DraftKings daily fantasy value picks for Oct. 7

Tuesday, 10.06.2015 / 5:08 PM | Eric Goodman  - NHL.com Staff Writer

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.

Joe Thornton, C, San Jose Sharks

DraftKings price: $4,400

Thornton is second to Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr in NHL career assists among active players with 901 in 1,285 games and, at age 36, is showing no signs of slowing down. Projected to again be the center for 40-goal scorer Joe Pavelski, Thornton can chip in with a few assists on any given night at either regular strength or on the power play. The hulking center has fared well against the Los Angeles Kings, the Sharks' opponent Wednesday, with 64 points (13g, 51a) in 70 games.

Teuvo Teravainen, W, Chicago Blackhawks

DraftKings price: $3,500

Beginning the season on a line with the offensively-potent Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa should give Teravainen a huge advantage over some pricier options at wing. The young Finn came on strong in the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 10 points (4g, 6a) in 18 games compared to nine points (4g, 5a) in 34 regular-season games. Considering the Blackhawks should feed off the energy of the United Center crowd as the banner for the 2015 Stanley Cup championship gets raised to the rafters, it's tough to argue against taking Teravainen given the very low price for the game against the Original Six rival New York Rangers.

Dennis Wideman, D, Calgary Flames

DraftKings price: $4,600

Coming off a 2014-15 season in which he achieved career bests with 15 goals, 41 assists, 56 points and 184 blocked shots, Wideman figures to provide great value to DraftKings players this season. While he has not been spectacular offensively in his career against the Vancouver Canucks, the Flames' opponent Wednesday, Wideman can make up for it by blocking a lot of shots and can still chip in with a goal, assist or both.

Karri Ramo, G, Calgary Flames

DraftKings price: $6,700

When you choose a defenseman like Wideman to help you rack up fantasy points based off blocked shots, taking the goaltender he plays in front of makes sense. Ramo is the least expensive among goalies likely to start Wednesday and can provide tremendous bang for the buck. He has done the job against the Canucks with a 2-2-1 record, 2.81 goals-against average and .903 save percentage in five starts and should likely face 30-plus shots Wednesday. Add the fact Ramo plays behind one of the strongest defensive corps in the League with Wideman, Mark Giordano, Kris Russell and newly acquired Dougie Hamilton and you have an under-the-radar goalie who can help win your contest.

Follow Eric Goodman on Twitter: @EricGoodman4

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