Looking at some of the best options for today's daily fantasy hockey slate.

Top Budget Plays

Centers

Brandon Pirri $2700 – The center is truly a wild card on Saturday night. Pirri had a nice night while being offensively sheltered against the New York Islanders on Thursday. He sees power play time (top unit mostly) but fourth line even strength time. Saturday will be a tough road test in St. Louis but Pirri won’t be compromised defensively.

Wingers

Scott Wilson $2900 – There are so many options out there with the 13 game slate. Wilson had a few shots on goal playing with Evgeni Malkin. The scoring chances were several though. Playing Anaheim could be a favorable match-up as they really did not fare well against Dallas in the third period especially. Riding the first line ice time while it lasts is always a wise decision.

Defensemen

Yohann Auvitu $2700 – Early on, risks are needed to be taken in DFS hockey. Saturday night, the New Jersey Devils defenseman may be one of those as Tampa Bay plays a speed game. They can get burned occasionally. New Jersey also has a pretty potent power play and Auvitu figures to see a more and more prevalent role. Defensively he will be sheltered early so keep that in mind.

Goalie

Mike Smith $7300 – It seems crazy to think about Smith but Philadelphia will be on the back end of a back to back. Meanwhile, Arizona finally opens the season on Saturday. If the goalie can play like he did over the final five to six weeks of last year, then this play becomes quite a gem. His .939 save percentage in that span was second best in the entire league.

Since we saved some money on the budget plays let’s look at the few of the pricey options that are worth paying up for today.

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Centers

Aleksander Barkov $6400 – Barkov had two points in the 2-1 overtime win against New Jersey on Thursday. He was threat almost every time the center was on the ice. Florida plays Detroit on Saturday. The Red Wings were torched for six goals on Thursday and defensively are quite vulnerable. A first line with a little “jam” never hurts. Barkov is not afraid to be physical and had an excellent nose for the net in game number one. It might be another good night for the talented, young pivot.

Wingers

Alex Ovechkin $8400 – Ovechkin is not at or over $9000 yet and that has to be considered a value actually. The winger had some quality chances against Pittsburgh on Thursday but could not find the goal sanctuary. The New York Islanders may be a bit more accommodating in that department. It is Washington’s home opener and Ovechkin always puts on a show at home. This might be a night where the allure of a cash play here is just too great.   

Defenseman

Brent Burns $8100 – So, Erik Karlsson will likely be the safer high price bet but Burns in Columbus where defensive question marks multiply might have more potential. Burns had a solid night against Los Angeles on Thursday. His shot on the man advantage is dangerous and ability to put up shots. San Jose had the best road record in the league and a top five power play last year. The more things change the more they stay the same.  

Goalie

Marc-Andre Fleury $7700 – The goalie looks like he is on the right track as he holds the starting position in Pittsburgh for now. He turned aside 43 of 45 shots in the shootout win over Washington on Thursday. Anaheim under Randy Carlyle seems content with just pumping in shots so Fleury may see a good bit of rubber. If he can handle the barrage then the points may just come again. He had 8.8 on Thursday by the way. Worse comes to worse, there is always Ben Bishop or Henrik Lundqvist.

Chris Wassel has been playing DFS for the past couple years and has played Fantasy Hockey for over two decades. You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisWasselDFS. Please note that this is a mega Saturday slate. We are targeting all 13 games to give readers more of a range on what to go on. Some teams are going to have little to play for so keep that in mind. Finally, please note that Saturday is slate with several options and smaller Turbo and Late options. Thanks for reading and welcome back daily fantasy hockey fans!