Fantasy picks: Red Wings offer contrarian value

All season long, NHL.com's fantasy staff will provide daily picks for DraftKings NHL contests. This article includes expensive and value plays and can be used as a basis for your roster decision-making.

MORE FANTASY COVERAGE: DFS strategy guide

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CENTERS

Spend up for: Jonathan Toews, CHI ($6,400) -- The Chicago Blackhawks offense has looked nearly unstoppable so far this season, scoring 18 goals in three games. Toews scored his second goal of the season to extend his point streak to three games (two goals, two assists). The Montreal Canadiens haven't looked sharp in front of goalie Carey Price, allowing 10 goals through three games. There aren't many elite center options, but getting exposure to Chicago's offense is wise.
Value pick: Bo Horvat, VAN ($4,800) -- In the Vancouver Canucks' season opening 3-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, Horvat scored twice, once on the power play, and had two shots on goal. He led Vancouver in points (52) last season, and has a very good chance of repeating or even building on that performance. The Ottawa Senators will be on the road without key defensemen Erik Karlsson and Johnny Oduya, which could leave them susceptible to the Canucks' speedy forwards.

WINGS

Spend up for: Vladimir Tarasenko, STL ($7,600) -- Your best strategy for contests Tuesday seems to be pay up for wing and go cheap at center. Tarasenko is coming off two goals in a 3-2 shootout win against the New York Islanders on Monday, and has three goals, one assist and seven SOG in three games. The New York Rangers allowed 12 goals in their first two games, and Tarasenko could eat up their defense.
Value pick: Martin Frk, DET ($4,400) -- The 24-year-old forward has two goals and one assist in his first two games of the season despite averaging 11:18 of ice time. He's skating on a line with fellow young forwards Dylan Larkin ($4,700) and Anthony Mantha ($5,300), a unit that could give the Stars defense some problems. Frk is also on Detroit's second power play and is easily stackable with his linemates.

DEFENSEMEN

Spend up for: Roman Josi, NSH ($6,300) -- The Nashville Predators are 0-2-0, and Josi has yet to score a point this season. Each of those things may change Tuesday against the Philadelphia Flyers, or at least one of them. Josi scored 31 points (eight goals, 23 assists) in 38 home games in 2016-17. The Flyers are also averaging 34.3 SOG per game, so Josi should be able to get plenty of blocked shots.
Value pick: Dion Phaneuf, OTT ($4,600) -- With Karlsson and Oduya expected to be out of the Senators lineup, Phaneuf should play 25-plus minutes and be featured on the first power play. The Canucks had the third-worst penalty kill (76.7 percent) in the NHL last season. Phaneuf also has great category coverage, with two points (one goal, one assist), eight SOG and nine blocks in two games.

GOALTENDER

Top pick: Petr Mrazek ($6,900) --The Stars offense has been stagnant in two games, scoring three goals. Despite the low goal total, Dallas is averaging the most SOG per game (43). Even if Mrazek, 25, allows a few goals, he should see plenty of shots, boosting his save total. If the Stars offense continues to struggle, Mrazek could be in line for a big performance, making him a solid GPP play with an affordable price and likely low ownership. With Mrazek in a contract year and Jimmy Howard off to a good start (2-0-0; three goals allowed), Mrazek should have plenty of urgency in his season debut.
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