DraftKings daily fantasy value picks for Jan. 9

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 include players from the eight night games starting at 7 p.m. ET. These do not include players from the 1 p.m. ET games.

Joe Thornton, C, San Jose Sharks

Prohibited and/or not available in AZ, IA, LA, MT, NV and WA. Offered in IL and NY pending litigation. See Official Rules for for additional eligibility rules.

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DraftKings price: $5,000

Thornton had a season-high eight-game point streak end in a 2-1 loss Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings but DraftKings owners should grab the value-priced veteran at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. Thornton has done well against Toronto in his career with 38 points (10 goals, 28 assists) and 90 shots on goal in 43 games, including one assist and two SOG in a 5-4 win at the Maple Leafs on Dec. 17.

Marian Gaborik, W, Los Angeles Kings

DraftKings price: $4,700

The streaky Gaborik has gone through extended periods without a goal this season but the price is right Saturday when the second-line forward faces the St. Louis Blues at home. While Gaborik has four points (one goals, three assists) in the past four games, he hasn't scored a goal since Dec. 31. Owners should have confidence in the veteran right wing since he's been great against the Blues in his career with 41 points (18 goals, 23 assists) and 113 SOG in 37 games.

Ryan Ellis, D, Nashville Predators

DraftKings price: $4,000

Ellis' 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) and 80 SOG through 40 games this season has him on pace to eclipse career highs of 27 points and 123 SOG. The second-unit defenseman should prove a quality value pick at the Arizona Coyotes based on his seven points (two goals, five assists), 15 blocked shots and 20 SOG in 10 career games. The Coyotes are 29th in the NHL with a 3.10 goals-against average through 40 games so there is an increased chance of the Predators putting up points Saturday.

Eddie Lack or Cam Ward, G, Carolina Hurricanes

DraftKings price: $6,600 (Lack), $6,500 (Ward)

The Hurricanes at Blue Jackets game Saturday is a toss-up with a number of bargain goaltenders to choose from. Ward got the 4-1 win at home Friday with 35 saves against the Blue Jackets, so it's possible Lack receives the start to finish the home-and-home series. DraftKings owners should also keep an eye on who Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella chooses as his starter since rookie Joonas Korpisalo ($6,000) is 1-1-0 with 57 saves on 61 shots and a 1.95 goals-against average in two home starts.

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