DraftKings daily fantasy value picks for Dec. 17

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.

Mikko Koivu, C, Minnesota Wild

Draft Kings price: $4,700

Prohibited and/or not available in AZ, IA, LA, MT, NV and WA. Offered in NY pursuant to court ordered stay. See Official Rules for for additional eligibility rules.

Check out DraftKings.com to play 1-Day Fantasy Hockey today. Entering is quick and simple: sign up for a free account, enter the $3 1-Day Fantasy Hockey contest and set your lineup, catch the games and win!

Koivu had one goal and four points with one shot on goal (9.5 DraftKings points) in his most recent game Tuesday. He had one goal in his previous game following a seven-game scoreless streak. Koivu has played well all season, leading the Wild in points (six goals, 19 assists), in 20:11 of ice time. The fact he's more than half as cheap as Tyler Seguin, the highest-priced center ($8,800), makes him extremely valuable. It may not seem like a perfect matchup playing the defensively-solid New York Rangers at home, but he's scored 15 points in 15 home games.

Mike Cammalleri, W, New Jersey Devils

Draft Kings price: $5,500

Cammalleri has been a fantasy surprise this season with 31 points in 31 games (11 goals, 20 assists). He has five three-point games and averages almost three shots per game. Playing against a Florida Panthers team which has allowed 75 goals in 31 games, Cammalleri may not seem like a good choice here, but his price is a steal; Cammalleri isn't even one of the top-20 highest-priced wings. He should be good for a point or two. He has 14 in 16 home games, and eight goals and 15 points in 19 games against the Panthers.

Rasmus Ristolainen, D, Buffalo Sabres

Draft Kings price: $5,400

It's a bit surprising Ristolainen isn't more expensive. The 21-year-old, in his third year in the NHL, has seven goals and 23 points in 32 games, one of the top scorers among defensemen. He had a hat trick last week and followed that up with two straight games with an assist. Ristolainen gets plenty of ice time (more than 24 minutes per game) and not only puts up shots on goal, but blocked shots as well. Ristolainen has a favorable matchup up at home against the struggling Anaheim Ducks.

Anders Lindback, G, Arizona Coyotes

Draft Kings price: $6,300

Lindback is the cheapest goalie in the contest, so if you're strapped for cash he's a good option. Mike Smith will be out 8-10 weeks, so Lindback will get his chance. He allowed five goals on 33 shots in an overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in his last start on Dec. 12, but that was his second start in a back-to-back set; Lindback was outstanding and allowed one goal on 28 shots in a 2-1 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild on Dec. 11. His opponent, the Columbus Blue Jackets, have lost five in a row and scored four goals in three games. This could be the perfect opportunity to pick a player who probably won't be chosen by many of your opponents because of the team he plays on, but it could pay off.

---