NHL picks, props, daily fantasy projections

NHL.com's fantasy staff provides daily picks, props and free-to-play game advice throughout the 2026-27 season. For more coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy

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Player to watch for point, shots on goal and/or goal: Matvei Gridin, F, CGY (at EDM; 8:30 p.m. ET; Prime)

The Calgary Flames forward leads them in goals (four), ranks third in points (eight), is tied for third in power-play points (four) and ranks first in 5-on-5 shot attempts percentage (58.8) in 11 games this season. Gridin, who is playing on the first power play with Joel Farabee (11 points; leads team), Matt Coronato (10 points; second), Morgan Frost (five points in past five games) and Zayne Parekh (three points in past four games), has five points (three goals, two assists), two power-play points and nine shots on goal in his past two games. The 20-year-old has had at least one point in four of his past five games and at least two shots on goal in seven of his past eight games. Per NHL EDGE stats, Gridin ranks highly among forwards in 22-plus mph speed bursts (six; tied for ninth in entire NHL), max skating speed (23.13 mph; 95th percentile), average shot speed (67.33 mph; 97th percentile), 80-90 mph shot attempts (seven; 93rd percentile), long-range shots on goal (six; 98th percentile), mid-range goals (two; 95th percentile) and offensive zone time percentage (45.6; 84th percentile). The Flames have won four straight games and have outscored their opponents 14-6 over that span. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers have allowed 16 goals in their past three games. -- Chris Meaney

'NHL GOAL CHASE' PICK 🚨

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Auston Matthews, F, TOR (at SEA; 10 p.m. ET; Prime Video, KONG, KING, SNO)

The Toronto Maple Leafs forward has nine goals (tied for fourth in NHL) and 20 points (tied for sixth) in 14 games this season. Matthews has found chemistry on the first line with Easton Cowan (13 points in 14 games) and Jack Roslovic (13 points in 14 games) this season as they’ve combined for 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists) over their past four games. Per NHL EDGE stats, Matthews is tied for first in the entire NHL in high-danger goals (seven) and ranks eighth in total skating distance (47.29 miles). Matthews also ranks highly among forwards in mid-range shots on goal (16; 97th percentile), high-danger shots on goal (15; 95th percentile) and hardest shot (90.48 mph; 94th percentile). Matthews has 13 points (seven goals, eight assists) and five multipoint games in 10 career games against the Seattle Kraken. -- Meaney

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Dylan Strome, F, WSH (vs. PHI; 7:30 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT, NBCSP+)

300 coins in 'NHL Fantasy Stars'

The Washington Capitals forward is tied for the team lead in both points (nine) and assists (six) in 10 games this season. Strome, who had three points (two goals, one assist), five shots on goal and played a season-high 20:59 in his most recent game, has six points (three goals, three assists) and 20 shots on goal in seven home games this season. Strome is playing on the second line with Alex Tuch (nine points; tied for team lead) and Jordan Kyrou (six points during four-game point streak) and the first power play with Alex Ovechkin, Tom Wilson, Jakob Chychrun and Kyrou. Per NHL EDGE stats, Strome ranks among the forward leaders in high-danger goals (three; 94th percentile) and high-danger shots on goal (12; 88th percentile) this season. The Philadelphia Flyers are tied for the fifth-most shots on goal allowed (30.3) per game this season. -- Meaney

Others to watch for point:

Vasily Podkolzin, F, EDM (vs. CGY)
Alex Tuch, F, WSH (vs. PHI)
Gavin McKenna, F, TOR (at SEA)
Joel Farabee, F, CGY (at EDM)
Luke Evangelista, F, NJD (at COL)

Others to watch for assist:

Jack Roslovic, F, TOR (at SEA)
Jesper Bratt, F, NJD (at COL)
Zayne Parekh, D, CGY (at EDM)
Darren Raddysh, D, TOR (at SEA)
Cole Hutson, D, WSH (vs. PHI)

Others to watch for goal, point and/or shots on goal:

Leon Draisaitl, F, EDM (vs. CGY)
Jordan Kyrou, F, WSH (vs. PHI)
Artturi Lehkonen, F, COL (vs. NJD)
Bobby McMann, F, SEA (vs. TOR)
Matvei Michkov, F, PHI (at WSH)

Others to watch for shots on goal:

William Nylander, F, TOR (at SEA)
Jakob Chychrun, D, WSH (vs. PHI)
Timo Meier, F, NJD (at COL)
Brandon Montour, D, SEA (vs. TOR)

Others to watch for multiple points and/or shots on goal:

Connor McDavid, F, EDM (vs. CGY)
Nathan MacKinnon, F, COL (vs. NJD)
Evan Bouchard, D, EDM (vs. CGY)
Jack Hughes, F, NJD (at COL)

Line combos/trios to consider:

WSH: Alex Tuch -- Dylan Strome -- Jordan Kyrou
TOR: Easton Cowan -- Auston Matthews -- Jack Roslovic
CGY: Joel Farabee -- Matt Coronato
NJD: Timo Meier -- Nico Hischier -- Luke Evangelista
SEA: Bobby McMann -- Matty Beniers -- Jordan Eberle