RADIO
Hey, RotoBallers! I want to introduce myself formally. My name is Jon Irvin. Some of you may know me from the Discord channels, and you know I love breaking down DFS slates, especially in the MLB and NHL. I enjoy deep dumpster diving, so to speak, and look forward to helping find the low-owned, overlooked, and unwanted plays.
I predominantly play on DraftKings, so some of my picks are more tailored to their point/price system, but a good spot is a good spot regardless of platform.
Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends. We're so glad you could attend. Come inside! Today's DFS content will be for the main slate for both DraftKings and FanDuel for Monday, December 30th, 2024, at 7:00 PM EDT. Today is a typical Monday three-game slate that leaves us little options so let the digging begin.
DraftKings and FanDuel NHL DFS Picks: First Look Stats
After reading this, jump into the RotoBaller Discord NHL channel and chat about today's slate with all the other great minds. Don’t forget to check out our valuable NHL tools, including the NHL DFS Heat Map. I've begun to implement my personal trend chart. This looks at the average between the L25 and L10, weighing the L10 heavier to help find certain positive or negative trends.
DraftKings and FanDuel Goalies - NHL DFS Picks
Value in net is key on DK with a three-point bonus at the 35-save mark. We can afford to give up an extra goal or two if our goalie can see a steady shot volume against him. Those extra few hundred can get us those top-line forwards.
Igor Shesterkin- DK $7.2K || FD $7.7K
Opponent - Florida Panthers
Recently looking more like a hunchback than a top-tier goalie, Igor faces another tough task tonight when the Rangers host the Panthers. It's been bumpy this year if you've decided to hitch a ride with Shesterkin, showing both signs of greatness as well as several early exits.
Coming in at the cheapest option on tonight's small slate yet projected to face the most shot volume gives us hope that a decent showing will pay back in great value. The Rangers have tightened things up a little over the L10 helping the decision to risk facing a tough Florida team that's finally fully healthy. Expect saves near 30 to offset the possible few goals allowed.
Others to consider: Karl Vejmelka (DK $7.8K || FD $7.4K)
DraftKings and FanDuel Centers - NHL DFS Picks
Barrett Hayton - DK $3.7K || FD $4.6K
Opponent - Seattle Kraken
Hayton and the rest of UTA1 face a struggling Kraken squad whose L10 metrics are on a huge negative tailspin. Hayton's main issue for a top liner is TOI, getting little to no time on either PP units or PK units. The positive is centering a line with two great shooters, who as a full line have performed well on the road. With an xGF over 3 and HDCF averaging over 15 exhibit great metrics in the over 9 mins TOI/GP shared.
Others to consider: Adam Lowry (DK $3.3K || FD $5.5K )
DraftKings and FanDuel Wings - NHL DFS Picks
Gabriel Vilardi - DK $4.9K || FD $6.7K
Opponent - Nashville Predators
DK refuses to budge with Vilardi's price, keeping him under 5k is a head-scratcher. Nearly averaging a point a game while staying put up on WPG1 with All-Stars Scheifele and Connor has given Gabe a nice expected floor. A supplier of both shots and blocks, Vilardi joins his linemates on the top PP unit sweetening the deal.
Others to consider: Jonathan Marchessault (DK $5.9K || FD $6.5K)
DraftKings and FanDuel Defensemen - NHL DFS Picks
When selecting defensemen, especially on DK, I tend to find players with a high chance at both blocks and shots and not concentrate so much on point dependency.
Olli Maatta - DK $3.2K || FD $4.1K
Opponent - Seattle Kraken
With both FLA and WPG being fairly pricy tonight value may be needed from the blue line. Maatta is a puck magnet, averaging over 2 blocks a game, hitting the bonus on DK 4 out of the last 5 games. Offering little to no offense is fine if we can get over 20 minutes of shot-blocking upside.
Others to consider: Adam Larsson (DK $3.5K || FD $4.3K)
Here is my top-25 defensemen chart, focusing more on shot and block peripherals to find a safer floor.
JIrv’s Discount Stacks and Sample Lineups
Top Stacks / Spend Ups
WPG1 (Connor/Scheifele/Vilardi)
Value Stacks
UTA1 (Keller/Hayton/Schmaltz)
Don't be afraid to go off the beaten path and distinguish yourself from the masses, and as always, good luck, RotoBallers!
NHL DFS News and Injury Alerts
More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis
