Looking at some of the best player's for Saturday's daily fantasy hockey slate.

Top Budget Plays

Centers

Darren Helm $4,000 – The center is truly a wild card on Saturday night. Helm does see some power play time on occasion. However, he does transition some between the second and third line at even strength which never hurts. Detroit line three has been a kind of chic play but we prefer Helm even as a one off of sorts.

Wingers

Tyler Motte $3,600 – There is the ideal that Chicago being on the back end of a back to back is a bad idea. However, Chicago is playing a Toronto team with an inept defense and a goalie trying to find his way. He is on the first line at even strength at the very least. That is not the perfect line to be on but Motte does have a couple assists in the first four games. This could be a good spot for the forward to net his first NHL goal. Matt Read could be considered as a reasonable alternative.

Defensemen

Michael Matheson $3,100 – Early on, taking risks in moderation is paramount in DFS hockey. Matheson has proven to be a valuable commodity. As a bonus, he has been playing 20 minutes a night, racking up three points in four games. His offensive start rate is above 50% but that goes typically with a younger defenseman. Colorado’s team defense getting thinner and thinner after the top line and pairing. It’s worth the play.

Goalie

Peter Budaj $7,500 – It is insane to even think of this as anything more than a high risk GPP choice. Oh wait, it is. However, can anyone believe Vancouver is 4-0? Exactly! Budaj was not spectacular in net against Dallas but he did keep the ship afloat. The Kings tend to limit offenses better at home and Vancouver is rather challenged offensively. This is not expected to be a high pace game at all. Keep that in mind but Budaj is cheap.

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

Tyler Seguin $7,500 – Seguin has to be considered against a Columbus team on the back end of a back to back. While the talented center has really only had one great effort and five points in four games, he has been inconsistent. Columbus has problems across the board at even strength, penalty kill, and to a point in net. When the Blue Jackets literally say they are not a good team, they mean it. Dallas should be able to take advantage.

Wingers

Brad Marchand $7,400 – Though Alex Ovechkin is arguably a great cash play, Marchand is still someone serviceable in all formats. There is something about this Boston-Montreal rivalry that screams offense. Montreal will try to play this predictably with attacking forwards and a controlling defense. However, Marchand is one of those players that is a true disruptor of systems. The fact that the goals and assists have spiked is actually not a fluke.    

Defenseman

P.K. Subban $6,300 – So, Erik Karlsson will be played a considerable amount. However, Nashville is due for a breakout. The Predators are the worst shooting team at even strength in the league. Subban has had numerous chances, blocks lots of shots, and plays a fun brand of hockey. Pittsburgh allows 30 shots a night like candy so several Nashville targets will be in play. That includes the defenseman who is primed for a breakout. He will be a single digit owned GPP play on Saturday night.    

Goalie

Cory Schneider $7,600 – The choices out there may appear to be better but at the very least, a statue dedication night of Martin Brodeur should be poetic. Minnesota is not all that good on the road and New Jersey has well documented difficulties generating offense, especially at 5 on 5. The Devils goalie has had quality starts in three of his four games. He stopped 34 of 36 shots on Thursday against Boston. Schneider was victim to his team sitting back as Boston peppered the netminder with shots. The goalie has a better win potential than most think. Chicago, LA, and Florida have moderate to high potential for wins as well.

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 12 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!