Fantasy picks: David Pastrnak can build on breakout

Each day this season, NHL.com's fantasy staff will provide daily picks for DraftKings NHL contests. This list of targets includes expensive and value options at each position to help you build a winning roster.

C - Auston Matthews, TOR ($6,000)
Don't expect Matthews to score four goals and 16.5 DraftKings points again, but the Toronto Maple Leafs rookie should return value priced 15th among centers on this 13-game night, especially against a suspect Boston Bruins defense. Stack Matthews, whose price jumped from $5,400 to $6,000 after his historic NHL debut, and linemate William Nylander ($4,700) with confidence for the Maple Leafs home opener.

C - Mathieu Perreault, WPG ($4,300)
With center Bryan Little (lower body) out indefinitely, Perreault should see a fantasy value spike. He played most of the Winnipeg Jets opener alongside rookies Patrik Laine and Kyle Connor, scoring one goal on four shots on goal. Drafting an affordable injury replacement like Perreault or Pittsburgh Penguins center Nick Bonino ($4,400), who's on the first power-play unit with Sidney Crosby out because of a concussion, allows you to spend up elsewhere.
W - Alexander Steen, STL ($6,000)
Steen, who has played on a line with Paul Stastny and Robby Fabbri, has one goal, two assists, three blocked shots and seven SOG in his first two games. He faces the New York Rangers, who were a bottom-five shot attempts percentage team last season and could struggle defensively against a deep offense like St. Louis. Steen also offers exposure to Vladimir Tarasenko on the Blues' first power-play unit.
W - David Pastrnak, BOS ($4,900)
Pastrnak had a monster performance in Boston's opener, scoring four points with eight SOG (14.0 DraftKings points) alongside Brad Marchand and David Backes in the absence of injured Patrice Bergeron. The Maple Leafs allowed five goals against the Ottawa Senators in their first game, so the Bruins have a chance to build on their offensive outburst. If you have DraftKings salary cap flexibility, also consider Tampa Bay Lightning wing Jonathan Drouin ($5,200), who had two points and five SOG in their opener.

D - Oliver Ekman-Larsson, ARI ($6,000)
Ekman-Larsson and the Arizona Coyotes open their season at home against the Philadelphia Flyers, who will be playing the second game of a back-to-back set. He was tied for second among defensemen in goals (21) last season and also among the leaders at his position in points (55; seventh), power-play points (27; tied for second) and SOG (228; fifth). When you look at his price compared to Erik Karlsson ($8,200) and Brent Burns ($8,100), you'll take your chances on the discount.
D - Keith Yandle, FLA ($4,900)
Yandle had a quiet debut for the Florida Panthers with no points, one SOG and one block against the New Jersey Devils, but he has an opportunity to get their power play going against the Detroit Red Wings at home. Since 2010-11, Yandle has the second-most PPP (129) among defensemen behind Karlsson (140). The Red Wings allowed six goals, three on the power play, in their opener against the Lightning.
G - Roberto Luongo, FLA ($8,000)
Luongo won a toe-to-toe battle with Devils goalie Cory Schneider in the Panthers opener, making 23 saves on 24 shots for 6.6 DraftKings points. If James Reimer gets the start, he's even cheaper at $7,200 with a strong chance at the win bonus as well. Reimer (.938) and Luongo (.937) finished first and second, respectively, in even-strength save percentage last season (minimum 40 games).
G - Mike Smith, ARI ($7,300)
Smith went 5-4-1 with a .944 SV% and two shutouts in the final month of last season, and was outstanding in the preseason (2-0-1, 1.61 goals-against average, .950 SV%). The Coyotes offense should be much improved, so don't be surprised if they take advantage of the Flyers, who will be on short rest.