DraftKings daily fantasy value picks for Oct. 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 power-play 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.

Derek Stepan, C, New York Rangers

DraftKings price: $5,400

Stepan was a point-per game player for most of the 2013-14 season; he finished with 55 points in 68 games. He had one goal on three shots in the Rangers' season-opening victory against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday and is the clear No. 1 center. Stepan is valuable because he plays in all situations. Not to mention he had two goals and seven points in three games against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who the Rangers play Friday. He's also a big part of the Rangers' penalty kill and had five shorthanded points last season.

Gustav Nyquist, W, Detroit Red Wings

DraftKings price: $4,900

Nyquist is coming off back-to-back 20-goal seasons, scoring 28 in 58 games in 2013-14 and 27 last season in 82 games. He's scored on 14.3 percent of his shots in four NHL seasons, a fairly high number. Against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Red Wings' opponent Friday, Nyquist had two goals and four points in five games last season eight points in nine career games against them. His price is a bargain compared to other forwards worth more who likely won't have as big of an impact as Nyquist has.

Jake Muzzin, D, Los Angeles Kings

DraftKings price: $4,200

Muzzin went pointless with one shot on goal and a minus-2 rating Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks. It's a better matchup for the Kings at home against the Arizona Coyotes. Muzzin had NHL career-highs in goals (10) and points (41) last season and was fourth on the Kings in blocks (108). He has averaged more than two shots per game during his five seasons with the Kings, and should get plenty of chances against the Coyotes, who allowed 33.2 shots (tied for 26th) and 3.26 goals (28th) per game last season.

Michael Hutchinson, G, Winnipeg Jets

DraftKings price: $6,500

Hutchinson will make his first start of the season Friday against the New Jersey Devils, who were 28th last season at 2.15 goals per game. In his only start against the Devils last season, Hutchinson made 21 saves in a 3-1 win. The 25-year-old is 23-11-5 with a 2.33 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage in 41 NHL games. He had two shutouts last season. At his price and with the opponent he is playing, Hutchinson is a great value choice.

Follow David Satriano on Twitter: @davidsatriano