NFL Circa Millions Picks for Week 3
Michael Cohen
Welcome to the 2024-25 NHL betting guide. Below are division previews, team-by-team previews with notable roster adds and losses, team outlooks, fantasy targets and betting futures to consider. If I missed a player in the target section, it’s because I’m not interested in drafting them.
I’ve also listed my favorite NHL Futures from player futures, point totals, and award winners, including Stanley Cup Futures and playoff teams. The projected standings are my predictions.
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2024-2025 NHL Betting Guide
Atlantic Division
Projected Standings:
- Florida Panthers
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Boston Bruins
- Tampa Bay Lightning – WC1
- Detroit Red Wings
- Montreal Canadiens
- Buffalo Sabres
- Ottawa Senators
Boston Bruins
2023 Results: 47-20-15 (109 PTS, second-round exit)
Notable Adds: Elias Lindholm, Nikita Zadorov
Notable Losses: Jake DeBrusk, Linus Ullmark
Outlook
The Bruins took a step back last season, but that was expected after a historic season in 2022-23. It ended the same, though, as the Bruins lost to the Florida Panthers. Jeremy Swayman now owns the net making him a strong fantasy asset, assuming he comes to a contract agreement soon. Elias Lindholm didn’t fit in with Vancouver, but I expect him to be fantasy-relevant again alongside David Pastrnak.
Fantasy Targets
David Pastrnak
Jeremy Swayman
Elias Lindholm
Betting Picks
N/A
Buffalo Sabres
2023 Results: 39-37-6 (84 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod
Notable Losses: Jeff Skinner
Outlook
The Sabres were expected to take a step forward last year. Instead, they regressed. I expect bouncebacks from Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch. It looks like they may have something in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. JJ Peterka is one of my favorite fantasy targets.
Fantasy Targets
Tage Thompson
JJ Peterka
Alex Tuch
Rasmus Dahlin
Bowen Byram
Betting Picks
JJ Peterka O 25.5 Goals (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Detroit Red Wings
2023 Results: 41-32-9 (91 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: Vladimir Tarasenko, Erik Gustafsson, Cam Talbot
Notable Losses: David Perron
Outlook
The Red Wings took another step toward the playoffs but fell short due to their goaltending. They traded in one vet in David Perron for another in Vladimir Tarasenko and they were able to re-sign Patrick Kane, so the offense should be strong again. I’m not sure they have another level, and I don’t think they fixed their issue in goal.
Fantasy Targets
Dylan Larkin
Alex DeBrincat
Moritz Seider
Lucas Raymond
Betting Picks
N/A
Florida Panthers
2023 Results: 52-24-6 (110 PTS, Stanley Cup Champions)
Notable Adds: N/A
Notable Losses: Brandon Montour, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Vladimir Tarasenko
Outlook
Our Panthers! We patiently jumped on them in November knowing they’d start slow due to injuries from a previous cup run. As much as I like the makeup of this team, it’s hard to repeat and it isn’t easy to get back to the finals for a third straight season. They should remain among the highest-scoring teams, but they lost some important pieces on the blue line. Sam Reinhart won’t score 57 but 40 is possible. Gustav Forsling is a strong asset given his usage rate.
Fantasy Targets
Matthew Tkachuk
Carter Verhaeghe
Gustav Forsling
Sam Reinhart
Sam Bennett (bangers leagues)
Betting Picks
N/A
Montreal Canadiens
2023 Results: 30-36-16 (76 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: Patrik Laine
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook
The Canadiens were among the leaders in one-goal losses, and no team had more overtime losses than their 16 last season. They also led the NHL in man games lost to injury. Their top line was one of the most productive lines in the second half of the season, but it’s all they had. If Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and newcomer Patrik Laine can stay healthy, they may win a few more games. That may be a big ask. They’re probably one more year away from competing for a playoff spot but there are reasons to expect a breakout given the young talent. Juraj Slafkovsky looks legit, Mike Matheson touches all categories and rookie Lane Hutson should make the power play better. This team had 76 points last season and they’re better this season.
Fantasy Targets
Juraj Slafkovsky
Mike Matheson
Cole Caufield
Nick Suzuki
Lane Hutson (keeper leagues)
Samuel Montembeault
Betting Picks
Over 76.5 Points (-112, BetRivers)
Juraj Slafkovsky O 25.5 Goals (+100, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Slafkovsky O 57.5 Points (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Cole Caufield O 31.5 Goals (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Ottawa Senators
2023 Results: 37-41-4 (78 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: Linus Ullmark, David Perron
Notable Losses: Joonas Korpisalo, Jakob Chychrun
Outlook
I expected more from the Senators last season, especially in goal with the addition of Joonas Koprisalo. It’s hard to blame all of it on him, as Tim Stutzle was unable to repeat his form from the 2022 season and Josh Norris missed time again. Linus Ullmark is a very good goalie and an upgrade over Korpisalo, but the Sens still have defensive issues.
Fantasy Targets
Brady Tkachuk
Tim Stutzle
Jake Sanderson
Betting Picks
Under 90.5 Points (-110, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Tampa Bay Lightning
2023 Results: 45-29-8 (98 PTS, first-round exit)
Notable Adds: Jake Guentzel, Ryan McDonagh, Cam Atkinson, J.J. Moser
Notable Losses: Steven Stamkos, Mikhail Sergachev
Outlook
The Lightning finished with 98 points for the second straight season and were bounced in the opening round again. Tampa Bay and Steve Stamkos were surprisingly unable to reach an agreement, but they may not miss a beat offensively with the addition of Guentzel. Newly named captain Victor Hedman will be a top fantasy defenseman again with the departure of Sergachev. There’s value in the betting market on the Lightning.
Fantasy Targets
Nikita Kucherov
Jake Guentzel
Victor Hedman
Brayden Point
Andrei Vasilevskiy
Betting Picks
Win Atlantic (+525, Caesars) — long shot
Jake Guentzel O 35.5 Goals (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Toronto Maple Leafs
2023 Results: 46-26-10 (102 PTS, first-round exit)
Notable Adds: Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Max Pacioretty, Anthony Stolarz
Notable Losses: Tyler Bertuzzi, Ilya Samsonov
Outlook
Another year, another early playoff exit for the Maple Leafs. This could be the last season for the core, as John Tavares and Mitch Marner enter the final year of their contracts. The Leafs will score plenty of goals again this season, led by Auston Matthews and William Nylander. The defense is built for a playoff run, but there are questions in goal again. Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz will split the net, and neither is good enough for Toronto to make a strong playoff push. Stolarz had great numbers last season, but the Panthers were one of the stingiest teams at 5v5. Woll has been impressive at times, but the sample is small, and health has been an issue. He has the higher ceiling of the two, but he’s getting overdrafted in Yahoo leagues. The Maple Leafs will win a lot of games, so this is a decent tandem to consider. I don’t mind taking shots on Stolarz late in drafts.
Fantasy Targets
Auston Matthews
William Nylander
Matthew Knies
Bobby McCann
Anthony Stolarz
Betting Picks
Win Atlantic (+280, FanDuel Sportsbook)
Metropolitan Division
Projected Standings:
- New York Rangers
- New Jersey Devils
- Carolina Hurricanes
- New York Islanders – WC2
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Washington Capitals
- Columbus Blue Jackets
Carolina Hurricanes
2023 Results: 52-23-7 (111 PTS, second-round exit)
Notable Adds: Jack Roslovic, Sean Walker
Notable Losses: Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen
Outlook
The Hurricanes will have another strong season, and they’ll be among the leaders in 5v5 play and special teams, but they’re missing something. Unfortunately, they were unable to keep Jake Guentzel around. They needed secondary scoring, and they lost pieces up front.
Fantasy Targets
Seth Jarvis
Sebastian Aho
Andrei Svechnikov
Pyotr Kochetkov
Betting Picks
Andrei Svechnikov O 23.5 Goals (-120, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Columbus Blue Jackets
2023 Results: 27-43-12 (66 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: Sean Monahan, James van Riemsdyk
Notable Losses: Johnny Guadreau, Patrick Laine
Outlook
Mentioning Johnny Hockey as a loss brings multiple tears to my eyes still weeks after we lost him. The younger kids like Adam Fantilli, Kirill Marchenko, Yegor Chinakhov, and Dmitri Voronkov will be leaned on heavily. I like a lot of their assets due to volume, but it’ll be a long season in Columbus.
Fantasy Targets
Adam Fantilli
Kirill Marchenko
Yegor Chinakhov
Zach Werenski
Dmitri Voronkov
Betting Picks
Under 67.5 Points (-112, BetRivers)
New Jersey Devils
2023 Results: 38-39-5 (81 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: Jacob Markstrom
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook
Markstrom is exactly what the Devils needed, as they received nothing in goal last season. They were also without Dougie Hamilton for most of the season, so having him healthy will help keep the puck out of their net and he’s still a factor on the power play. The loss of Tyler Toffoli at the deadline should mean more ice time for Timo Meier. It’s been a rough go for him in New Jersey, but I think he’s in for a big season.
Fantasy Targets
Jack Hughes
Timo Meier
Dougie Hamilton
Dawson Mercer
Jacob Markstrom
Betting Picks
Stanley Cup (+1400, DraftKings Sportsbook)
New York Rangers
2023 Results: 55-23-4 (114 PTS, third-round exit)
Notable Adds: Reilly Smith
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook
I think the Rangers are missing something to get them over the hump, but I don’t believe the Panthers will go back to the finals, and I don’t believe in Carolina or Toronto. The Devils still have a lot to prove, so the 14-1 on them to win the cup is a decent play given how strong they are in goal. I’m totally in on Lafreniere reaching another level.
Fantasy Targets
Alexis Lafreniere
Artemi Panarin
Vincent Trochek
Igor Shesterkin
Jacob Trouba (bangers leagues)
Betting Picks
Win Metropolitan (+260, Bet365)
Stanley Cup (+1400, BetRivers)
Alexis Lafreniere O 29.5 Goals (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)
New York Islanders
2023 Results: 39-27-16 (94 PTS, first-round exit)
Notable Adds: Anthony Duclair
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook
I’m surprised it took so long for Patrick Roy to get another shot in the NHL. He was able to turn the Islanders around and get them into the playoffs. He got the most out of them, and I expect him to again. However, they need more offense. I’m kind of worried about drafting Ilya Sorokin, as Roy seems to have this obsession with Semyon Varlamov. If you take Sorokin, you may want to consider Varlamov with your last pick.
Fantasy Targets
Noah Dobson
Brock Nelson
Betting Picks
N/A
Pittsburgh Penguins
2023 Results: 38-32-12 (88 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: Anthony Beauvillier, Kevin Hayes, Cody Glass, Matt Grzelcyk
Notable Losses: Reilly Smith
Outlook
For the second straight season, Sidney Crosby failed to make the playoffs. It wasn’t on him as he finished inside the top 10 in points at 5v5. There’s no reason to think they’ll make it this season as they failed to replace Guentzel. They can’t be serious with Beauvillier or Hayes in their top six.
Fantasy Targets
Sidney Crosby
Bryan Rust
Betting Picks
Under 90.5 Points (-118, BetRivers)
Philadelphia Flyers
2023 Results: 38-33-11 (87 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: N/A
Notable Losses: Cam Atkinson
Outlook
The Flyers improved by 30 points and had a playoff spot until the final couple days of the season. The addition of sniper Matvei Michkov and Ivan Fedotov in goal could be enough to get them back in the playoffs. Owen Tippett and Travis Konecny are fantasy studs, and if Tyson Foerster or Morgan Frost improve, they may just get in.
Fantasy Targets
Owen Tippett
Travis Konecny
Matvei Michkov (keeper)
Betting Picks
Owen Tippett O 28.5 Goals (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Tippett O 58.5 Points (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Washington Capitals
2023 Results: 40-31-11 (91 PTS, first-round exit)
Notable Adds: Pierre-Luc Dubois, Jakob Chychrun, Matt Roy, Andrew Mangiapane, Logan Thompson
Notable Losses: Darcy Kuemper
Outlook
The Capitals somehow found a way to get into the playoffs, despite a slow start from Alex Ovechkin and a lack of secondary scoring throughout the season. Charlie Lindgren was fantastic and should open up as the starter, but Logan Thompson could make this a 50/50 split. Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy are big additions on the blue line. Ovechkin isn’t as productive as he used to be, but he could still score 30 in his sleep. I’m in on a PLD bounceback because his minutes will be up.
Fantasy Targets
Alec Ovechkin (outside of Round 3)
Pierre-Luc Dubois
Andrew Mangiapane
Betting Picks
Alex Ovechkin O 29.5 Goals (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Central Division
Projected Standings:
- Dallas Stars
- Colorado Avalanche
- Nashville Predators
- Winnipeg Jets – WC3
- Utah Hockey Club
- Minnesota Wild
- St. Louis Blues
- Chicago Blackhawks
Utah Hockey Club
2023 Results: 36-41-5 (77 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: Mikhail Sergachev
Notable Losses: Jason Zucker, J.J. Moser
Outlook
The Coyotes weren’t able to make the jump many expected them too, so the NHL kicked them out of Arizona. Jokes aside, I’m excited for the players and the fan base as there are some great assets on the team. Mikhail Sergachev gives them a horse on the blue line. I’m all in on Dylan Guenther. He and Logan Cooley will only continue to get better.
Fantasy Targets
Clayton Keller
Dylan Guenther
Mikhail Sergachev
Connor Ingram
Logan Cooley
Betting Picks
Dylan Guenther O 55.5 Points (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Chicago Blackhawks
2023 Results: 23-53-6 (52 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: Tyler Bertuzzi, Teuvo Teravainen, Alec Martinez, Ilya Mikheyev, Craig Smith, T.J. Brodie
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook
The Blackhawks did a great job of bringing in NHL-caliber pieces to surround Connor Bedard. None of them really move the needle in fantasy, but it’s good for Bedard and it keeps them competitive. If Taylor Hall can stay healthy, they’ll have two lines that can score.
Fantasy Targets
Connor Bedard
Seth Jones
Tyler Bertuzzi
Betting Picks
Under 74.5 Points (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Colorado Avalanche
2023 Results: 50-25-7 (107 PTS, second-round exit)
Notable Adds: N/A
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook
Colorado’s ultimate goal won’t be reached if they don’t get contributions from Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin. Landeskog hasn’t played in two seasons, but he’s made big strides according to head coach Jared Bednar. He’s expected to play in the preseason and if he does well his ADP will rise. He’s essentially free in drafts so he’s worth your time even if he doesn’t produce in the preseason. Nichushkin isn’t eligible to return until at least November, but he’s a solid late round pick if you can put him no IR. The Avs make the playoffs regardless of Landeskog or Nichushkin, but they won’t win the cup without them. Justus Annunen is better than Alexandar Georgiev, so don’t be surprised if he gets more run this season. Colorado is a team I’ll be watching closely in the betting market and I may jump on them to win the cup should things look up in November.
Fantasy Targets
Nathan MacKinnon
Mikko Rantanen
Cale Makar
Artturi Lehkonen
Gabriel Landeskog
Justus Annunen (deep leagues)
Betting Picks
N/A
Dallas Stars
2023 Results: 52-21-9 (108 PTS, third-round exit)
Notable Adds: Casey DeSmith
Notable Losses: Joe Pavelski, Chris Tanev, Ryan Suter
Outlook
Another Western Conference exit for the Stars last season. They have a similar roster, but it’s hard to imagine getting another productive season from both Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin. The loss of Joe Pavelski just means more opportunities for Wyatt Johnston and Logan Stankoven, which is a good thing. I like this team to be a tough out again in 2024, but they may need to be aggressive at the deadline. Jason Robertson will miss most of training camp due to a foot injury, but that doesn’t mean he should fall in drafts.
Fantasy Targets
Wyatt Johnston
Jason Robertson
Logan Stankoven
Roope Hintz
Miro Heiskanen
Jake Oettinger
Betting Picks
Win Central (+250, Caesars)
Logan Stankoven O 45.5 Points (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Minnesota Wild
2023 Results: 39-33-10 (87 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: Yakov Trenin
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook
The Wild are a one-line team. Kirill Kaprizov is a superstar, Matt Boldy has 40-goal upside and Brock Fabers looks like a beast, but there isn’t much else there. They had 87 points last season, and their point total is set at 95.5 this season. If Kaprizov misses time, I don’t know where their offense would come from.
Fantasy Targets
Kirill Kaprizov
Matt Boldy
Joel Eriksson Ek
Betting Picks
Under 95.5 Points (-112, BetRivers)
Miss Playoffs (+132, BetRivers)
Nashville Predators
2023 Results: 47-30-5 (99 PTS, first-round exit)
Notable Adds: Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook
Barry Trotz wasted no time making moves, as he was able to get his team in the playoffs in his first year as the GM, in which he said they’d be rebuilding. He added multiple Stanley Cups and plenty of goals when he signed Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. The Preds have a nice mix of vets, young talent, great goaltending and coaching, and they have a horse on the blue line in Roman Josi. They have all the assets to make a deep run in the Western Conference, so they make for a great longshot bet. They won’t go on an 18-game winning streak again, but they have more balance. Tommy Novak has a big chance as he should open up as the center between Stamkos and Marchessaut.
Fantasy Targets
Roman Josi
Juuse Saros
Filip Forsberg
Jonathan Marchessault
Steven Stamkos
Tommy Novak
Betting Picks
Over 98.5 Points (-112, BetRivers)
Win Central (+475, FanDuel Sportsbook)
Stanley Cup (+1800, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Juuse Saros Vezina Trophy (+1500, FanDuel Sportsbook)
St. Louis Blues
2023 Results: 43-33-6 (92 PTS, missed playoffs
Notable Adds: Dylan Holloway, Alexandre Texier, Philip Broberg, Ryan Suter
Notable Losses: Kevin Hayes
Outlook
The Blues are going to need more from Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich. Even still, this is a team I don’t think will make the playoffs. There’s more balance up and down their lineup, but they’re lacking top-end talent.
Fantasy Targets
Jake Neighbours
Robert Thomas
Betting Picks
N/A
Winnipeg Jets
2023 Results: 52-24-6 (110 PTS, first-round exit)
Notable Adds: N/A
Notable Losses: Tyler Toffoli, Sean Monahan
Outlook
The Jets picked up 15 more points from 2022 to 2023 thanks to strong goaltending from Connor Hellebuyck. I’m a big fan of his game despite his disappearance in the playoffs. However, I won’t have many shares as he’s drafted within the first 20 picks. There’s no debating his ranking as the first goalie as he’s played 60-plus games in three straight seasons and he has 37 wins and at least a .920 save percentage in back-to-back years. I just don’t like taking a goalie that early. This team will lack offense.
Fantasy Targets
Kyle Conner
Gabriel Vilardi
Josh Morrissey
Betting Picks
N/A
Pacific Division
Projected Standings:
- Edmonton Oilers
- Vancouver Canucks
- Los Angeles Kings
- Vegas Golden Knights – WC 2
- Seattle Kraken
- Calgary Flames
- San Jose Sharks
- Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim Ducks
2023 Results: 27-50-5 (59 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: Robby Fabbri
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook
The Ducks have a few appealing players in Leo Carlsson, Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish and Troy Terry, but we’ve hardly seen all of those players together at one. Add Cutter Gauthier to the mix and this team may actually finish in the middle of the pack in terms of goals scored. However, they’re a mess defensively, and it’s quite possible a shakeup up front may be needed to turn things around. This is a big season for Trevor Zegras and it could be his last in Anaheim. I’m a big fan of Cauthier’s game, and he loves to shoot the puck. The rookie and sophomore Carlsson should be on your radar late in drafts.
Fantasy Targets
Leo Carlsson
Cutter Gauthier
Frank Vatrano
Betting Picks
Under 72.5 Points (-112, FanDuel Sportsbook)
Cutter Gauthier O 22.5 Goals (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Calgary Flames
2023 Results: 38-39-5 (81 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: Anthony Mantha
Notable Losses: Jacob Markstrom, Andrew Mangiapane
Outlook
The Flames continue to lose pieces each year. It’s been tough to watch, and it won’t get any easier as they traded their No. 1 goalie (Jacob Markstrom) to the Devils. MacKenzie Weegar is a horse on the blue line, and he’ll touch all categories as a result. Andrei Kuzmenko had 14 goals and 25 points in 29 games with the Flames, which is a pace he won’t match in his first full season with Calgary, but I’m interested in drafting him. The usage rate will be high, and he scored 39 goals in his first season in the league in 2022.
Fantasy Targets
MacKenzie Weegar
Andrei Kuzmenko
Betting Picks
Under 81.5 Points (-125, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Edmonton Oilers
2023 Results: 49-27-6 (104 PTS, lost Stanley Cup Final)
Notable Adds: Viktor Arvidsson, Jeff Skinner
Notable Losses: Dylan Holloway, Philip Broberg, Cody Ceci
Outlook
The Oilers were one game away from winning the Stanley Cup, and I like their roster better this season. The losses of Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg sting a bit, but they’re in win now mode. Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner are upgrades over Holloway who played on the first line in the Stanley Cup Final. Stuart Skinner also proved his worth, which makes me feel better about them getting back to the dance.
Fantasy Targets
Connor McDavid
Leon Draisaitl
Evan Bouchard
Zach Hyman
Jeff Skinner
Darnell Nurse (bangers)
Viktor Arvidsson
Betting Picks
Win Pacific (+160, Bet365)
Win Presidents’ Trophy (+600, BetRivers)
Stanley Cup (+850, FanDuel Sportsbook)
Los Angeles Kings
2023 Results: 44-27-11 (99 PTS, first-round exit)
Notable Adds: Darcy Kumper, Warren Foegele, Tanner Jeannot
Notable Losses: Pierre-Luc Dubois, Viktor Arvidsson
Outlook
The Kings ended the PLD experience after one year, and I don’t blame them. They improved in goal with the addition of Darcy Kuemper, but I worry about him staying healthy. The loss of Arvidsson isn’t a big deal. Quinton Byfield, Alex Laferriere, Arthur Kaliyev and Alex Turcotte deserve more time. Look for Byfield to move back to center, which could mean top line minutes for Laferriere.
Fantasy Targets
Adrian Kempe
Kevin Fiala
Quinton Byfield
Alex Laferriere
Darcy Kuemper
Betting Picks
Stanley Cup (+3000, BetRivers)
Win Pacific (+550, BetRivers) — long shot
San Jose Sharks
2023 Results: 19-54-9 (60 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: Tyler Toffoli, Yaroslav Askarov, Jake Walman, Cody Ceci, Alex Wennberg, Barclay Goodrow
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook
It was easy to bet against the Sharks last season, and they’ll be dogs in a majority of their games again this season, but they may surprise us. Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith have a ton of potential, and they’ll be given the opportunity this season. San Jose has a good mix of youth and experience with the likes of Logan Couture, Mikael Granlund, Tyler Toffoli and Alex Wennberg. They also acquired Yaroslav Askarov who was taken 11th overall by the Predators in 2020. If the hype is real surrounding Askarov, the Sharks will surpass their point total. If not, we’ll win a lot of money betting overs. I like a lot of their pieces because they are very cheap in drafts, and they have scoring potential.
Fantasy Targets
Macklin Celebrini
Mikael Granlund
Fabian Zetterlund
Will Smith
Jake Walman
Tyler Toffoli
Yaroslav Askarov
Betting Picks
Over 63.5 Points (-112, BetRivers)
Seattle Kraken
2023 Results: 34-35-13 (81 PTS, missed playoffs)
Notable Adds: Brandon Montour, Chandler Stephenson
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook
Stephenson and Montour give the Kraken more scoring depth, and they’ll help boost special teams. Matty Beniers hasn’t proved to be a consistent fantasy asset just yet, but the potential is there. Seattle overachieved at 5v5 in its first season, and they underachieved last season. If they can get consistent goaltending they’ll get back to the playoffs, especially if Shane Wright has a productive rookie season. Yanni Gourde, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Eeli Tolvanen had their moments last season, and they could again in 2024.
Fantasy Targets
Brandon Montour
Jared McCann
Joey Daccord
Betting Picks
N/A
Vancouver Canucks
2023 Results: 50-23-9 (109 PTS, second-round exit)
Notable Adds: Jake DeBrusk
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook
Rick Tocchet and the Canucks improved by 26 points from 2022 to 2023, and they were one win away from going to the Western Conference Final. I really like the Jake DeBrusk pickup because Elias Petterson had very little to work with at 5v5, and he still had a good season. J.T. Miller has at least 30 goals in three straight seasons, he hit the century mark in points last year and has 400 combined shots and hits in each of his past three seasons. He’s a fantasy baller. Brock Boeser and Quinn Hughes also had career seasons, so it’s safe to expect some regression. I’d stay clear of Thatcher Demko due to his health.
Fantasy Targets
J.T. Miller
Elias Petterson
Jake DeBrusk
Quinn Hughes
Betting Picks
Jake DeBrusk O 48.5 Points (-125, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Vegas Golden Knights
2023 Results: 45-29-8 (98 PTS, first-round exit)
Notable Adds: Ilya Samsonov, Victor Olofsson
Notable Losses: Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, Alec Martinez, Longan Thompson
Outlook
Vegas is loaded on the blue line, but they aren’t as strong up front with the loss of Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson. Mark Stone and Tomas Hertl are fine players when they’re healthy, and they’re going to need to be healthy. Ivan Barbashev and Victor Olofsson are not top-six players.
Fantasy Targets
Jack Eichel
Tomas Hertl
Noah Hanifin
Betting Picks
Under 99.5 Points (-112, BetRivers)
NHL Futures
Point Totals
Ducks U 72.5
Blue Jackets U 67.5
Senators U 90.5
Canadiens O 76.5
Wild U 95.5
Flames U 81.5
Blackhawks U 75.5
Division Winners
Oilers (+160, Bet365)
Rangers (+280, FanDuel Sportsbook)
Predators (+470, FanDuel Sportsbook), 0.25 units
Stanley Cup Futures
Oilers (+850, FanDuel Sportsbook)
Devils (+1400, Caesars), 0.50 units
Rangers (+1400, BetRivers), 0.50 units
Stars (+1100, FanDuel Sportsbook), 0.50 units
Predators (+1800, DraftKings Sportsbook), 0.25 units
Edmonton is my Stanley Cup Pick. There’s value with the Rangers and Devils. I could see one of those two teams representing the East in the SCF or at least the ECF. The Predators are my long-shot pick, and you already know how I feel about the Dallas Stars. The Avs are definitely in play, especially if Landeskog and Nichushkin return. The Kings may be the best long-shot pick on the board after Nashville.
Awards
Rocket Richard
Winner
Auston Matthews (+135, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Others to Consider
Jack Hughes (+2200, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Nathan MacKinnon (+2000, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Filip Forsberg (+2500, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Jake Guentzel (+5000, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Art Ross
Winner
Connor McDavid (-145, DraftKings Sportsbook) — don’t bet that
Others to Consider
Leon Draisaitl (+1000, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Nathan MacKinnon (+400, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Nikita Kucherov (+600, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Jack Hughes (+2500, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Hart
Winner
Connor McDavid (+150, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Others to Consider
Nathan MacKinnon (+650, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Jack Hughes (+1300, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Nikita Kucherov (+2000, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Roman Josi (+30000, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Norris
Winner
Roman Josi (+1200, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Others to Consider
Cale Makar (+200, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Miro Heiskanen (+700, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Dougie Hamilton (+7500, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Vezina
Winner
Juuse Saros (+1500, FanDuel Sportsbook)
Others to Consider
Igor Shesterkin (+550, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Jacob Markstrom (+1200, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Pyotr Kochetkov (+5000, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Calder
Winner
Macklin Celebrini (+400, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Others to Consider
Logan Stankoven (+600, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Cutter Gauthier (+800, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Lane Hutson (+700, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Jack Adams
Winner
Sheldon Keefe (+600, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Others to Consider
Andrew Brunette (+700, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Martin St. Louis (+3500, DraftKings Sportsbook)
Top Goal Futures
Alexis Lafreniere O 29.5
Andrei Svechnikov O 23.5
Owen Tippett O 28.5
JJ Peterka O 25.5
Jake Guentzel O 35.5
Juraj Slafkovsky O 25.5
Cutter Gauthier O 22.5
