Fantasy Pick'Em: Namestnikov has upside in potential debut

NHL.com covers DraftKings NHL Pick'Em contests by providing advice within certain player tiers. These targets can be used as a basis for your roster decision-making.

TIER 3:

Safest pick: Mathew Barzal, NYI -- The New York Islanders rookie center has eight games of at least three points, one coming against the Montreal Canadiens on Jan. 15. Barzal, who plays on the first power-play unit with John Tavares, gets another chance to pad his League-leading rookie scoring total (66 points in 63 games) when the Islanders visit Antti Niemi and Montreal on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET; SN, RDS, MSG+, NHL.TV).
Sneaky upside: Mikko Rantanen, COL -- The Colorado Avalanche wing had two points (goal, assist) in his usual spot on a line with center Nathan MacKinnon (Tier 1 in DraftKings) against the Vancouver Canucks on Monday (5.5 DraftKings points). It was Rantanen's 14th multipoint game of the season, and he also has six games of at least three points (five at home). Colorado hosts the Calgary Flames (9:30 p.m. ET; SN360, ALT, NHL.TV), who will be on the second of a back-to-back.

TIER 5:

Safest pick: Matthew Tkachuk, CGY -- The Flames wing leads the League in power-play goals (nine in 32 games) since Dec. 15. Prior to the Flames' shutout loss to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, Tkachuk had a six-game point streak with eight points (four goals, four assists) and 15 shots on goal over the span. Tkachuk, who salvaged his DFS value with four SOG on Tuesday, has 26 points (15 goals, 11 assists) in 30 road games and should continue this trend against the Avalanche on Wednesday.
Sneaky upside: Vladislav Namestnikov, NYR -- The forward would be in a favorable spot if he debuts for the New York Rangers at the Canucks on Wednesday (10 p.m. ET; SNP, MSG, NHL.TV). Monitor Namestnikov's status before lineup lock to potentially roster him against the Canucks, who are allowing the fourth-most DraftKings points to opposing left wings. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday, Namestnikov no longer has elite linemates Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos. That said, he can play center or wing and should bring exposure to fantasy-relevant forwards Pavel Buchnevich, Mats Zuccarello, Mika Zibanejad and/or Chris Kreider in a top-six role. Namestnikov was a much-better scorer on the road (27 points in 35 games) compared to at home (17 in 27 games) with the Lightning.
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