Here are theScore's defenseman value rankings for Monday, January 18:
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Rasmus Ristolainen (BUF) | at ARI | 9 |
| Tyson Barrie (COL) | at WPG | 8 |
| Oliver Ekman-Larsson (ARI) | vs. BUF | 8 |
Ristolainen remains cheap and is heavily featured on the Sabres' power play - he's a cash game play for sure. Ekman-Larsson has a plum matchup opposite Ristolainen, and is among the most consistent blueliners when it comes to putting up points. He's not Brent Burns, but he also doesn't carry a salary like him, either.
Best of the Rest
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Pietrangelo (STL) | vs. PIT | 7 |
| Kevin Shattenkirk (STL) | vs. PIT | 6 |
| Tyler Myers (WPG) | vs. COL | 6 |
| Francois Beauchemin (COL) | at WPG | 5 |
Pietrangelo and Shattenkirk have some of the best offensive upside at the D position and are not quite as pricey as some of the top names. Myers is more of a budget option and Beauchemin only figures to be a factor in DFS lineups where blocked shots count.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Brent Burns (SJ) | vs. OTT | 4 |
| Dustin Byfuglien (WPG) | vs. COL | 3 |
| Erik Karlsson (OTT) | at SJ | 2 |
Burns' price tag is astronomical and it takes a lot for him to return value. It happens, but it's never a sure thing. Byfuglien hasn't been producing with consistency worthy of his salary.
