Daily Fantasy Lineup Leans: Lineup Edges and Goalie Starts for January 21, 2026

Today’s slate offers a few clear fantasy pressure points: a top-line audition in Detroit, a key winger returning in Colorado, an elite defenseman in a soft matchup, and a strong goalie spot in Toronto. With limited games, every lineup decision is magnified, so we’ll focus on start/sit calls, power-play roles, and which goalies you can trust for categories and wins.

What’s New & Why It Matters

The biggest forward note is Marco Kasper getting a run as the top-line center for the Red Wings. Anytime a young forward jumps straight into a first-line role, especially between established scorers, it creates short-term streaming value and long-term dynasty intrigue. Even if the minutes are sheltered, the quality of linemates and offensive-zone usage can spike his immediate ceiling.

In Colorado, Valeri Nichushkin is back from injury and slotted as a second-line winger for the Avalanche. His return stabilizes their top six and adds another finishing threat behind the stars. If he sees time on the main power-play unit or even a strong secondary unit, he becomes a priority stream in most formats.

On the blue line, Cale Makar remains the offensive engine from the back end for Colorado. Facing the Ducks, he’s in a prime spot to drive play, rack up shots, and quarterback the top power play. In a short slate, his edge over replacement-level defensemen is massive.

In net, Joseph Woll is expected to start for the Maple Leafs against Detroit. With Toronto typically providing strong goal support and shot suppression when they’re on their game, Woll profiles as one of the safer starts of the night for both wins and ratios. On the other side of the slate, Anaheim and Colorado’s projected starters shape how aggressive you should be streaming skaters against them, but Woll stands out as the clearest go-to option.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

In points-only formats, prioritize exposure to top lines and power-play quarterbacks. Kasper’s promotion to Detroit’s first line makes him immediately interesting as a short-term flier. Even if his individual shot volume isn’t elite yet, simply touching the puck in the offensive zone with top wingers can translate into cheap assists. If he sticks on the first power-play unit, his ceiling jumps another tier; if he’s stuck on PP2, think of him more as a fringe stream with upside rather than a must-hold.

Nichushkin’s return for Colorado is a classic points-only swing. As a second-line winger in a high-powered Avalanche offense, he doesn’t need huge minutes to be productive. His value will hinge on power-play usage: PP1 time makes him a near auto-start whenever he’s healthy; PP2 usage still keeps him in the streaming conversation, especially against a Ducks team that can struggle defensively. In either case, he’s a strong bet to chip in goals and secondary points tonight.

Makar is a set-and-forget in any scoring format, but tonight’s matchup accentuates his edge. Against Anaheim, Colorado should control possession and generate plenty of looks on the man advantage. Makar’s ability to drive entries, walk the blue line, and find seams makes him one of the highest-upside skaters on the slate. If you’re deciding between him and another high-end defenseman, lean Makar for the matchup and power-play environment.

Woll’s fantasy value in points-only is more muted, but if your league counts wins and shutouts as points, he’s a premium play. Toronto’s offense gives him strong win equity, and Detroit’s attack—while dangerous at the top—can still be managed if the Maple Leafs control pace. If you have a fringe goalie option elsewhere, bench them and roll Woll.

Categories / Bangers

In multi-cat leagues, the calculus shifts slightly. Kasper’s immediate hits and shots profile is still developing, so he’s more of a speculative add for assists and plus-minus than a true bangers stud. If your roster is already loaded with peripherals but light on centers getting top-line looks, he’s a reasonable gamble; if you’re chasing hits and PIM, he’s less appealing.

Nichushkin, by contrast, can bring a more well-rounded stat line when he’s rolling: goals, shots, and some physicality. Coming off injury, temper expectations for heavy peripherals right away, but the matchup versus Anaheim is soft enough that he can still deliver value even if he’s not at full volume. In standard categories leagues, he’s one of the better short-term streams available.

Makar is elite in categories: shots, power-play points, and strong plus-minus potential in a favorable matchup. Against the Ducks, he has a legitimate chance to post a multi-category line that can swing weekly matchups on his own. There’s no scenario where you sit him; the real implication is that you can afford to be more aggressive streaming high-upside but risky forwards because Makar’s floor is so high.

For goalies, Woll is a priority start in categories formats that count wins, save percentage, and goals-against average. The combination of a strong team in front of him and a manageable opponent makes him one of the more trustworthy options. Unless you have an undisputed top-tier goalie in a dream matchup, you should be starting Woll. If you’re protecting ratios late in the week, his profile is still favorable enough to justify the risk.

Dynasty / Keeper

Dynasty managers should zoom in on Kasper’s deployment. A young center getting top-line usage for Detroit is a clear signal the organization wants to see what he can handle. Even if the production isn’t immediate, the role itself is a bullish indicator for his long-term trajectory. This is the kind of audition that can move a prospect from stash territory into a more secure keeper slot if he looks the part.

Nichushkin’s return doesn’t change his dynasty tier dramatically, but it’s a reminder of his value when healthy in a stacked Avalanche lineup. If your league has managers worried about his durability, this could be a subtle buy-low window—especially if he starts slowly while ramping back up. Use tools like the NHL Trade Analyzer to gauge fair value if you’re exploring offers.

Makar is already a cornerstone in any keeper or dynasty build; tonight’s matchup is more about short-term dominance than long-term evaluation. Still, continued elite deployment on PP1 and heavy minutes reinforce his status as one of the safest long-term assets on defense.

Woll is more interesting in dynasty than in many realize. Every quality start in a prominent market like Toronto strengthens his grip on meaningful workload. If he strings together strong outings, his path to a long-term starting role becomes clearer. In deeper keeper formats, he’s a solid stash or hold rather than someone you flip quickly.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Marco Kasper – Watchlist (dynasty/deep redraft): Top-line center role in Detroit makes him a prime speculative add where you can afford patience.
Valeri Nichushkin – Short-term stream (standard/points-only): Returning to a scoring role for Colorado with a favorable matchup against Anaheim.
Cale Makar – Auto-start (all formats): Elite defenseman in a soft matchup; his PP1 role gives him slate-breaking upside.
Joseph Woll – Start (categories/points with wins): Projected starter for Toronto in a strong spot versus Detroit, with good win and ratio potential.

Fantasy Takeaways

Start Joseph Woll with confidence in categories and wins-heavy formats given his projected start for Toronto against Detroit.
Stream Valeri Nichushkin in points-focused leagues as he returns to Colorado’s top six in a plus matchup versus Anaheim.
Add or at least monitor Marco Kasper in deeper and dynasty leagues while he auditions as Detroit’s top-line center.
Lock in Cale Makar everywhere; his offensive role and matchup against the Ducks give him one of the highest ceilings on the slate.
Use today’s PP1 auditions and top-line experiments as early signals for future adds, not just one-night streams.

Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.