NHL 2024-25 Futures Best Bets:
I enjoy getting involved with future markets. The options are endless, and it can make your head spin. Here is my list of NHL futures best bets and player/team props for the upcoming season.
NHL Futures
Stanley Cup Winner: Nashville Predators 40/1
I made this wager the morning of July 1 as word was getting out that the Predators were going to make a big splash in the free agent market. Hours later, Nashville announced they had signed Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, and the odds quickly dropped to 18/1.
Stanley Cup Winner: New Jersey Devils 22/1
Like the Predators wager, I was able to get ahead of the game before the books adjusted to all the Devils’ acquisitions. New Jersey now sits at 12/1
Andrei Vasilevskiy – Vezina Trophy 11/1
Back surgery kept Vasilevskiy out of the lineup until late November last season and played a factor in him having the worst statistical season of his career. Even with the numbers dip, he recorded his seventh consecutive 30-win season. At 11/1, there is value in him winning his second Vezina Trophy.
Roman Josi – Norris Trophy 12/1
Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche is the betting favorite at +200, and for me, he is the best defenseman in the NHL. But strictly from a value standpoint, I can’t pass up Josi at this price. He has won the award once before (2019-20). He led all defensemen in goals last season (23) and was third in scoring. He is only three seasons removed from leading all defensemen in scoring with 96 points.
Mitch Marner – Hart Trophy 75/1
By no means am I part of Leafs Nation. In fact, I’ve been asked, “Do you have a favorite team?: My response has been, “Anyone who plays Toronto.” That all being said, Marner is in the final year of his contract. He spent the offseason training in Aspen with the likes of Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon. He is primed for a big season. I understand it will be hard for him to even be the MVP on his team, but at 75/1, it’s worth a pizza money bet.
Calgary Flames to miss the playoffs (-400) and Under 81.5 pts (-125)
This is one of my favorite plays. There is no way the Flames are making the playoffs, and I also expect them to be big sellers leading into the trade deadline. Calgary finished with 81 points last season and see no indications they will surpass that point total this season.
Los Angeles Kings to miss the playoffs (+160)
I had the Kings missing the playoffs even before the Drew Doughty injury that will keep him out of the lineup for up to three months. LA’s projected point total at DraftKings Sportsbook is at 95.5 (Under -125). I stayed away from playing the Under because if the Kings finish with 95 or fewer points, they are not likely to make the playoffs. Therefore, playing them to Miss the Playoffs at “plus money” has far better value than playing the point total Under.
Player Props
Alexander Ovechkin Over 29.5 goals (-115)
18 seasons of 30 or more goals. 42 goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal mark of 894 goals. Nothing more to be said.
Bo Horvat Over 30.5 goals (-115)
Three consecutive seasons of 31 goals or more. See no reason why Horvat doesn’t score at least 31 goals for a fourth consecutive season.
Owen Tippett Over 28.5 goals (-115)
He has scored 27 and 28 goals in the last two seasons. Expecting Tippett to hit the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career.
Alexis Lafreniere Over 64.5 points
Lafreniere is coming off a 57-point season, an 18-point increase from the season prior. In fact, Lafreniere’s point total has increased each of the past three seasons. I would not be shocked if he finishes with close to 82 points.
Jake DeBrusk Over 48.5 points (-125)
DeBrusk is coming off a 40-point season in Boston, but two seasons removed from a 50-point season with the Bruins. Now in Vancouver and playing alongside Elias Pettersson on the Canucks second line, as well as being on the number one power play unit, I see no reason why the Over 48.5 doesn’t cash.
