DFS: Bargain Plays - Monday's Top Sleeper Picks
Here are the top low-priced sleepers for Monday, November 30's four-game NHL slate.
C/W Leo Komarov, Maple Leafs (vs. Oilers)
Listed as a center in some DFS games, but currently playing a wing role on Toronto's top line with Nazem Kadri and James van Riemsdyk, Komarov has scored in each of the last two games and has 12 points in 23 contests. The Estonian-born Komarov also benefits from first power play unit duties, and looks set to exceed last season's career-high of 26 points.
His high 19.5 shooting percentage explains some of his early season success, but given his talented linemates, workload (16.4 minutes per game) and Monday's weak opponent (Edmonton allows 3.08 goals per game), Komarov represents a viable budget pick.
G John Gibson, Ducks (vs. Canucks)
Gibson's had a strange career, having played more playoff games (four) than regular season ones (three) in his 2013-14 rookie year, then only playing 23 NHL games last season in a backup role. He began 2015-16 in the AHL, but was recalled when Frederik Andersen missed time with the flu, starting two games and appearing in another in relief of Anton Khudobin.
He's the absolute minimum price in some daily fantasy games, and against a Canucks team that's lost seven of its last nine road games, represents a viable option if Andersen remains sidelined. Keep an eye on our starting goaltenders post to see if Gibson is indeed in line for a third straight start.
W Teddy Purcell, Oilers (at Maple Leafs)
Purcell is riding shotgun on the high-scoring Leon Draisaitl - Taylor Hall top line, and has assists in each of his last two games. With 13 points in 24 games and top power play unit duties of late, he's been fairly productive in his second season in Edmonton.
Monday brings the Oilers to Toronto to face goaltender Garret Sparks' NHL debut. Sparks has played well in the AHL this season, with a 1.90 GAA and a .938 save percentage, but rookie jitters could obviously be a concern. Purcell represents the cheapest route into Edmonton's top line.
D Andrej Sekera, Oilers (at Maple Leafs)
Using the same logic as the Purcell selection, Sekera, with 10 points in 23 games from the Oilers' blueline, may be able to take advantage of some rookie goaltender nerves. The Czech native receives a heavy workload, averaging 21 minutes of ice time per game, slightly behind leaders Oscar Klefbom and Justin Schultz, and has registered four power play points on the year.
His floor is high even if he doesn't score, given that he's averaging 1.74 blocks and 1.57 shots per game, making him a decent bet to return value on his low price.