This Saturday's NHL slate features exciting matchups and formidable players to consider for your fantasy lineups. The Colorado Avalanche's first line shines with Nathan MacKinnon, who has been hot, scoring four goals and assisting on seven in the last four games. Artturi Lehkonen and Martin Necas complement him well, demonstrating strong xGoals metrics despite facing a tough Toronto Maple Leafs defense.

Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames provide a great matchup against the Montreal Canadiens, where Nazem Kadri leads a productive line with Jonathan Huberdeau and Matthew Coronato. This trio has generated a solid xGoals rate and should capitalize on Montreal's defensive vulnerabilities.

Additionally, the Nashville Predators face the struggling Chicago Blackhawks, making Steven Stamkos and Ryan O'Reilly enticing options. Both players have shown offensive prowess recently, indicating they could exploit the Blackhawks' defensive weaknesses.

Make sure to also keep an eye on key defensemen like Drew Doughty, whose role on the power play increases his appeal against the St. Louis Blues. Goalies such as Juuse Saros are positioned favorably against the Blackhawks, making them viable picks for your DFS lineups. Remember to stay updated on injury news to maximize your lineup effectiveness!

The Los Angeles Kings face crucial decisions as aging stars Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar's futures hang in the balance. Both players could draw interest from contenders, especially with the Kings in a position to sell at the trade deadline. Doughty, with a $11 million cap hit, and Kopitar, at $7 million, could be attractive assets, provided the Kings retain some salary.

While the Kings may look to undergo a rebuild, the emotional impact of moving franchise icons could complicate matters. Previous trades, such as Jonathan Quick's, show that even legends can adapt well post-trade. Ultimately, sending Doughty or Kopitar to a contender might honor their careers while aiding the Kings' future.

The Los Angeles Kings have recalled Samuel Helenius from the Ontario Reign as they struggle with a four-game losing streak and an overall decline in physicality. Despite Helenius' limited offensive output, he brings a physical presence with 80 hits this season, ensuring the Kings won't be easily pushed around. This move raises questions about the future of Tanner Jeannot, who has been ineffective with a 20-game goal drought.

Trevor Lewis, despite slumping metrics, remains in the lineup, indicating the Kings are sticking with veteran experience. Meanwhile, Brandt Clarke's playing time has dwindled since Drew Doughty's return, adding to the ongoing lineup scrutiny. Helenius's recall seems aimed at bolstering the bottom six, but it also highlights the Kings' broader struggles with lineup decisions and performance consistency.

Drew Doughty is currently listed as day-to-day due to a lower-body injury that sidelined him for the Los Angeles Kings' recent game against the Vancouver Canucks. This marks yet another setback for the veteran defenseman, who had only recently returned from a prolonged absence due to a broken ankle sustained in the preseason. In eight games played this season, Doughty has registered one goal and three assists while averaging nearly 26 minutes of ice time, showcasing his vital role on the Kings' blue line.

In contrast, the Canucks celebrated the return of star defenseman Quinn Hughes, who missed six games due to an undisclosed injury. Hughes, the NHL leader in assists among defensemen, rejoined the lineup, further bolstering the Canucks' chances as they push for a playoff spot. His performance will be instrumental in the team's quest to rise in the standings as they contend for postseason action.

The Los Angeles Kings' acquisition of Joel Edmundson for $3.85 million raised several eyebrows due to his injury history and the team's deep defensive roster. However, his performance has surpassed expectations, especially following Drew Doughty’s return. Pairing with Doughty, Edmundson has transformed into a key component of the Kings' defensive strategy, leading to a +20 rating and contributing 14 points in 51 games.

His adaptability has been evident, as he's seen an increase in ice time, averaging nearly 21 minutes per game in recent outings. The Kings’ management appears to have confidence in their top four defensive pairings, with Edmundson enhancing the team’s penalty kill, which has climbed to the league's top five. While his long-term impact remains uncertain, particularly regarding his contract and the development of younger defensemen like Brandt Clarke and Jordan Spence, the Kings seem poised to benefit in the short term.