NHL Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-05-28

Welcome back to your weekly DFS deep dive at SportsPulse.com! The NHL grind continues, and savvy lineup construction is key. Following Vegas’ 2-1 win over Colorado, we’re looking at players poised to outperform their salaries and those who might burn you. Let's get to your picks for DraftKings and FanDuel.

Top 3 Players to START This Week

1. Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche): Despite the recent loss, MacKinnon remains an absolute DFS monster. He's heating up with 7 points in his last 4 games, averaging over 6.5 DraftKings points per contest. His shot volume is consistently elite, offering a high floor, and Colorado’s schedule against defensively weaker opponents this week sets him up for multiple high-scoring outings. Don't overthink it; pay up for MacKinnon.

2. Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche): Pair him with MacKinnon for correlation or play him standalone; Makar is a blueline cheat code. Averaging over 4.5 DK points in his last five games, Makar has recorded multiple multi-point efforts and is a consistent contributor on the power play. He logs heavy minutes and blocks shots, providing additional categories for fantasy scoring. His ceiling is unmatched among defensemen.

3. Jason Robertson (Dallas Stars): After a slightly slower start, Robertson has found his groove. He boasts 4 goals and 3 assists in his last 5 games, driving the Stars' top line and power play. Dallas has a favorable schedule against teams like the Blackhawks and Coyotes, presenting prime opportunities for Robertson to continue his hot streak and deliver significant fantasy points at a still reasonable salary.

1. Jonathan Marchessault (Vegas Golden Knights): While the Golden Knights secured a win, Marchessault's individual production has been inconsistent. With only 2 points in his last 6 games, his recent output doesn't justify his elevated salary on most nights. Facing a tough defensive opponent like Florida or Boston this week makes him a high-risk play. Look for more consistent options with similar upside.

2. Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators): Saros has traditionally been a DFS staple, but the Predators' defensive struggles are directly impacting his value. He's posted a save percentage below .900 in three of his last five starts, and Nashville faces high-flying offenses like Edmonton or Toronto this week. His salary remains high, making him a costly proposition with a significant downside given recent form and matchups.

Two Value/Bargain Plays Under Salary Cap

1. Yegor Sharangovich (Calgary Flames): Sharangovich has been a revelation since being moved to the Flames' top line, alongside Elias Lindholm. He's registered 3 goals in his last 4 games and is seeing increased power-play time. His salary hasn't caught up to his increased role and production, making him an excellent budget-friendly forward with legitimate scoring upside.

2. Owen Tippett (Philadelphia Flyers): Tippett consistently generates high shot volume, averaging over 4 shots on goal per game. Even when he's not lighting the lamp, those shots provide a solid floor for his low salary on both DraftKings and FanDuel. He’s seeing significant ice time and is a key part of the Flyers' offensive attack, offering great bang for your buck.

Filip Forsberg (Nashville Predators): Many will fade Forsberg due to Nashville's struggles and Saros' recent form, but this is precisely why he's a contrarian gem. Forsberg remains Nashville's most dangerous offensive weapon. He often flies under the radar when the team is struggling, but he has a history of breaking out of slumps with multi-goal games. If the Predators catch an easier opponent like Columbus this week, Forsberg could deliver a massive, low-owned performance that catapults you up the leaderboards. His talent and

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