On every game day this season, THN Fantasy be highlighting players and goalies for fantasy managers to stream or roster for the rest of the season. The recommended players and goalies can be used in standard fantasy leagues or for daily fantasy games.

Forwards

Logan Stankoven, C, DAL at NSH (39% rostered)

Dallas just seems to have fun players to watch. Stankoven, a second-round pick in 2021, more than got his feet wet last season. After his call up from the AHL, Stankoven tallied 14 points in 24 games before adding eight points in 19 playoff appearances. The 24 games played makes Stankoven Calder Trophy eligible. Right now, he is penciled in as the third-line right winger, but if he plays as he did last year, a move up the roster is likely, which will help his Rookie of the Year chances.

Adam Fantilli, C, CLB at MIN (27% rostered)

Fantilli showed signs last year that he belonged in the majors, posting 12 goals and 27 points in 49 outings, but a leg injury prevented him from playing past Jan. 28. Fully healthy, much is expected of Fantilli, who is one of the Faces of the Columbus Franchise while being joined by several with peach fuzz. Fantilli will center the team's second line with Sean Monahan taking some of the pressure off him.

Will Smith, C, SJ vs. STL (19% rostered)

All of the rightful focus on Macklin Celebrini allows Smith, taken fourth overall in 2023, to operate a little below the radar. Immensely talented, Smith's playmaking is his best asset after he racked up 25 goals and 46 assists in 41 appearances for Boston College as a freshman last season. San Jose has a copious amount of young talent who need a distributor to unlock their potential. Smith fits that bill nicely.

Tanner Jeannot, LW/RW, LA at BUF (20% rostered)

Jeannot was a monster for Nashville in 2021-22, scoring 24 goals, handing out 17 assists and dishing out 318 hits. It's that potential and possible fit that led Tampa to vastly overpay for Jeannot by dealing five picks to the Predators. Jeannot never found his sea legs with the Lightning, who recouped some of the assets dealt by trading him to the Kings for the No. 118 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and a 2025 second-round selection. Jeannot should slot on the third line in LA and have a rebound campaign. 

Shane Pinto, C, OTT vs. FLA (14% rostered)

The wicked sense of irony of Pinto serving a 41-game suspension for activities related to sports wagering, which delayed the start of the 2023-24 campaign for him until Jan. 21, as the NHL rakes in betting related revenue is not lost on many of us. Pinto returned to tally nine goals and 27 points in half a season.  Don't let his third line placement fool you, as he is a true, top-six centerman.

Max Pacioretty, LW, TOR at NJ (7% rostered)

One major issue for Pacioretty the last three seasons is his lack of health. Injuries limited to Patches to no more than 47 contests in each of those seasons. The 35-year-old forward registered four goals, 19 assists, 95 shots on net and 76 hits with Washington in 2023-24, declining a deal to the Rangers at the deadline. He attended training camp with Toronto on a professional tryout with a one-year deal a foregone conclusion. He is skating on the third line but could slide up a unit if he gets hot.

Paul Cotter, C, NJ vs. TOR (3% rostered)

Let me clear right from the start, no, we don't think Cotter will lead the Devils in scoring. But he sure is enjoying a hot start to the season with two goals and an assist over his first two games. Cotter, who came to New Jersey in the Alex Holtz trade, should be in the lineup nightly with his main asset the 200+ hits he registers.

Maxim Tsyplakov, RW, NYI vs. UTA (3% rostered)

Tsyplakov enjoyed a breakout season with Spartak Moscow of the KHL. The 25-year-old winger racked up 31 goals and 47 points in 65 regular-season contests before adding two goals and two assists in 11 playoff outings. Tsyplakov signed a one-year deal with the Isles, and based on his fine preseason, will play in the top-six on the Island. If he remains in that role, 20+ goals this season is feasible.

Drew O' Connor, LW, PIT at DET (1% rostered)

Michael Bunting is likely to end up on the top line at some point, For now, though, O'Connor again gets the prime placement as Sidney Crosby's left wing. O'Connor notched 12 of his 33 points last season in that spot, which may be why he is skating there as the season opens. O'Connor is not expected to see much power-play time on ice, so his production will need to come at even-strength.

Defensemen

Lane Hutson, D, MON at BOS (46% rostered)

Hutson will be in the lineup Opening Night for the Canadiens. He amassed 30 goals and 67 assists over 77 games in two seasons at Boston University before turning pro at the end of last season. Hutson will eventually man the power-play for the Habs, the only question being when that will occur. Mike Matheson is more than solid in that role, but with Montreal building for the future, Hutson fits that timeline better,

Jeremy Lauzon, D, NSH vs, DAL (37% rostered)

This is a one-category special inclusion. Lauzon has notched 862 hits in 212 games the past three seasons. He isn't just a goon, as Lauzon has shown he is deserving of a full-time role as part of the Preds blueline. If you have Lauzon rostered, you know the drill, have him in your active lineuo whenever possible

Adam Boqvist, D, FLA at OTT (13% rostered)

Check Boqvist's status, as he was hit by a clearing attempt in the first period Tuesday and was unable to return. Injuries have limited Boqvist, taken eighth overall by Columbus in 2018, in his career, including last season when he was limited to just 35 games. Boqvist, who signed with Florida this offseason, had a strong training camp and seemed set to fill a spot on the No. 1 power-play unit before the injury. If he is sidelined, Aaron Ekblad will likely take over that role.