Daily Fantasy Hockey 2015: NHL DraftKings Primer for January 21st

The NHL is set to go on a break with All-Star Weekend taking place in Columbus from Friday to Sunday, so today is the last chance to have some fun with daily fantasy hockey this week.

Wednesday will feature six matchups, including Toronto vs. Ottawa, Chicago vs. Pittsburgh, Columbus vs. Winnipeg, Boston vs. Colorado, Calgary vs. Anaheim and Los Angeles vs. San Jose.

There are a number of interesting players available to draft and with a salary cap of $50,000, here's a look at the players you should add to your team on Wednesday night.

Position	Player	Opponent	Price
C	Ryan Johansen	@WPG	$6,900
C	Carl Soderberg	@COL	$4,700
W	Johnny Gaudreau	@ANA	$4,500
W	Nick Foligno	@WPG	$5,100
W	David Perron	vs. CHI	$5,800
D	Torey Krug	@COL	$5,300
D	Cody Franson	@OTT	$4,200
G	Corey Crawford	@PIT	$8,000
UTIL	David Krejci	@COL	$5,000

Centers: Ryan Johansen, David Krejci and Carl Soderberg 

Ryan Johansen has been on fire for the Blue Jackets this month with seven goals and 11 points in nine games. He is having a career year, and picking him for Wednesday makes sense because of his success—albeit a small sample size—versus the Winnipeg Jets.

The Jackets star center has four points in four games against Winnipeg, and that could go up considering the roll Johansen is currently on.

Johansen is a rising star in the NHL, and carving out $6,900 for him is a wise investment while still having room to fill out the rest of your lineup. After spending some big money on Johansen, you can pick up a nice value center from the Boston Bruins. 

For only $4,700, adding Carl Soderberg is a no-brainer to get the most value out of your cap space. The 6'3", 216-pound pivot has been a great addition to the Bruins this season, and he has tallied 31 points in 47 games.

Steve Babineau/Getty Images

To round out the utility spot, pick David Krejci from the Bruins. Boston went without its first-line center for a number of stretches to start the season, and since returning, he's been a key contributor. With 10 points in his last 11 games, you can't go wrong picking Krejci.

He's got a proven track record as a performer, and there is a reason why the Bruins signed him to a mega-extension before the start of the season.

Wingers: Johnny Gaudreau, Nick Foligno, and David Perron

Johnny Gaudreau is an amazing rookie who is in the middle of a great season. "Johnny Hockey" has 11 points in his last 12 games, and he is a front-runner to win the Calder Trophy for top rookie. At a $4,500 price tag, it is hard to pass on a player of Gaudreau's caliber, especially with his value going up now that he will be on the cover of The Hockey News.

For your second winger spot, select All-Star Nick Foligno of the Blue Jackets. The winger has 10 points in nine games this month, and he is going to captain a team in his own arena. 

Buying low on a productive player in Foligno makes sense because it will allow for some discretionary spending in other areas. He is having a career year, and look for him to try to go out with a bang heading into the All-Star break.

The last winger to pick up to complete your lineup is David Perron. Perron has thrived since joining the Pittsburgh Penguins via a trade from the Edmonton Oilers, and it isn't much of a surprise.

After leaving the barren wasteland of Edmonton, things have turned up for the maligned winger, who has been skating on the wing of Sidney Crosby. He will cost you $5,800, but that's a bargain for a skilled sniper like Perron, who has six points in his last four games.

Defensemen: Cody Franson and Torey Krug 

Juan Ocampo/Getty Images

Cody Franson of the Toronto Maple Leafs is having a good season, and he's a defender who is really underpriced. Franson has 28 points in 45 games and is on pace to surpass the 33 points he tallied last season.

Although the Leafs have struggled as of late, Franson has been a bright spot with five points in nine games.

The second defender worth drafting is Torey Krug of the Boston Bruins. Krug has quietly had an effective season for the Bruins, and the 23-year-old defender has 23 points in 43 games. This month has been especially fruitful for the Bruins' blueliner, as Krug ranks fifth among defenders with eight points in nine games.

Goalie: Corey Crawford

Bill Smith/Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Penguins have proven to be one of the NHL's better teams over the last few seasons, but they haven't had success against Corey Crawford. Lifetime against the Penguins, Crawford is 2-1-0 with a 1.95 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage.

Crawford is one of the cheaper starters available for Wednesday's action, and it is a bargain when you factor in his success against the Penguins. The Blackhawks are riding high off a victory against the Arizona Coyotes, and look for Crawford to shine after having a night off.