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Saturday's Defenseman Value Rankings

Jean-Yves Ahern / USA TODAY Sports

Here are theScore's defenseman value rankings for Saturday, April 16:

Value Rankings
C | W | D | G

Top Options

NAME OPPONENT VALUE
Kris Letang (PIT) vs. NYR 9
Shayne Gostisbehere (PHI) at WAS 8
John Carlson (WAS) vs. PHI 8

Letang is the quarterback of the Penguins' potent offense and is cash game royalty no matter the goaltender the Rangers elect to put between the pipes.

Gostisbehere was a wonderful surprise this year, however, the Capitals' stingy defense could hold him in check. Nonetheless, he's still a key piece to the Flyers offense and can be safely rostered in all formats.

Carlson opened up his 2016 playoffs with an assist, four shots on goal and three shot blocks - which was enough to return value on his adequate price point. Like Letang, he plays in a potent offense and has a plus matchup.

Best of the Rest

NAME OPPONENT VALUE
Brent Burns (SJ) at LA 7
Ryan Suter (MIN) at DAL 7
John Klingberg (DAL) vs. MIN 6

Exposure to Burns is worth his hefty price tag. He scored one goal and added and assist while firing four shots on in Game 1.

Suter comes at a more affordable price than the former, but with W Zach Parise out, his value takes a hit. However, he remains a stellar contrarian option.

Klingberg had 22 power play points this season and can be rostered in all formats safely despite failing to find the scoresheet in Game 1.

Nothing to See Here

NAME OPPONENT VALUE
Drew Doughty (LA) vs. SJ 4
Keith Yandle (NYR) at PIT 3
Matt Niskanen (WAS) vs. PHI 3

Doughty is a terrific everyday defenseman, but has limited value in fantasy due to lack of point production.

Yandle and Niskanen could record a point Saturday but are unlikely to do so.

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