DraftKings daily fantasy value picks for Dec. 15

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.

Tomas Plekanec, C, Montreal Canadiens

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DraftKings price: $5,800

Plekanec is an amazing value considering he leads the high-scoring Canadiens with 27 points (seven goals, 20 assists) through 31 games. The first-line center has two assists, four blocked shots and 11 shots on goal in the past three games, and should provide good production when the San Jose Sharks visit Bell Centre. Plekanec has six points (four goals, two assists), seven blocked shots and 19 shots on goal in nine games against San Jose.

Mike Cammalleri, W, New Jersey Devils

DraftKings price: $5,500

One sound strategy when choosing a DraftKings lineup is to snag a mid-priced player who faces a team that played the night before. The streaky Cammelleri fits that description as the Devils visit the Buffalo Sabres, who are coming off a 2-1 win at the Detroit Red Wings on Monday. It's a bit of a dice roll with Cammelleri because he hasn't scored in three straight games, but he's totaled 13 SOG over that span. The first-line forward has done well against Buffalo in his career with 14 points (eight goals, six assists) and 66 SOG in 19 games.

Jared Spurgeon, D, Minnesota Wild

DraftKings price: $4,500

With 11 games on the NHL schedule Tuesday, many mid-to-lower priced players will likely slip through the cracks. DraftKings owners should not pass up on Spurgeon, who will look to establish a three-game point streak when the Wild host the Vancouver Canucks. The top-unit defenseman has a goal, assist, seven blocked shots and five SOG in the past two games.

Jaroslav Halak, G, New York Islanders

DraftKings price: $7,300

Halak will start for the Islanders when they face the Florida Panthers at Barclays Center. The veteran has been one of the hottest goalies in December with a 3-0-1 record, 130 saves on 139 shots and 2.11 goals-against average. Halak has been spectacular against the Panthers in his career, going 9-2-1 (including two shutouts), along with 340 saves on 363 shots and a 1.89 goals-against average in 12 games.

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