Welcome to our NHL best bets page. On this page, you can find NHL expert picks from our team of National Hockey League betting experts.
The 2024-25 NHL season promises to be full of excitement. Last season, the Florida Panthers hoisted the hallowed Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history, outlasting Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in a memorable seven-game series.
Ahead of the new season, the Panthers and Oilers are the top two 2025 Stanley Cup favorites. But there are a host of teams with the potential credentials to be in the mix, including the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights, who lifted the Cup in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Will a Canadian team finally come out on top for the first time since 1993? Along with the Oilers, who nearly came all the way back from a 3-0 series deficit against the Panthers, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks are among the possible Cup contenders for this season.
There’s also a lot to look forward to with the awards races, including the Calder Trophy.
Macklin Celebrini was drafted first overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2024 NHL Draft after a stellar season at Boston University, but he isn’t the favorite. That would be Russian rookie Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers, who will make his debut in the NHL a year after being taken seventh overall in the 2023 draft.
During the season, this page will, for the most part, be home to the best bets for NHL games each week. But with the start of the season still several weeks away, we’re eyeing up the rookie race.
What Are Our Best Bets for This Season’s NHL Rookie of the Year Race?
Chasing Calder Glory: Three Best Bets for the 2024-2025 Rookie Race
The NHL’s Calder Trophy, awarded to the league’s best rookie, is one of the most exciting awards to follow. Last year, Connor Bedard dominated the conversation, but with a new season comes a fresh batch of hopefuls. Let’s explore three intriguing Calder Trophy NHL best bets for the upcoming 2024-2025 campaign.
Remember, these are just a few options. The Calder race is always unpredictable, so keep an eye on emerging stars throughout the season. Listed odds are from BetOnline, where you can bet on the NHL awards races throughout the year.
- Matevi Michkov (+350): Considered by many to be the 2nd most talented player after Bedard from last year’s draft class. Michkov will look to breakout on the Flyers this season.
- Logan Stankhoven (+400): Stankhoven already showed he is an NHL in his partial season. He has the experience and is on a stacked Dallas Stars team to win the award.
- Macklin Celebrini (+400): The first overall pick of the 2024 draft could make an immediate and large impact on the San Jose Sharks.
Calder Trophy Best Bet: Matvei Michkov (+350)
Michkov could make a huge impact
- The Hype is Real: Michkov is the consensus favorite for a reason. The highly-touted Russian forward boasts elite offensive skills and a lethal shot. He’s projected to slot into a top-six role with the Philadelphia Flyers immediately, giving him ample opportunity to put up points.
- Concerns? Not Many: While adapting to the North American style can take some time, Michkov’s talent is undeniable. The biggest knock might be his slight frame, but his hockey IQ should help him adjust. He could also struggle if he does not impress head coach John Tortorella, but his the Flyers need offense and Michkov was drafted for just for that.
- The Bottom Line: Michkov offers a safe bet with a high ceiling. He has already played in some of the top leagues in Russia and has similar offensive upside as Connor Bedard (who wont the Calder this year). At +350 odds, he’s a solid choice for those who want to back the frontrunner.
Calder Trophy Best Bet: Logan Stankhoven (+400)
Stankhoven has the NHL experience already and is capable of playing up the lineup.
- Under the Radar Threat: Overshadowed by Michkov, Stankoven shouldn’t be ignored. The skilled center tore up the WHL and possesses a playmaking ability that could translate well to the NHL. It’s easy to forget that Stankhoven is still considered a rookie, considering he made an impact for the Stars in the regular season and the playoffs. This makes him a sneaky play.
- Destination: The Dallas Stars?: Landing on one of the league’s top offenses will help Stankhovens case. The Dallas Stars ranked 6th in goals for per game last season and Stankhoven put up 6 goals and 14 points in 24 regular season games and had another 8 points in the playoffs.
- The Risk vs. Reward: Stankoven comes with more uncertainty about his percentage of the offense than Michkov. Stankhoven may find himself on the 3rd line for the Stars, where Michkov could be on the top power play and top line. However, he could just as easily find himself moving up to the 2nd or top line, making this an appealing play.
Calder Trophy Best Bet: Macklin Celebrini (+400)
The first overall pick of this draft Macklin Celebrini
- Mr. Versatility: Celebrini isn’t the flashiest name, but his well-rounded skillset could surprise. The responsible two-way defenseman could see himself on Detroit’s penalty kill and contribute offensively as well. He may make the largest impact on his team overall, over the other rookies.
- Patience is Key: The San Jose Sharks might not throw Celebrini into the fire right away, so this is a long-term play. So while Celebrini may start on lower forward lines with limited minutes, he should find a way to carve out time on the top power play unit and top 6 at some point this season. However, his ability to contribute in all situations makes him intriguing and could expedite his increased role on the team.
- The 1st Overall Pick: Sometimes it’s smarter to not overthink these things. And Celebrini was selected 1st overall in this year’s NHL draft for a reason. Getting him at these odds preseason is fantastic value. While only 3 former 1st overall draft picks have won the trophy in the 10 years, there are factors that prevented this number from being higher. McDavid was injured in his rookie campaign, over-ager Russians like Kaprizov and Panarin both the award when they finally made it to the NHL, and then there are always the surprises like Seider. I think it’s worth a sprinkle on Celebrini just because of his draft status and the role he may have on his team.
Who will be the best rookie in the NHL this season? All three of these players are intriguing prospects.
Love These Best Bets? Bet on Them at the Top NHL Betting Sites
The National Hockey League is one of the major professional sports leagues in North America, along with the NFL, NBA, and MLB. As a result, NHL odds are available at the best U.S. betting sites.
Whether you are looking to bet on NHL sides and totals, NHL props, or NHL futures, you will not be short on options at sportsbooks like BetOnline, which is one of several books we recommend for NHL betting.
Best NHL Betting Sites
Many bettors who check out our NHL best bets may already have accounts with these sportsbooks. However, if you are unfamiliar with any of these betting sites and wish to learn more about them, you should check out our sportsbook reviews.
- BetOnline Sportsbook Review
- Betwhale Sportsbook Review
- Bovada Sportsbook Review
- MyBookie Sportsbook Review
- Sportsbetting.ag Sportsbook Review
These reviews evaluate available betting options, deposit and payout options, sportsbook bonuses and promos, and more.
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