Here are the top sleeper picks for Friday's six-game NHL slate:
W Sergey Kalinin, Devils (at Oilers)
The Russian rookie has come on of late after a slow start to his New Jersey career, registering three of his four points in the last five games and seeing consistent action on the Devils' third-ranked power play. While Kalinin may be listed as a center in some DFS games, he's currently playing a second-line winger role alongside Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri.
Edmonton ranks in the bottom third in penalty kill percentage, and has given up at least three goals in each of its last five games. The Oilers haven't had trouble scoring recently, despite the loss of Connor McDavid, but still struggle to keep the puck out of the net.
With New Jersey backup goalie Keith Kinkaid to start, this matchup appears set to be among the highest-scoring of the day, making Kalinin a great value pick at his price.
C Calle Jarnkrok, Predators (at Blue Jackets)
The Predators rank fourth in goals per game, and are among seven teams firing approximately 31 shots on goal each night. They've exploded for seven goals twice in their last four contests, with Jarnkrok registering two goals in a recent 7-0 win over the Jets.
Despite some improvement as of late, Columbus is still giving up 3.30 goals per game, behind only Calgary, and is coming off a 3-0 loss Thursday to Ottawa. Friday's encounter with Nashville marks its third game in four nights, while the rested Predators have been off since Tuesday.
The Swedish center may play a third-line role, but he's seen power-play time as of late, and should be involved if another offensive outburst is in the cards.
D Kevin Connauton, Blue Jackets (vs. Predators)
Connauton has registered three assists in 14 games, and regularly quarterbacks Columbus' second power-play unit; in his last five games, he's registered at least a minute of ice time with the man advantage.
The third-year defenseman has registered a fruitless 24 shots on goal so far, but his nine goals in 62 games last season provide reason for optimism.
G James Reimer, Maple Leafs (at Hurricanes)
Reimer is on a personal four-game win streak, and has taken advantage of the opportunity afforded to him through Jonathan Bernier's injury and inconsistency. In each of those four wins, he hasn't allowed more than two goals, and has registered at least 34 saves in three of those four.
Toronto goalies are among the cheapest available starters in most DFS games and, given Reimer's strong run and with Carolina having scored just five goals during its four-game losing streak, offer excellent value for at least another night.
