NHL Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-09-03

Greetings, hockey faithful and DFS maestros! Tebogo Nkosi here, usually found dissecting tactical masterclasses in the PSL, but today we’re shifting gears to the ice. My passion for sports analysis extends beyond the pitch, and the intricate dance of NHL fantasy offers a unique challenge. Let’s break down this week’s DFS landscape.

NHL Fantasy Overview — This Week's Landscape The NHL season continues its relentless pace, throwing up both predictable dominance and surprising upsets. The Carolina Hurricanes' commanding 3-0 shutout victory over the Vegas Golden Knights this week sends a clear message: defensive solidity and elite goaltending can nullify even the most potent offenses. This result puts Carolina players in a favourable light, particularly their netminders and two-way forwards. Injuries are always a factor, with a few key players across the league currently sidelined, creating opportunities for their linemates. Schedule-wise, teams playing three or four games this week, especially those with favourable back-to-backs against weaker opponents, offer increased fantasy upside. Look for teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Florida Panthers who consistently generate high-danger chances and maintain strong offensive pressure.

Must-Start Plays — Top 3 Starters 1. Nathan MacKinnon (COL, C): Salary Range: $9,000-$9,800. MacKinnon is in blistering form, consistently driving the Avalanche’s offense. His shot volume is elite, often exceeding 5 shots per game, and he’s integral to their potent power play. With multiple games this week, including favourable matchups against teams that struggle defensively, MacKinnon’s floor is incredibly high, offering a reliable stream of shots, points, and power-play production. His ability to create scoring chances out of nothing makes him matchup-proof and a cornerstone for any DFS lineup.

2. Cale Makar (COL, D): Salary Range: $7,500-$8,200. Pairing Makar with MacKinnon creates a formidable stack. Makar is arguably the best offensive defenseman in the league, quarterbacking the Avalanche’s top power-play unit. He racks up assists, gets a surprising number of goals for a blueliner, and contributes significant shot and block totals. His ice time is consistently among the league leaders, ensuring maximum opportunity to produce fantasy points. Given Colorado’s high-octane offense and Makar’s central role, he offers elite D-man production with a high ceiling in any format.

3. Sebastian Aho (CAR, C): Salary Range: $6,800-$7,500. Aho is riding a wave of momentum after Carolina’s impressive win against Vegas. He’s the Hurricanes’ offensive catalyst, leading their top line and power play. Carolina's system creates numerous scoring opportunities, and Aho is consistently at the heart of them. His recent form, coupled with Carolina’s strong overall play and potentially favorable matchups this week, positions him as a high-upside play at a more palatable salary than the top-tier centers. Expect him to be heavily involved in any Carolina scoring.

Bench These — Players to SIT

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