NHL Futures Betting Odds and Predictions

The NHL season is underway, and that means it’s time to place your futures bets and sort out which teams have a real shot—and which ones might shake things up.

This breakdown covers everything you need for the 2025-26 season: projected division standings, playoff picks, Stanley Cup contenders, award favorites, and the best futures bets still offering solid value.

You’ll also find our favorite betting sites and sportsbooks for NHL lines so you’re not stuck chasing bad value late in the season.

Let’s get started with a look at each division and how we expect the standings to shake out.

Projected NHL Standings by Division

These division outlooks aren’t just rankings for the sake of it. They’re built from a mix of advanced stats, offseason moves, roster depth, and how sportsbooks are pricing win totals and futures. This is where the season starts to take shape.ide variety of betting choices into their overall sports betting strategy.

Reading NHL Future Odds

The Stanley Cup market is the most-watched NHL futures option. Prices shift as sportsbooks respond to injuries, team performance, and public action. With the right strategy, bettors can find value both early and midseason.

Atlantic Division

1. Tampa Bay Lightning
2. Toronto Maple Leafs
3. Montreal Canadiens
4. Florida Panthers
5. Ottawa Senators
6. Detroit Red Wings
7. Buffalo Sabres
8. Boston Bruins

The Panthers were shaping up to be the clear favorite until injuries hit hard. With Barkov and Tkachuk both dealing with issues, Florida’s ceiling has taken a hit, and most projections now show them sliding down the standings. 

That opens the door for the Lightning, who comes in at number one here, not because they’re dominant, but because they’re still stable. They’ve got the experience, the goaltending, and just enough scoring depth to capitalize on the Panthers’ setback.

The Maple Leafs remains right in the mix, with their usual high-octane offense and just enough defense to keep them in the hunt. The surprise this year is the Canadiens, showing up in third on this list. 

Several projection models have them as a serious bubble team, slightly edging out the Senators and Sabres in terms of upside.

The Senators are still tough to pin down. Some models have them as high as second, others closer to fifth. The Red Wings and Sabres sit in that uncertain zone between rebuild and breakthrough. As for the Bruins, they’ve dropped to the bottom in most simulations. After years near the top, the regression is hard to ignore.

Metropolitan Division

1. Carolina Hurricanes
2. New Jersey Devils
3. New York Rangers
4. Washington Capitals
5. New York Islanders
6. Columbus Blue Jackets
7. Philadelphia Flyers
8. Pittsburgh Penguins

The Hurricanes enters the season as the clear favorite in this division. They’re ranked first in nearly every major projection, thanks to a loaded blue line, a structured system, and consistent goaltending. They may not dominate every night, but they’re built to win over the long haul.

The battle for second is tighter. The Devils get the edge in most models with the Capitals right behind them. Both teams have playoff potential, but the Devils’ younger core and faster tempo give them a bit more upside.

The Rangers land third here. This is a solid playoff pick, though not many see them as a serious threat to take the division. They’ve got star power, but the depth is a concern.

The Islanders and Blue Jackets trade spots depending on the model, but both are considered mid-tier. Columbus has talent up front, but their defensive structure needs work. New York’s identity is more stable, though they haven’t evolved much year-over-year.

At the bottom, the Flyers edge out the Penguins, which is a shift from recent years. The Penguins have been slipping in projections as their veteran core ages, and the Flyers are showing just enough grit to earn a slight nod in some forecasts.

Central Division

1. Colorado Avalanche
2. Dallas Stars
3. Winnipeg Jets
4. Minnesota Wild
5. Utah Mammoth
6. St. Louis Blues
7. Nashville Predators
8. Chicago Blackhawks

This division is basically a coin flip at the top. Most projections have the Stars and the Avalanche neck and neck, with the Stars showing up slightly ahead in some models. We’re putting the Avalanche first based on overall ceiling. If they stay healthy, they still have the most dangerous roster in the West.

Dallas lands second here, but that’s not a knock. The Stars are elite in all three zones and bring one of the best goalie-defense combos in the league.

The Jets slot into a clear third. The talent is there, but questions remain about how they’ll hold up against the top two in a full-season grind.

The Wild are exactly what they’ve been for the last few years: reliable, physical, and playoff-bound. They might not headline highlight reels, but they make life miserable for opponents over a full 82-game stretch.

What to make of the Mammoth? No one’s expecting a playoff run out of the gate, but finishing 5th shows there’s some spark. They’ll steal games, frustrate contenders, and start to build a real home-ice identity. For now, it’s growth mode.

The Blues are stuck in that in-between zone. Too talented to bottom out, too inconsistent to feel like a lock. If the defense tightens up, they’ll stay in the mix. If not, they’ll stay planted near the bottom third.

The Predators aren’t far off either, but they feel like a team in search of direction. There’s still grit and structure, but scoring remains thin. They’re not rebuilding, but it’s starting to feel like they should be.

As for the Blackhawks, this is a team still firmly in rebuilding mode, waiting to take the next step as their young players like Connor Bedard develop at the professional level.

Pacific Division

1. Vegas Golden Knights
2. Edmonton Oilers
3. Los Angeles Kings
4. Vancouver Canucks
5. Anaheim Ducks
6. Calgary Flames
7. Seattle Kraken
8. San Jose Sharks

The Golden Knights enter the season as the consensus pick to win the Pacific. They’re deep, experienced, and still one of the toughest playoff outs in the league. The Oilers aren’t far behind. 

With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge and an improved blue line, the Oilers have the upside to push for the top spot if they can get consistent goaltending.

The Kings are firmly in the third spot. This team is physical, structured, and getting solid minutes from their young core. The real debate shows up in the middle of the pack. 

The Canucks and Flames are often flipped in projections, but the Canucks get the nod here based on forward depth and goaltending.

The Ducks are climbing. They’re still a few pieces away, but the rebuild is progressing. The Kraken are still in transition, likely a couple of years away.

The Sharks round out the bottom. Every projection has them finishing eighth, and it’s hard to argue otherwise. The rebuild is still early, and the roster doesn’t have enough firepower to keep up with the rest of the division.

NHL Playoff Predictions

Here are the projected playoff results for each round in both conferences leading up to the Stanley Cup Final. Matchups are based on updated standings projections and current futures odds.

Eastern Conference Playoffs

First Round

Matchup	Winner
(1) Tampa Bay Lightning vs (8) Boston Bruins	Tampa Bay Lightning
(2) Toronto Maple Leafs vs (7) Buffalo Sabres	Toronto Maple Leafs
(3) Montreal Canadiens vs (6) Detroit Red Wings	Montreal Canadiens
(4) Florida Panthers vs (5) Ottawa Senators	Florida Panthers

Semifinals

Matchup	Winner
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers	Tampa Bay Lightning
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens	Toronto Maple Leafs

Conference Final

Matchup	Winner
Tampa Bay Lightning vs Toronto Maple Leafs	Tampa Bay Lightning

Western Conference Playoffs

First Round

Matchup	Winner
(1) Vegas Golden Knights vs (8) San Jose Sharks	Vegas Golden Knights
(2) Edmonton Oilers vs (7) Calgary Flames	Edmonton Oilers
(3) Los Angeles Kings vs (6) Anaheim Ducks	Los Angeles Kings
(4) Vancouver Canucks vs (5) Seattle Kraken	Vancouver Canucks

Semifinals

Matchup	Winner
Vegas Golden Knights vs Vancouver Canucks	Vegas Golden Knights
Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings	Edmonton Oilers

Conference Final

Matchup	Winner
Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights	Edmonton Oilers

Stanley Cup Final

Matchup	Champion
Edmonton Oilers vs Tampa Bay Lightning	Edmonton Oilers

Stanley Cup Pick

We’re backing the Edmonton Oilers to win the 2026 Stanley Cup.

The Oilers finally break through. McDavid and Draisaitl lead the charge, and the supporting cast steps up in the playoffs. Tampa makes it interesting, but Edmonton’s firepower proves too much in a seven-game series.

This pick isn’t just about McDavid and Draisaitl. It’s about a team that’s finally learned how to close games, manage defensive lapses, and get reliable goaltending when it matters. The depth has improved, the power play remains lethal, and the core is hungry.

If they stay healthy and avoid early-round chaos, this is the most complete version of Edmonton we’ve seen. The window is open, and the pressure’s on to finish the job.

NHL Awards Predictions

Below are picks for the 2025–26 NHL season, including MVP, top goalie, best defenseman, standout rookie, top goal scorer, and Coach of the Year.

Hart Trophy (MVP)

Connor McDavid to win the Hart Trophy (+200 at BetOnline)
McDavid is still the league’s cheat code. Even with the bar set impossibly high, he continues to stack elite numbers every year. If the Oilers grab a top seed in the West, voters will have little choice but to reward the best player on the planet with another Hart.

Art Ross Trophy (Top Scorer by Points)

Nikita Kucherov to win the Art Ross Trophy (+500 at BetOnline)
Kucherov has a real shot at history. He’s already strung together back-to-back scoring titles, and a third straight would cement him among the all-time greats. With Tampa Bay’s power play humming and his playmaking instincts as sharp as ever, he’s in pole position to lead the league again.

Norris Trophy (Best Defenseman)

Cale Makar to win the Norris Trophy (+150 at BetOnline)
When Makar is healthy, there’s no one quite like him. He tilts the ice with his skating, piles up points, and logs tough minutes against top lines. Colorado’s system frees him to attack, and the numbers back it up. Another Norris on his resume feels inevitable if he stays on the ice.

Vezina Trophy (Top Goalie)

Igor Shesterkin to win the Vezina Trophy (+500 at BetOnline)
Shesterkin has the perfect mix of workload and highlight-reel saves. The Rangers lean on him to bail them out, and he usually does. His track record already includes a Vezina, and with New York expected to be in the playoff mix again, his ceiling is as high as any goalie in the league.

Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year)

Martin St. Louis to win the Jack Adams Award (+1000 at BetOnline)
St. Louis has the Canadiens trending in the right direction, and voters love a turnaround story. If Montreal’s young core pushes into the playoff picture, his name will be impossible to ignore. At this price, he’s one of the most intriguing long shots on the board.

Best NHL Futures Bets for 2025-26

Here is my favorite NHL futures bet for 2025-26:

Auston Matthews to win the Rocket Richard Trophy (+340 at BetOnline)

Matthews is the league’s most efficient goal scorer, and his shot volume gives him a real path to 60 again. With steady first-line minutes and top-unit power-play time, the chances keep coming.

If he stays on the ice for most of the season, this ticket has clear upside.

Where to Bet on NHL Futures

Looking to wager on NHL futures? These trusted sportsbooks offer strong early lines, solid bonus incentives, and crypto-friendly options:

BetOnline
Early Stanley Cup futures and competitive prices on division and conference winners. Good fit for bettors who want flexible crypto deposits and sharp numbers before the market settles.

Bovada
Generous welcome offers and regular promos on futures. Helpful if you plan to build a portfolio across several teams or awards.

Everygame
Clean interface and quick market updates, plus recurring promo codes that reward early futures action.

All three bring something useful to the table: BetOnline for crypto-first bettors, Bovada for seasonal promotions, and Everygame for a smooth experience and transparent markets.

Final Predictions and Undervalued Teams (NHL)

Boldest call of the year

Ottawa finishes top three in the Atlantic. The Senators have flirted with relevance for years, this is the season they finally cash in. The core of Tkachuk, Stützle, and Chabot finds consistency, the special teams take a step, and Ottawa beats out Florida for a guaranteed playoff berth.

Teams the market is sleeping on

New Jersey DevilsThe 2024–25 step forward was real, and the arrow still points up. With Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt driving the top six, a cleaner defensive structure under Sheldon Keefe, and a settled goalie tandem headlined by Jacob Markstrom, New Jersey has the pieces to climb the Metro. 

Ottawa SenatorsOttawa finally broke through last season, and the pieces are still lining up. The spine looks steadier under Travis Green, the young core is in its sweet spot, and special teams have room to climb. If the bottom six chips in and the goaltending stays serviceable, Ottawa can jump another rung in the Atlantic and make noise again. 

Vancouver CanucksVancouver is still underpriced by the market. Pettersson, Hughes, and Demko set a high baseline, with Lankinen steady behind. DeBrusk and Kane add finishing, while Lekkerimäki, Cootes, and Räty push the middle six. Tocchet tightened details without slowing transition, and the PK is trending up. If those hold, they’re a live Pacific contender.

Quick reality check

It’s the NHL. Weird stuff happens. Bet smart, manage your unit size, and enjoy the sweat without letting it ruin your week.

How We Build Our NHL Season Predictions

Our NHL futures predictions are built on a data-driven foundation. We analyze offseason roster moves, trades, key free-agent signings, and coaching or system changes that affect pace, forecheck pressure, and special teams. Strength of schedule and returning minutes help forecast continuity and potential regression.

Advanced metrics like five-on-five expected goals, shot share (CF%), high-danger chance rates, RAPM/WAR/GAR, and goaltending measures such as GSAA and save percentage give a clear view of on-ice efficiency. We also track sportsbook point totals, division odds, and market movement to gauge public and sharp sentiment.

NHL Predictions: Frequently Asked Questions

What are NHL future bets?

Futures are wagers on season-long outcomes, like the Stanley Cup winner, division champs, or player awards. You place the bet before the result is decided and ride it for weeks or months.

When is the best time to place NHL futures?

Early in the preseason or right after a big trade can offer better prices. If you prefer more certainty, wait a few weeks into the season once lines and goalie rotations settle.

How do odds move during the season?

Injuries, hot streaks, and schedule runs shift prices quickly. Books also react to sharp action, so significant movement can happen overnight.s teams and seasons but generally fall within this range.

Do goalies matter more than skaters for futures?

Yes, especially for team futures. A top goalie with strong save rates can swing point totals and playoff odds more than a single skater.

What stats should I watch before betting?

Five-on-five expected goals, shot share, and high-danger chances tell you who drives play. For goalies, track save percentage and goals saved above average.

How do back-to-backs and travel impact futures?

Clusters of back-to-backs and long trips can drag results over a month. Check the schedule for heavy stretches that might create buy-low or sell-high windows.

Are award futures different from team futures?

Yes. Award markets depend on narrative, health, and counting stats. Team results help, but voters also weigh usage and standout moments.

Can I cash out early?

Many books offer cash-out on select futures. It can lock profit, but you’ll usually give up some expected value for the convenience.

How much of my bankroll should go to futures?

Keep futures small and spread out, usually 5% to 15% of your total bankroll. These bets tie up funds for a long time, so leave room for daily edges.