Bargain Plays - Saturday's Top Sleeper Picks

Here are the top sleep picks for Saturday, December 26:

G Cam Ward, Hurricanes (vs. Devils)

Carolina and New Jersey sit 25th and 26th, respectively, in goals for, so expect a duel between Cory Schneider and Ward. But as a bargain play, Ward gets the nod here with his lower salary and home-ice advantage.

Though the team in front of him isn't spectacular by any means, Ward has played well in his past three starts, giving up a total of four goals on 66 shots.

Getting the win will be key in order for Ward to return value, but with the Devils having been on the road since December 20th, home-ice advantage should be a major factor.

W Teddy Purcell, Oilers (at Canucks)

Purcell is skating with Taylor Hall and Leon Draisaitl on the Oilers' first line and is top bargain play until he is moved from that spot. He has ten points in his last ten games, including a three-point performance on December 21.

In a matchup with the struggling Canucks, Hall and Draisaitl should be able to muster some offense that Purcell, once again, should be able to ride off of.

Jacob Markstrom will get the start for the Canucks. His 2.52 goals against and .917 save percentage are far from intimidating.

C Jonathan Marchessault, Lightning (vs. Blue Jackets)

Marchessault has eight points in 18 games this season and is currently on a five-game point streak. A matchup against the Blue Jackets should help extend that streak to six games.

Playing on the Lightning's third line, Marchessault averages around 11 minutes per game, but his main appeal is his role on the Lightning's top power play unit.

Marchessault has three power play markers on the season as he skates with Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov on the man-advantage. A power play goal from a bargain play like Marchessault would be huge in a tournament lineup.

D Olli Maatta, Penguins (at Wild)

With Kris Letang out due to injury, Maatta is up to 20 minutes in average ice time and plays on the Pens' top defensive pairing. A role on the power play also increases his value and potential in DFS.

Though the Penguins have been a disappointment this year, Maatta has five points in his last nine games, giving potential owners a nice run of play to be faithful in.