DraftKings daily fantasy value picks for Oct. 18

Each day during the 2015-16 season, NHL.com's fantasy staff will identify one player at each position worth owning in DraftKings daily fantasy hockey contests. Based on factors including but not limited to matchups, line combinations, power-play usage, statistical coverage and recent production, we'll provide you with lower-priced options that can help you build a winning lineup.

Players accumulate points in DraftKings for each goal (3 points), assist (2), shot on goal (0.5), blocked shot (0.5) and shootout goal (0.2). Bonuses are given for shorthanded points (1) and hat tricks (1.5). Goalies accumulate points for each win (3) and save (0.2), and lose a point for each goal allowed. Goalie bonuses are given for a shutout (2) where the goalie completes the entire game with no goals allowed in regulation (and overtime, if applicable). Shootout goals will not prevent a shutout, and goalies will receive points for any goals or assists they score in a game. Penalty minutes, hits, plus-minus and PP points DO NOT count in DraftKings. DraftKings lineups must include nine players (2 C, 3 W, 2 D, 1 G, 1 FLEX) and fit within the $50,000 salary cap.

NOTE: These picks are for the 3-game evening contests on Sunday, Oct. 18 and does not include players from the 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. ET early games.

Brandon Sutter, C, Vancouver Canucks

DraftKings price: $4,300

Daily fantasy sports is all about taking advantage of affordable players that are currently experiencing a surge in production and Sutter fits that description. The Canucks center is averaging a point per game with two goals, three assists, five blocked shots and 15 shots on goal in five games this season, but he has never had more than 40 points in a season. Sutter has a strong history against the Edmonton Oilers, the Canucks’ opponent Sunday. He has two goals, five points, five blocked shots, one shorthanded goal and 16 SOG in seven games against Edmonton and also has three of his five points this season at home.

Matt Hendricks, W, Edmonton Oilers

DraftKings price: $2,800

Hendricks got his first assist of the season in a 5-2 win at the Calgary Flames on Thursday and played on the Oilers’ top line with Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for the second straight game. At such an inexpensive price, it pays to play Hendricks at Vancouver as the veteran winger can chip in with another assist and has been very impressive with 19 blocked shots and 31 SOG in 16 career games against the Canucks.

Nick Holden, D, Colorado Avalanche

DraftKings price: $3,000

Holden has provided decent numbers as a second-unit defenseman this season and can give DraftKings players a good return on investment against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday. Partnering with Francois Beauchemin at regular strength and on the second power-play unit, Holden has three assists, seven blocked shots and two SOG in four games and will play a Kings team that has a 3.25 goals-against average in four games.

Reto Berra , G, Colorado Avalanche

DraftKings price: $6,100

Berra is scheduled to start Sunday against the Kings, the Denver Post reported Saturday, and is the obvious choice for Avalanche coach Patrick Roy after he shut out the Anaheim Ducks, 3-0, with 40 saves in his season debut on the road Friday. As the cheapest goaltender option for the evening games, Berra is also a no-brainer option for DraftKings players seeking the most bang for their buck as the opposing Kings are averaging one goal per game in four games this season.

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