rest, but the difference between elite and great, then great and good, gets blurrier the further down you go. To help you better sort through your options up front, I've separated forwards into tiers. What you'll find below is meant to be representative of each forward's expected value for 2026-27 assuming standard fantasy categories.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Thursday, June 11
The Stanley Cup Finals continue tonight for Game 5 in Carolina. The Golden Knights and Hurricanes are tied at 2-2 after Carolina claimed a 5-3 win in Game 4. Here are my recommendations for the upcoming match based on a $60,000 budget spread over six players, including an MVP who costs 1.5 times the price but provides 1.5 times the points. Carolina (minus-152) is favored to win at home against Vegas (plus-126) based on FanDuel's moneyline. The two sides split the opening two games in Carolina.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Tuesday, June 9
The 2026 Stanley Cup Finals have been nothing if not eventful. Despite erasing a 4-0 deficit in the third period, Carolina ended up losing in double overtime Saturday, which gives Vegas a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4 on Tuesday. Here are my recommendations for the upcoming game, which are based on a $60,000 budget for six players, including the MVP, who costs 1.5 times the price but provides 1.5 times the points.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Thursday, June 4
After suffering a 5-4 loss to the Golden Knights in Game 1, the pressure is now on Carolina to win Game 2 tonight or head to Vegas down 2-0. Here are my FanDuel lineup recommendations for tonight's action. My picks are based on a $60,000 budget spread over six players, including an MVP who provides 1.5 times the points but comes at 1.5 times the cost. Carolina is favored to even the series at minus-170 compared to Vegas' plus-140, based on FanDuel's moneyline.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Tuesday, June 2
The Stanley Cup Finals are upon us, with Game 1 starting tonight at 8:00 p.m. EDT. Here are my recommendations for tonight's matchup. I've based my lineup on FanDuel's single-game rules, which means you'll have a $60,000 budget to spend on six players, including the MVP, who costs 1.5 times the salary but provides 1.5 times the points. Try our FanDuel NHL Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Wednesday, May 27
The Western Conference Finals wrapped up Tuesday, and now the Golden Knights are waiting to see who they'll face in the Stanley Cup Finals. Carolina has a 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Finals, but Montreal will be fighting to even the series at home, starting at 8 p.m. ET. Here are my recommendations for tonight's matchup. FanDuel will limit you to a $60,000 budget for six players, including the MVP, who will cost 1.5 times the price but provide 1.5 times the points.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Tuesday, May 26
The Avalanche entered the Western Conference Finals as favorites, but Vegas has pulled off to a 3-0 series lead that included coming back from a 3-0 deficit in Game 3 on Sunday. Here is my lineup recommendation as the Golden Knights attempt to complete their sweep tonight. Keep in mind that your lineup needs to be built within a $60,000 budget, and include five utility players as well as an MVP, who costs 1.5 times the salary and provides 1.5 times the points.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Thursday, May 21
Vegas jumped out ahead in the Western Conference Finals with a 4-2 victory over Colorado on Wednesday, and the action will continue tonight with Carolina hosting Montreal for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Here are my recommendations for building a FanDuel lineup in which you'll have a salary of $60,000 to spend among six players, including an MVP that costs 1.5 times the price and gives 1.5 times the points.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Wednesday, May 20
We're beginning the Western Conference Finals tonight with Colorado hosting Vegas, starting at 8 p.m. ET. For a one-game slate, FanDuel gives you a budget of $60,000 to split between six players, including the MVP who provides 1.5 times the points at 1.5 times the price. You must also include at least one player from each team in your roster. Let's dive into my recommended picks. The Avalanche are heavy favorites with minus-192 odds on the Moneyline, compared to Vegas' plus-158.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Thursday, May 14
There are two games on the docket tonight as we approach the end of the second round. Montreal and Buffalo are tied 2-2 going into Game 5 of that series. Meanwhile, Vegas has a chance to eliminate Anaheim with a win in Game 6. There aren't any clear favorites for tonight's games, based on FanDuel's moneyline. Buffalo (minus-120) has a slight edge over the visiting Canadiens (plus-100), but Anaheim (minus-106) has basically even odds with Vegas (minus-113) going into the Game 6 matchup.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Wednesday, May 13
Colorado has a chance to win its second-round series against Minnesota with a win tonight. There aren't any other games scheduled for tonight, so all eyes will be on this Game 5 matchup. The Avalanche are heavy favorites to clinch the series tonight, based on their -192 odds on FanDuel's moneyline versus Minnesota's plus-158. Keep in mind that the rules for FanDuel's DFS are different on nights with just one game.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Tuesday, May 12
We have two second-round games ahead of us tonight. Montreal will host Buffalo for Game 4 at 7:00 p.m. EDT, while the Ducks will play in Vegas for Game 5, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Here are my recommendations for the upcoming action. Try our FanDuel NHL Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Thursday, May 7
There's one game scheduled for tonight, and it's a big one. Carolina has a 2-0 series lead over Philadelphia, so the Flyers will need to win tonight to avoid falling behind 3-0. The silver lining for the Flyers is that they'll be playing at home, but they're still regarded as the underdogs (plus-132) against Carolina (minus-162), based on the FanDuel moneyline. On days with just one game, the rules are different.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Wednesday, May 6
There are two games ahead of us tonight. Buffalo will host Montreal for the opener of that second-round series, while Vegas will look to build off its 1-0 lead over Anaheim in Game 2. Buffalo versus Montreal is likely to be a fairly even series if FanDuel's moneyline is any indication. However, the Sabres (minus-128) are projected to have a slight edge over Montreal (plus-106) in Buffalo. By contrast, Vegas (minus-162) is seen as a significant favorite over Anaheim (plus-134). Carter Hart, VGK vs.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Tuesday, May 5
We have one match ahead of us tonight: Game 2 of the Minnesota-Colorado series. The Avalanche earned a 9-6 victory over the Wild in the series opener, and Colorado (minus-192) is also favored to take this game over Minnesota (plus-158), based on FanDuel's moneyline. Try our FanDuel NHL Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups. With just one game on the docket, the rules are different tonight.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Thursday, April 30
There are a pair of Game 6s set for tonight. The Wild and Ducks will each be playing in front of a home crowd tonight with a chance to win their series against Dallas and Edmonton, respectively. There aren't any major favorites for tonight's action, based on FanDuel's moneyline. Minnesota (minus-122) has a narrow edge against Dallas (plus-102), while there's a slight expectation that Edmonton (minus-132) will force a Game 7 against Anaheim (plus-110).
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Wednesday, April 29
There are two Game 5s and a Game 6 on the docket tonight. Tampa Bay-Montreal and Vegas-Utah are tied 2-2 series, so in those cases, all the squads involved are fighting tonight to gain an edge. However, Philadelphia had a 3-0 series lead that the Penguins fought back to 3-2, so for the third straight game, Pittsburgh will attempt to stave off elimination, while the Flyers will be fighting to avoid a Game 7 in Pittsburgh.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Tuesday, April 28
We're deep into the first round now with three Game 5s on the docket tonight. Here are the players I like most for these critical matches. Try our FanDuel NHL Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups. Despite Anaheim's 3-1 series lead, Edmonton (minus-164) is favored to beat the Ducks (plus-136) at home tonight, per the FanDuel Moneyline.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Thursday, April 23
We have a trio of Game 3s on the docket tonight. Buffalo and Boston are each looking for the edge in a series tied at 1-1, while Carolina and Colorado hold a 2-0 advantage over Ottawa and Los Angeles, respectively. Here are my picks for tonight's action. There is no favorite between Boston (-110) and Buffalo (-110) tonight, based on the FanDuel moneyline. The odds suggest Ottawa (-122) has a slight edge over Carolina (+102) in its effort to avoid falling behind 3-0.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Wednesday, April 22
We have three games ahead of us tonight as the first round continues Wednesday, so let's take a closer look at some of the best options available. Edmonton (-182) is regarded as a clear favorite over Anaheim (+150) going into Game 2, per FanDuel's moneyline. The Oilers earned a narrow 4-3 win against the Ducks on Monday, but Connor McDavid was held off the scoresheet in that contest.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Tuesday, April 21
The first round continues tonight with another four games on the docket, so let's get into my favorite picks for Tuesday. Try our FanDuel NHL Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups. Despite claiming Game 1, Montreal (plus-158) is still considered a heavy underdog against Tampa Bay (minus-192) going into Game 2 on Tuesday, based on FanDuel's moneyline.
Biggest Surprises and Disappointments of the NHL Season
The 2025-26 regular season is in the books, and what a campaign it was. You'd be hard-pressed to find people going into the season who were willing to predict that the Buffalo Sabres would be among the league's top teams, while the Florida Panthers would be one of the worst. That alone represents a dramatic realignment of the league, but it's far from the only eyebrow raiser, so let's take a minute to step back and appreciate the 2025-26 biggest surprises and disappointments.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Thursday, April 16
We're entering the final night of the regular season, and there are six games remaining. I've gone through tonight's options to bring you my favorite picks, so let's discuss them. As you've doubtless seen, postseason-bound teams at this final stage of the season tend to rest veterans ahead of the playoffs.
Fantasy Hockey Season Award Winners
If you could redo your 2025-26 fantasy draft with the benefit of hindsight, who would have been best picks? In some cases, the popular high-end picks during the preseason proved to be among the best fantasy options this campaign, but there were also some surprises. We'll see examples of both as we hand out the awards for the best fantasy performers of the 2025-26 campaign. Each player's position is determined by their Yahoo! eligibility.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Wednesday, April 15
Welcome to the penultimate day of the regular season. There are six games on the docket tonight, and lineup decisions will be made all the more complicated by playoff-bound teams resting veterans, so let's make things a little easier by highlighting some of tonight's top picks. All 12 teams are entering tonight's action rested, so the squads are on even footing in that regard.
Stanley Cup Playoffs: NHL Playoff Pool Cheat Sheet
It won't be long before the NHL playoffs start, so it's time to get ready for your Playoff Pool drafts. To serve as a companion for those drafts, we've assembled a cheat sheet. These rankings aren't just about highlighting which players are the best, it also factors in the chances of each player's team enjoying a long postseason run.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Tuesday, April 14
We're into the final days of the regular season. There are nine games on the docket, making this the busiest remaining night until 2026-27. Let's go over my favorite picks for tonight. Try our FanDuel NHL Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Thursday, April 9
There are no games Friday, so naturally, tonight is packed with 14 games. Please note that the earliest game, the Islanders hosting Toronto, has a somewhat unusual 6:45 p.m. ET start time. FanDuel is offering an All Day slate that includes the Maple Leafs-Islanders game, and a Main slate that excludes it. Buffalo, Toronto and San Jose are all playing on the second half of a back-to-back, so those squads might underperform somewhat due to fatigue.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Wednesday, April 8
There are just three games on the docket tonight, so our choices are limited. Even still, there are some worthwhile players to consider, so here are my recommendations. Edmonton is playing in the second half of a back-to-back, so the Oilers might be held back a bit by fatigue tonight. Buffalo, Toronto and San Jose are rested, but those squads will play again Thursday, which might influence the lineup decisions.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Tuesday, April 7
There's plenty of action tonight with 11 games on the docket. That leaves us with lots of interesting options, so let's get into them. Try our FanDuel NHL Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups. Nashville, Tampa Bay and Seattle are on the second half of a back-to-back, so fatigue might be a factor working against them.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Thursday, April 2
Up next is one of the busiest days remaining in the 2025-26 schedule. There are 14 games on the docket tonight, which gives us plenty to consider, so let's discuss who stands out tonight. Vancouver, Los Angeles and San Jose are all playing in the second half of a back-to-back, so fatigue might be a factor for those squads. The rest of tonight's competitors are rested, but Philadelphia is set to play again Friday, which might influence the team's lineup decisions tonight.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Wednesday, April 1
Sandwiched between two busy nights of hockey, we have a fairly light slate tonight with three games on the docket. Here are my recommendations among Wednesday's limited options. The Avalanche are regarded as the overwhelming favorites (minus-480) over Vancouver (plus-360) based on FanDuel's moneyline. Los Angeles (minus-154) is also favored over St. Louis (plus-128), while Anaheim (minus-113) versus San Jose (minus-106) is roughly even. Mackenzie Blackwood, COL vs.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Tuesday, March 31
We're wrapping up March, the final full month of regular-season hockey, with 10 games tonight. That gives us a healthy number of options to consider, so let's highlight my favorite ones. Try our FanDuel NHL Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups. Pittsburgh and the Islanders are playing on the second half of back-to-backs, so fatigue might be an issue for those squads.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Thursday, March 26
There were two games Wednesday, and there are only two games scheduled for Friday, so it comes as no surprise that there are 13 matches on the NHL schedule Thursday. Let's get into who I think are among Thursday's best picks. The four teams that played yesterday are taking Thursday off, so all 26 teams playing are rested. However, Chicago is gearing up for the first half of a back-to-back, which might influence the Blackhawks' lineup decisions. Andrei Vasilevskiy, TBL vs.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Wednesday, March 25
After the league had 15 games Tuesday, we have a light slate with two matchups Wednesday. Here are my recommendations among those limited options. Try our FanDuel NHL Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups. Toronto and Boston are each playing for the second consecutive night. The fatigue might negatively impact those squads Wednesday, but there aren't enough choices to completely avoid those teams.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Tuesday, March 24
It doesn't get much busier than this. There are 15 games on the docket tonight, meaning that almost every healthy player is an option. That's a lot to consider, so let's make it easier with some recommendations. Try our FanDuel NHL Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups. Ottawa is the only team that isn't rested going into tonight's action, so the Senators are at a bit of a disadvantage.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Thursday, March 19
We got plenty of action ahead of us tonight with 11 games on the docket. Here are my lineup recommendations among today's options. Ottawa, Philadelphia and the Rangers all played Wednesday, so fatigue might hold those squads back a bit tonight. Chicago, Florida and Utah are rested, but those teams will play again Friday, which might influence some lineup decisions.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Wednesday, March 18
Wednesdays are typically one of the lighter nights for the NHL, but there's a decent amount of action scheduled with six games on the docket. Here are the picks that stand out to me tonight. Carolina played Tuesday, so the Hurricanes might play somewhat below their peak due to fatigue. Ottawa, Philadelphia and the Rangers are scheduled to play again Thursday, which might influence those squads' lineup decisions tonight.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Tuesday, March 17
We have plenty of action ahead of us tonight with nine games on the docket. Let's get into my recommendations for your lineup. Try our FanDuel NHL Lineup Optimizer to discover more expert recommendations, customize the player pool, set exposure percentage and mass-enter DFS lineups. Boston is playing in the second half of a back-to-back tonight, so fatigue might be an issue for the Bruins, but the rest of Tuesday's teams are rested.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Thursday, March 12
After a relatively quiet Wednesday, the NHL is back in full swing tonight with 14 games on the docket. That gives us plenty of options to consider, so let's dive into it. Washington and Philadelphia are both playing in the second half of a back-to-back set tonight, so fatigue might be a factor working against those squads. Meanwhile, Edmonton and St. Louis are set to play Friday in addition to Thursday, which might influence those teams' lineup decisions tonight. Filip Gustavsson, MIN vs.
NHL DFS Picks: FanDuel Top Plays and Strategy for Wednesday, March 11
Sandwiched between Tuesday's 13-game slate and Thursday's 14-game schedule are the two outings on the docket for tonight. That doesn't leave us with a whole lot to pick from, so here are my recommendations among that limited selection. The Canadiens might be somewhat tired going into tonight's action after having played Tuesday. The other three squads are rested, but Washington and Philadelphia will play again Thursday, which might influence those teams' lineup decisions.
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