Jack Eichel is worth spending up for in your daily fantasy contest this Saturday.

Top Budget Plays

Centers

Brian Boyle $3,700 – The center is never going to generate a ton of shots and chances but is taking advantage of his increased ice time. This position does not have a lot in the way of value plays but at least Boyle is a known commodity. Tampa being out west is probably the best scenario for them right now. Do not expect much but the Oilers can give up a lot of goals at any time to anybody.

Wingers

Taylor Beck $2,600 – There is just a theme here that the risks must get higher. Beck was just finally called up and if he is in the DFS rolls by Saturday makes a reasonable punt play. The forward was averaging a good bit over a point a game in the AHL. Do not expect him to get a ton of minutes but he is scrappy enough to surprise. Tampa Bay can give up goals in bunches and it may not all be the top lines. If Beck is not in yet then look at Miles Wood of New Jersey perhaps.

Defensemen

Brett Pesce $3,400 – Hey, why not? Pesce blocks quite a few shots and gets just enough points to keep people honest. The Vancouver game will skew things a little but Pesce is a productive enough defenseman. See if Taylor Fedun is healthy for Buffalo but Pesce just has a safer floor. A good floor is paramount in punt defensemen when it comes to daily fantasy.

Goalie

Cory Schneider/Keith Kinkaid $7,300/7,200 – This is an extremely dangerous GPP play because of how good Ottawa can be at home. Mike Condon is vulnerable and if he does start, New Jersey might be able to attack him enough to score a goal or two more than usual. It just comes down to if the Devils can hold things together. New Jersey has been horrendously bad the last dozen games. It has to turn around a little at some point.       

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

Jack Eichel $7,700 – People will run to the chalk but honestly enough is enough and this will help spend higher on wings, defensemen, and goalies. Eichel has been excellent in his return averaging around a point a game. He just boosts the overall offensive potential of the Sabres in an exponential way. The power play for Buffalo was already a threat but now it is a solid top five unit going forward.

Wingers

Corey Perry $6,700 – Though we may be buying a little higher than usual here, all Perry has done is steadily improve throughout the season. Anaheim is second in the league on the power play and Perry is a big reason why. Ten points in the last nine games is enough reason to at least give him a play and if you are uncomfortable, Taylor Hall is an intriguing option from New Jersey. Detroit can give up a lot of chances to the more physical teams.     

Patric Hornqvist $6,700 – Hornqvist has struggled a little but at some point a guy that stays close to the net and fires the puck a lot is going to get his points. Toronto again generates the highest amount of scoring chances in the league but they are in the top 10 in chances allowed. They give to get like Pittsburgh does so expect the winger to have a few more shots than usual.  

Goalie

Braden Holtby $7,500 – The choices out there may appear to be better but it is hard to go away from a goalie who is so consistent. Holtby has been right around his season average in his last ten starts and Washington is starting to turn things up a notch. Montreal is basically a .500 team on the road and does not quite score at the same rate (it’s a drop-off). The Washington goalie will be a solid owned cash play but there will be GPP ownership as well. Other viable choices include Henrik Lundqvist (GPP) and Jake Allen (Cash).

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 the eight game evening slate to give readers more of a range on what to go on. Finally, please note that Saturday’s slate has several options and smaller Late options. Thanks for reading and enjoy the big slate daily fantasy hockey fans!