Bargain Plays - Calvin Pickard, Make it So

Here are the top NHL sleeper picks for Thursday, March 3:

G Calvin Pickard, Avalanche (vs. Panthers)

In a limited sample size, Pickard has performed well at home. He has posted a .944 save percentage over five games, four starts, allowing nine goals on 161 shots. He hasn't recorded a sub-.900 save percentage since late January.

This is also the fourth game of an extended road trip for the Panthers. Expect possible fatigue to work in Pickard's favor. Like most goalies, he'll still be pricey, but he's less expensive than the bulk of Thursday's starters.

C Alex Burmistrov, Jets (vs. Islanders)

Burmistrov is being featured with more regularity as a top-six forward in Winnipeg - primarily skating with Drew Stafford and Mathieu Perreault, who are among the Jets' top scorers. While he hasn't yet registered any power-play points, he's been featured with the man advantage recently, as well.

He's one of the least expensive centers available in DFS due to an overall disappointing season to date. The opportunities seem to be there, and tallying an assist against Florida on Tuesday will only help his case. If he repeats that performance, it'll be enough to return value. If he scores, it'll be a top bargain.

RW Kasperi Kapanen, Maple Leafs (vs. Wild)

The youth movement is underway in Toronto and there are plenty of bargains to be had. While much attention will likely fall on Nikita Soshnikov, who scored his first NHL goal Wednesday, Kapanen saw more ice time and was heavily featured on the Leafs' power play.

Kapanen had eight goals and 14 assists in 32 games with the Toronto Marlies - a better pace than Soshnikov's 28 points in 50 games - and costs the bare minimum. He is not a guarantee, but the power-play usage gives him a boost. Wild G Devan Dubnyk has been considerably worse on the road than at home, too, posting a .905 save percentage in 25 games away from Minnesota.

D Brandon Davidson, Oilers (at Flyers)

Consider Davidson as somewhere between a sleeper and a contrarian. He will not be owned by many, and if he manages to convert his extended time on the power play, then he will return incredible value due to his low price tag.

His ceiling should continue to rise. He has nine shots on goal over his last four games and has blocked eight. He hasn't shown much offense, but is featured with the man advantage. With the Flyers near the bottom of the league in penalty kill percentage, consider this the perfect time to reach for Davidson.