NFL Week 9 FTN Staff Bets
FTN Staff
Welcome to the 2023-24 NHL Betting Guide. Below are my NHL Predictions, which include division previews, team-by-team previews with notable roster changes, fantasy targets and NHL Futures to consider. If I missed a notable player in the target section, it’s because I’m not interested in drafting them.
I found a lot of edges, so there are plenty of NHL Futures listed below. I listed my favorite NHL Futures at the bottom of this article. I also put the unit amount for each NHL Future. I listed my best player futures, point totals and award winners, including Stanley Cup Futures as well as playoff teams. The projected standings are my predictions.
Get all of my NHL Futures and picks throughout the season in our Bet Tracker.
Use our Prop Shop to get the best possible odds. Most of the NHL Futures listed below are from DraftKings and CoolBet.
Have a fantasy hockey draft tonight? Make sure you check out the fantasy hockey draft guide.
Atlantic Division
Projected Standings:
1. Toronto Maple Leafs
2. Florida Panthers
3. Ottawa Senators
4. Boston Bruins
5. Buffalo Sabres
6. Tampa Bay Lightning
7. Detroit Red Wings
8. Montreal Canadiens
Boston Bruins
2022 Results: 65-12-5 (135 PTS, 1ST ROUND EXIT)
Notable Adds: James van Riemsdyk, Milan Lucic, Kevin Shattenkirk, Morgan Geekie
Notable Losses: Patrice Bergeron, David Krjci, Taylor Hall, Tyler Bertuzzi, Dmitry Orlov, Connor Clifton
Outlook: I think it’s safe to say the Bruins will take a step back after racking up an NHL record 65 wins and 135 points last season. They blew a 3-1 series lead in the opening round and it was the last time we’ll see former captain Patrice Bergeron. Brad Marchand will rock the C this season, and I believe it’ll be a struggle for him and the Bruins to make the playoffs. Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha are set to take on larger roles, and I don’t mind them as breakout or sleeper candidates in fantasy, but the lack of top-end talent down the middle of the ice will catch up to them. Boston didn’t replace any of the forwards they lost. JVR and Lucic won’t cut it. I’m out on Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman. They’re one David Pastrnak injury away from being a middle-of-the-pack squad.
Fantasy Targets: David Pastrnak, Jake DeBrusk, Charlie Coyle, Pavel Zacha
Betting Picks: Under 101.5 PTS (-125) 1 unit; No Playoffs (+225) .25 units; Brad Marchand U 70.5 Points (-115)
Buffalo Sabres
2022 Results: 42-32-8 (91 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)l
Notable Adds: Connor Clifton, Erik Johnson
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook: The Sabres had breakout campaigns from Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, Rasmus Dahlin, and Dylan Cozens, among others last season. They scored the second-most goals in the division, but unfortunately, they coughed up the second-most. The future looks bright in Buffalo, and if Devon Levi can give them anything above average in his first full season, the Sabres will compete for a playoff spot, especially if the Bruins and Lightning fall off. They’ll be a fun team to watch again this season.
Fantasy Targets: Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, Rasmus Dahlin, Dylan Cozen, Casey Mittelstadt, Owen Power, Devon Levi
Betting Picks: Alex Tuch O 71.5 Points (-110) 1 unit; Alex Tuch O 30.5 Goals (-110) 1 unit; Alex Tuch 40+ Goals (+1000) .25 units; Devon Levi O 24.5 Wins (-115) 1 unit
Detroit Red Wings
2022 Results: 35-37-10 (80 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)
Notable Adds: Alex DeBrincat, J.T. Compher, Daniel Sprong, Jeff Petry, Justin Holl
Notable Losses: Filip Zadina
Outlook: The Red Wings were one of the busiest teams in the offseason. I think they’re improved up front and on the back end, but I don’t view them as a playoff squad. Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat will be a fun duo to watch, but there’s not much else here. They need more from Lucas Raymond and Andrew Copp. I’m also not sold on J.T. Compher. Vill Husso is an underrated fantasy target.
Fantasy Targets: Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Mortiz Seider, David Perron, Ville Husso
Betting Picks: N/A
Florida Panthers
2022 Results: 42-32-8 (92 PTS, LOST SCF)
Notable Adds: Evan Rodrigues, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Dmitry Kulikov
Notable Losses: Anthony Duclair, Radko Gudas, Marc Staal
Outlook: The Panthers clinched the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference on the last day of the regular season, and they pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NHL history against the NHL record-setting Boston Bruins en route to the Stanley Cup Final. They could start the season slow as Brandon Montour and Aaron Ekblad begin the year on IR. Sam Bennett may also be sidelined for the first couple of weeks. They’ll make another push when the big boys return. I’m fading Sergei Bobrovsky.
Fantasy Targets: Matthew Tkachuk, Carter Verhaeghe, Aleksander Barkov, Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart, Gustav Forsling
Betting Picks: Under 99.5 PTS (-130); 1 unit
Montreal Canadiens
2022 Results: 35-45-6 (68 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)
Notable Adds: Alex Newhook, Tanner Pearson
Notable Losses: Mike Hoffman, Joel Edmundson, Denis Gurianov
Outlook: It’s going to be another long year for the Canadiens, especially if they can’t stay healthy. They had the most man-games missed last season, and they’ll once again open up the season without Carey Price. In fact, Price has likely played his last game in the NHL. The hope if you’re a Canadiens fan is they develop some of their young assets like Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach, Juraj Slafkovsky, Kaiden Guhle and newcomer Alex Newhook. They almost topped their current 70.5-point total last season with all the injuries. At times, they had five rookie defensemen in the lineup. We should see a slight improvement in Year 2 from those players. Nowhere close to the playoffs, but I like the over on their point total.
Fantasy Targets: Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Michael Matheson, Kirby Dach
Betting Picks: OVER 70.5 PTS (-125) 1 unit; Cole Caufield OVER 32.5 Goals (-125) 1 units; Caufield 40+ Goals (+450) .25 uints
Ottawa Senators
2022 Results: 39-35-8 (86 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)
Notable Adds: Joonas Korpisalo, Vladimir Taraasenko, Dominik Kubalik, Josh Bailey
Notable Losses: Alex DeBrincat
Outlook: I like this Sens team a lot. They have a loaded top-six should Josh Norris return to full health. The addition of Jakob Chychrun last season and the emergence of Jake Sanderson should ease the workload of Thomas Chabot. Finally, this team has a goalie in Joonas Korpisalo. Drake Batherson is in for a breakout season.
Fantasy Targets: Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutzle, Drake Batherson, Claude Giroux, Jakob Chychrun, Joonas Korpisalo, Vladimir Tarasenko
Betting Picks: OVER 92.5 PTS (-125) .25 units; Tim Stutzle 40+ Goals (+380) .25 units; Tim Stutzle O 87.5 Points (-110) 1 unit; Tim Stutzle O 36.5 Goals (-110) 1 unit; Joonas Korpisalo O 24.5 Wins (-115) 1 unit
Tampa Bay Lightning
2022 Results : 46-30-6 (98 PTS, 1ST ROUND EXIT)
Notable Adds: Connor Sheary, Calvin de Haan
Notable Losses: Alex Killorn, Pat Maroon
Outlook: I had the Lightning out in the first round last season because I could see the decline, but they actually deserved better against the Maple Leafs. Nonetheless, their window is closing. They still have very strong assets like Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov, and Victor Hedman, but they’ll be without star goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy for the first two months of the season. With each year that passes, the Bolts continue to lose depth pieces that made them so strong. It feels weird to write, but I think they’ll miss the playoffs. I’d have them in if Vasilevskiy wasn’t hurt.
Fantasy Targets: Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov, Mikhail Sergachev, Victor Hedman, Brandon Hagel
Betting Picks: UNDER 93.5 PTS (+105) .25 units
Toronto Maple Leafs
2022 Results: 50-21-5 (111 PTS, 2ND ROUND EXIT)
Notable Adds: Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, John Klingberg, Ryan Reaves
Notable Losses: Alex Kerfoot, Michael Bunting, Justin Holl
Outlook: The Maple Leafs finally won four games in the playoffs, ending a lengthy streak of first-round exits dating back to the early 2000s. The celebration occurred, the fans asked for the Panthers and Florida quickly sent them home with regret. It’s all about the playoffs for Toronto. They’re a lock to make it and I think they’ll win the division. We know they’re a good regular-season team, but did they do enough in the offseason to get them over the top? They have an improved top six with the addition of Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi. Matthew Knies looks like a great young player, they’re strong in goal and the core is elite. This may actually be the year, and trust me, I’ve never said that before. Overall they’re better, and I like that a lot of the players they signed are on one-year prove-it deals. The Bruins and Lightning are also going to take a step back, so I’m intrigued with their futures.
Fantasy Targets: Auston Matthews, Mitchell Marner, William Nylander, John Tavares, Tyler Bertuzzi, Matthew Knies, Morgan Rielly, Ilya Samsonov
Betting Picks: Maple Leafs OVER 105.5 PTS (-115) 1 unit; Win Atlantic (+185) 1 unit; Win Eastern Conference (+600) .25 units; Stanley Cup (+1100) .25 units; Ilya Samsonov O 32.5 Wins (-130) 1 unit
Metropolitan Division
Projected Standings:
1. New Jersey Devils
2. Carolina Hurricanes
3. New York Rangers
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. Columbus Blue Jackets
6. Washington Capitals
7. New York Islanders
8. Philadelphia Flyers
Carolina Hurricanes
2022 Results : 52-21-9 (113 PTS, 3RD ROUND EXIT)
Notable Adds: Dmitry Orlov, Tony DeAngelo, Michael Bunting
Notable Losses: Max Pacioretty, Shayne Ghostisbehere
Outlook: The Hurricanes made it to the third round last season despite suffering multiple injuries. They didn’t do much in the offseason to improve their offense, which is something I wanted to see from them in order to take the next step. However, they remain loaded on defense, which makes them Stanley Cup contenders. They’ll be one of the strongest 5v5 teams again this season. A healthy Andrei Svechnikov and they may have been in the SCF. They’ll be a tough out.
Fantasy Targets: Sebastian Aho, Martin Necas, Seth Jarvis, Michael Bunting
Betting Picks:
Columbus Blue Jackets
2022 Results: 25-48-9 (59 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)
Notable Adds: Ivan Provorov, Damon Severson
Notable Losses:
Outlook: The Blue Jackets will be one of the most improved teams in the NHL this season. They added some decent pieces on the blue line in Provorov and Severson. Adam Fantilli fell to them at pick three in the draft. They have several young exciting pieces poised to break out. On top of that, they were without their best defenseman Zach Werenski for most of the season. Can they keep the puck out of their net?
Fantasy Targets: Kirill Marchenko, Zach Werenski, Boone Jenner, Patrik Laine, Kent Johnson, Adam Fantilli
Betting Picks: OVER 72.5 PTS (-125) 1 UNIT
New Jersey Devils
2022 Results: 52-21-9 (112 PTS, 2ND ROUND EXIT)
Notable Adds: Tyler Toffoli, Colin Miller
Notable Losses: Ryan Graves
Outlook: I’m a big believer in learning how to lose before you learn how to win, and I think the Devils learned a lot from last season. They came back against their division rivals in the first round, and although they played well in the second round against Carolina, they couldn’t get the goaltending. New Jersey is stacked on offense and they have a great mix of youth and experience. Don’t be surprised if Schmid takes over in goal or at least makes it a 50/50 split. The Devils are legit cup contenders. I have them in the bet tracker at 13-1.
Fantasy Targets: Jack Hughes, Timo Meier, Nico Hiscier, Tyler Toffoli, Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes, Dawson Mercer, Akir Schmid
Betting Picks: Devils OVER 105.5 (-115) 1 unit; Win Metro (+240) 1 unit; Win Eastern Conference (+600) .5 units; Win Presidents’ Trophy (+900) .25 units; Stanley Cup (+1050) 1 unit
New York Rangers
2022 Results: 47-22-13 (107 PTS, 1ST ROUND EXIT)
Notable Adds: Blake Wheeler, Erik Gustafsson, Jonathan Quick
Notable Losses: Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko, Jaroslav Halak
Outlook: The Rangers just feel like they’re missing something. They didn’t get it from Kane or Tarasenko last season, and I don’t think they’ll get it from Wheeler this season. They need Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko to break out. They’re strong in goal, and they’ll score enough goals to get to the dance again.
Fantasy Targets: Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin, Chris Kreider, Blake Wheeler, Jacob Trouba
Betting Picks: N/A
New York Islanders
2022 Results: 42-31-9 (93 PTS, 1ST ROUND EXIT)
Notable Adds: N/A
Notable Losses: Josh Bailey
Outlook: The Islanders are one of the older teams in the league and did nothing in the offseason. Bo Horvat wasn’t the same player in New York as he was in Vancouver, but perhaps he and Barzal can get something going. They looked good together in what was a small sample size. Ilya Sorokin is the heartbeat of this team. He’ll be fantastic all season, but he’s going to need help if they’re going to make a run.
Fantasy Targets: Ilya Sorokin, Bo Horvat, Brock Nelson, Anders Lee
Betting Picks:
Pittsburgh Penguins
2022 Results: 40-31-11 (91 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)
Notable Adds: Erik Karlsson, Reilly Smith, Ryan Graves, Noel Acciari, Lars Eller, Alex Nedeljkovic
Notable Losses: Jason Zucker, Jeff Petry, Casey DeSmith
Outlook: Not seeing Sidney Crosby and the Pens in the playoffs was extremely weird. All they had to do was win as -400 favorites in the last game of the season, and they couldn’t do it. The Penguins made a change in the front office when they hired Kyle Dubas and the former Maple Leafs’ GM had a very busy summer. He’s made more moves than a 12-year-old kid in his fourth season of dynasty mode. I must say, I liked most of them. Karlsson will regress, but he still has it. The window is closing on this Crosby, Malkin, and Letang core. Smith can score 20 in the top-six, and he’ll help the PK. Smith and Eller have also won cups. Tristan Jarry is too inconsistent for a legit cup run, but if he can rebound, the Pens will be back in the playoffs.
Fantasy Targets: Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel, Erik Karlsson, Reilly Smith, Rickard Rakell, Evgeni Malkin
Betting Picks: N/A
Philadelphia Flyers
2022 Results: 31-38-13 (75 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)
Notable Adds: Marc Staal, Garnet Hathaway
Notable Losses: Ivan Provorov, Tony DeAngelo
Outlook: The Flyers are in rebuild mode, which means it’ll be another long season for fans. Owen Tippett and Travis Konecny are strong fantasy assets in leagues with shots and hits. They also have a few young kids who will get a larger role this season. Hopefully, Sean Couturier can stay healthy because he’s a great player and he tends to make everyone around him better.
Fantasy Targets: Owen Tippett, Travis Konecny, Sean Couturier, Tyson Foerster
Betting Picks: UNDER 75.5 PTS (-130) 1 unit
Washington Capitals
2022 Results: 35-17-10 (80 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)
Notable Adds: Max Pacioretty, Joel Edmundson
Notable Losses: Lars Eller
Outlook: Like Crosby, Ovechkin missed the playoffs too. I believe the Pens have a better chance at getting back than the Capitals. Having said that, Washington dealt with a lot of injuries last season. They’ll be competitive, but age is catching up to them.
Fantasy Targets: Alex Ovechkin, John Carlson
Betting Picks: Over 83.5 PTS (-125) 1 unit
Central Division
Projected Standings:
1. Dallas Stars
2. Colorado Avalanche
3. Minnesota Wild
4. Winnipeg Jets
5. Arizona Coyotes
6. Nashville Predators
7. St. Louis Blues
8. Chicago Blackhawks
Arizona Coyotes
2022 Results: 28-40-14 (70 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)
Notable Adds: Jason Zucker, Sean Durzi, Alex Kerfoot, Matt Dumba
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook: The Coyotes were one of the better teams in the last few weeks of the season. Unfortunately for them, it took them out of the Connor Bedard sweepstakes. Arizona has several intriguing young assets, but I’m not sold on their defense. This is a much better roster than last season though. Clayton Keller was third in 5v5 goals, and points in the last two months of the season, Barrett Hayton broke out and I’m buying, Logan Cooley is a stud and Maccelli is coming off a strong rookie season. The Coyotes will be competitive this season and they could fight for a playoff spot.
Fantasy Targets: Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton, Sean Durzi, Logan Cooley, Matias Maccelli, Lawson Crouse
Betting Picks: OVER 79.5 PTS (-110) 1 unit; Make Playoffs (+500) .25 units; Clayton Keller O 33.5 Goals (-110) 1 unit; Clayton Keller 40+ Goals (+700) .25 units; Keller O 84.5 PTS (-115); Karel Vejmelka O 20.5 Wins (-115) 1 unit
Chicago Blackhawks
2022 Results: 326-49-7 (59 PTS, WON LOTTERY)
Notable Adds: Taylor Hall, Corey Perry, Nick Foligno
Notable Losses: Jonathan Toews
Outlook: There’s really not much here to discuss besides Connor Bedard. The rookie is a generational talent, and he’ll open up the season as the favorite to win the Calder Trophy. I’m projecting 25-30 goals and 65-70 points, despite the fact the Blackhawks are lacking talent. He’ll be one of our shot prop guys this season as will Taylor Hall. Bedard is going a touch early in drafts and Hall is going way too late.
Fantasy Targets: Connor Bedard, Taylor Hall, Lukas Reichel, Seth Jones
Betting Picks: Conner Bedard Calder (-140) 1 unit
Colorado Avalanche
2022 Results : 51-24-7 (109 PTS, 1ST ROUND EXIT)
Notable Adds: Ryan Johansen, Jonathan Drouin, Ross Colton, Tomas Tatar
Notable Losses: J.T. Compher, Alex Newhook, Erik Johnson
Outlook: The Avs failed to replace Nazem Kadri after their Stanley Cup win and it hurt them. Alex Newhook and J.T. Compher were not ready for a larger role, and now they’re on new teams. Great buy lows on Ryan Johansen and Jonathan Drouin. The Avs remain cup contenders, but they’re a step behind Dallas unless Gabriel Landeskog can find a way to return.
Fantasy Targets: Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Cale Makar, Valeri Nichushkin, Artturi Lehkonen, Jonathan Drouin, Devon Toews, Alexandar Georgiev
Betting Picks: OVER 105.5 PTS (-115) 1 unit; Georgiev O 34.5 Wins (-115) 1 unit; Nathan MacKinnon OVER 39.5 Goals (-110) 1 unit
Dallas Stars
2022 Results: 47-21-14 (108 PTS, 3RD ROUND EXIT)
Notable Adds: Matt Duchene, Craig Smith
Notable Losses: Max Domi
Outlook: We had a Stanley Cup future on the Stars after the moves they made at the deadline and I’ll double down this season, since they have a very similar team. They lost in the third round against the eventual champs, but they looked like they belonged. They even added Matt Duchene to play on their third line with Tyler Seguin. This team is deep.
Fantasy Targets: Jason Robertson, Jake Oettinger, Roope Hintz, Miro Heiskanen, Joe Pavelski, Wyatt Johnston, Matt Duchene
Betting Picks: OVER 105. 5 PTS (-115) 1 unit; Win Central (+220) 1 unit; Win Western Conference (+800) .25 units; Stanley Cup (+1600) 1 unit; Win Presidents’ Trrophy (+1150) .25 units; Roope Hintz O 36.5 Goals (-115); Hintz O 79.5 PTS (-115) 1 unit; Jake Oettinger O 35.5 Wins (-115) 1 unit
Minnesota Wild
2022 Results: 46-25-11 (103 PTS, 1ST ROUND EXIT)
Notable Adds: Pat Maroon
Notable Losses: Matt Dumba, John Klingberg
Outlook: The Wild need a bit more on offense to make a legit run, but they’re a very solid hockey team. They’ll be led by Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy on offense. I have them as a playoff team, but they could be pushed by the Coyotes, Jets, Canucks and Flames. I’ll have my eyes on Marco Rossi to see if hey can help give this team another level. He’s done nothing in 21 games but has an offensive ceiling and should get a chance to prove it this season. The Wild are strong in goal and last season they went game for game, but I think Filip Gustavsson will take over.
Fantasy Targets: Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Filip Gustavsson, Joel Eriksson Ek, Calen Addison
Betting Picks: N/A
Nashville Predators
2022 Results: 42-32-8 (92 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)
Notable Adds: Ryan O’Reilly, Gustav Nyquist
Notable Losses: Ryan Johansen, Matt Duchene
Outlook: Barry Trotz is back in Nashville but this time as a general manager. He cleaned up the roster immediately with the departure of Ryan Johansen and Matt Duchene. Andrew Brunette is a good hire as the head coach. Filip Forsberg is a strong candidate to bounce back, and newcomers Ryan O’Reilly and Gustav Nyquist are good late-round targets. The Preds are too thin at forward, but Jusse Saros will keep them in it every night.
Fantasy Targets: Roman Josi, Juuse Saros, Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly
Betting Picks: Juuse Satos O 28.5 Wins (-115) 1 unit
St. Louis Blues
2022 Results: 37-38-7 (81 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)
Notable Adds: Kevin Hayes
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook: The Blues allowed the sixth-most goals last season, and I don’t see much of a change in 2023-24 with Jordan Binnington as the guy in the net. The Robert Thomas line with Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich has a high ceiling. Jakub Vrana looked good in blue last season, and Kevin Hayes may have some moments, but there isn’t much here. Brayden Schenn will rock the C and he’ll contribute in leagues with hits and faceoffs.
Fantasy Targets: Jordan Kyrou, Jakub Vrana, Justin Faulk, Brayden Schenn, Kevin Hayes
Betting Picks: Under 83.5 PTS (-120) 1 unit
Winnipeg Jets
2022 Results: 46-33-3 (95 PTS, 1ST ROUND EXIT)
Notable Adds: Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iafallo
Notable Losses: Blake Wheeler, Pierre Luc-Dubois
Outlook: The Jets shook things up a bit this summer with the PLD trade and the release of Blake Wheeler. Winnipeg actually made out fine with the addition of Gabriel Vilardi. Look for him to break out this season. Winnipeg will score goals if Nikolaj Ehlers and Kyle Conner stay healthy, and they’re rock solid in goal. I believe Mark Scheifele’s and Connor Hellebuyck’s days in Winnipeg are numbered, and if they start slow they could be gone sooner rather than later.
Fantasy Targets: Kyle Conner, Gabriel Vilardi, Josh Morrissey, Connor Hellebuyck
Betting Picks: N/A
Pacific Division
Projected Standings:
1. Edmonton Oilers
2. Los Angeles Kings
3. Vegas Golden Knights
4. Seattle Kraken
5. Calgary Flames
6. Vancouver Canucks
7. San Jose Sharks
8. Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim Ducks
2022 Results: 23-47-12 (58 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)
Notable Adds: Alex Killorn, Radko Gudas
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook: Trevor Zegras, Troy Terry, Leo Carlsson, and Mason McTavish are all exciting young pieces, but this Ducks team is bad. They’ll be in the lottery conversation again next season. Poor Jon Gibson has seen so much rubber over the years, he’s almost a lock to miss a bit of time.
Fantasy Targets: Troy Terry, Mason McTavish, Radko Gudas
Betting Picks: UNDER 70.5 PTS (-115) 1 unit
Calgary Flames
2022 Results: 38-27-17 (93 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)
Notable Adds: Yegor Sharangovich
Notable Losses: Tyler Toffoli
Outlook: It’s been a rough couple of seasons for Calgary fans. They’ve seen several good players leave their team, with a couple more potentially on the way out if they struggle again this season. Ryan Huska will take over for Darryl Sutter behind the bench. That seems like a win and the season hasn’t even started yet. The defense is solid. If they can get bounce-back performances from Jacob Markstrom, Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri, they’ll be in the playoff conversation.
Fantasy Targets: Elias Lindholm, Nazem Kadri, Andrew Mangiapane, Rasmus Andersson, Yegor Sharangovich
Betting Picks: N/A
Edmonton Oilers
2022 Results: 50-23-9 (109 PTS, 2ND ROUND EXIT)
Notable Adds: Connor Brown
Notable Losses: Kailer Yamamoto
Outlook: The Oilers were a much more complete team last season, especially on the back end with the addition of Mattias Ekholm. He’s exactly what they needed and the departure of Tyson Barrie opened things up for Evan Bouchard. Look for Bouchard to break out out this season to the tune of 65+ points. Stuart Skinner impressed and his upside is appealing. The power play operated at an NHL record 32.4% last season and even with a bit of regression, they’ll likely be in the 30% range. I’d be shocked if they didn’t have the best PP in the league again and if they weren’t in the top three in scoring. They’re a good bet to make a cup run.
Fantasy Targets: Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Evan Bouchard, Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, Connor Brown
Betting Picks: Oilers OVER 106.5 (-115) 1 UNIT; Win Pacific (+175) 1 unit; Win Western Conference (+500) .50 units; Presidents’ Trophy (+800) .25 units; Stanley Cup (+1100) 1 units
Los Angeles Kings
2022 Results: 47-25-10 (104 PTS, 1ST ROUND EXIT)
Notable Adds: Pierre-Luc Dubois, Cam Talbot
Notable Losses:, Alex Iafallo, Sean Durzi, Gabriel Vilardi
Outlook: The Kings are probably the deepest team in the league down the middle of the ice with the addition of PLD. It could be what puts them over the top, as they’ve been eliminated by the Oilers in each of the last two seasons. Phoenix Copley and Cam Talbot may split the net all season, but they could end up being one of the better duos in the league. I think Copley will take the job. Adrian Kempe is an elite goal scorer.
Fantasy Targets: Adrian Kempe, Kevin Fiala, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Phoenix Copley, Cam Talbot
Betting Picks: OVER 99.5 PTS (-105) 1 unit; Win Pacific (+450) .25 units; Stanley Cup (+2200) .25 units; Adrian Kempe 40+ Goals (+300) 1 unit; Kempe O 67.5 PTS (-115) 1 unit; Phoenix Copley O 22.5 Wins (-115) 1 unit
San Jose Sharks
2022 Results: 22-44-16 (60 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)
Notable Adds: Mike Hoffman, Mikael Granlund, Anthony Duclair, Filip Zadina
Notable Losses: Erik Karlsson
Outlook: The Sharks added a couple of forwards with some experience in Mike Hoffman, Anthony Duclair and Mikael Granlund, but it won’t be enough to sniff the playoffs. The Sharks have nobody on defense and are extremely weak in goal.
Fantasy Targets: Tomas Hertl
Betting Picks: UNDER 66.5 PTS (-110) 1 unit;
Seattle Kraken
2022 Results: 46-28-8 (100 PTS, 2ND ROUND EXIT)
Notable Adds: Kailer Yamamoto
Notable Losses: N/A
Outlook: The Kraken surprised a lot of people last season when they not only made the playoffs but upset the defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche in the first round. They also took the Dallas Stars to Game 7 in the second round. The Kraken are great and they play a great brand of 5v5 hockey. However, they were the only team to have a double-digit shooting percentage at 5v5, so expect some regression in that department. While some of thier forwards make take a step back, others may breakout (Matty Beniers). I expect them to make the playoffs again this season, and I put a small sprinkle on them at 50-1 to win the cup.
Fantasy Targets: Jared McCann, Matty Beniers, Vince Dunn, Oliver Bjorkstrand
Betting Picks: OVER 92.5 PTS (-110) 1 unit
Vancouver Canucks
2022 Results: 38-37-7 (83 PTS, MISSED PLAYOFFS)
Notable Adds: Casey DeSmith, Ian Cole
Notable Losses: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Tanner Pearson
Outlook: Rick Toocchet had the Canucks playing well when he took over behind the bench last season. I’m sure he’ll make the Canucks more competitive this season, but there’s something about their roster that rubs me the wrong way. Vancouver needs a healthy season from Thatcher Demko and Brock Boeser. Injuries have slowed this team down over the years. Elias Petterson is a stud, Andrei Kuzmenko is for real and J.T. Miller is a great fantasy player. I don’t care for their bottom six or their blue line.
Fantasy Targets: Elias Petterson, J.T. Miller, Andrei Kuzmenko
Betting Picks: N/A
Vegas Golden Knights
2022 Results: 51-22-9 (111 PTS, Stanley Cup Champions)
Notable Adds: N/A
Notable Losses: Reilly Smith, Phil Kessel
Outlook: In year number seven in the league, the Golden Knights will enter as defending champs. After reaching the finals in their first year and making the playoffs in five of their six seasons, it finally came together for them. They’re very deep, strong in goal and they have solid defensemen. They’re also very well-coached. It’s tough to repeat, but I’d be surprised if there was a Stanley Cup hangover. Eichel, Marchessault, and Barbashev are strong targets in fantasy. I think Hill will get 60% of the starts in the net, but Thompson is a decent late-round flier.
Fantasy Targets: Jack Eichel, Jonathan Marchessault, Ivan Barbashev, Alex Pietrangelo, Shea Theodore, Adin Hill, Logan Thompson
Betting Picks: N/A
NHL Predictions + NHL Futures
Eastern Conference Playoffs: TOR (A1), FLA (A2), OTT (A3), NJ (M1), CAR (M2), NYR (M3), PIT (WC1), BOS (WC2)
East Conference Champs: TOR
Western Conference Playoffs: DAL (C1), COL (C2), MIN (C3), EDM (P1), LA (P2), VGK (P3), SEA (WC1), WPG (WC2)
Western Champs: DAL
Presidents’ Trophy: TOR
Stanley Cup: Dallas Stars OVER New Jersey Devils
Conn Smythe Trophy: Jake Oettinger
Division Futures
TOR +175
EDM +165
DAL +155
NJ +240
Rocket
Auston Matthews +550 .1 unit
Tage Thompson +2100 .25 units
Jack Hughes +1600 .25 units
Alex Ovechkin +3500 .25 units
Cole Caufield +6000 .5 units
Adrian Kempe +10000 .5 units
Clayton Keller +30000 .5 units
Winner: Auston Matthews +550
Hart
Auston Matthews +1600 .25 units
Jack Hughes +1800 1 unit
Tim Stutzle +10000 .10 units
Jake Oettinger +20000 .5 units
Winner: Connor McDavid – I’d bet Jack Hughes
Vezina
Jake Oettinger +1200 .1 unit
Alexander Georgiev +2500 .25 units
Akira Schmid +5000 .5 units
Adin Hill +8500 .5 units
Winner: Jake Oettinger
Norris
Miro Heiskanen +1400 1 unit
Ramus Dahlin +800 .25 units
Evan Bouchard +3500 .25 units
Winner: Miro Heiskanen
Calder
Connor Bedard -140
Luke Hughes +900
Devon Levi +1200
Matthew Knies +3000
Winner: Connor Bedard – I’d bet Hughes and Levi at .25
Jack Adams
Lindy Ruff +900
Sheldon Keefe +1500
Pete DeBoer +1500
Todd McLellan +1500
Andre Tourigny +5000 .10 units
Winner: Sheldon Keefe – I’d bet Tourigny
Stanley Cup
Dallas Stars +1600
Edmonton Oilers +1100
New Jersey Devils +1050
Toronto Maple Leafs +1100
Los Angeles Kings +2200
Winner: Dallas Stars
Top Point Totals:
TOR O 105.5
BOS U 101.5
NJ O 105.5
DAL 105.5
LA O 99.5
ARI O 79.5
MTL O 70.5
CBJ O 72.5
ANA U 70.5
Top Future Player Props:
Cole Caufield O 32.5 Goals
Joonas Korpisalo O 24.5 Wins
Roope Hintz O 36.5 Goals
Roope Hintz O 79.5 Points
Adrian Kempe O 67.5 Points
Alexandar Georgiev O 34.5 Wins
Ilya Samsonov O 32.5 Wins
Jake Oettinger O 35.5 Wins
Devon Levi O 23.5 Wins
Brad Marchand U 70.5 Points
Tyler Toffoli O 70.5 Points
Juuse Satos O 28.5 Wins
CoolBet
Clayton Keller O 33.5 Goals
Nick Suzuki O 63.5 Points
Evan Bouchard O 58.5 Points
Nick Suzuki O 23.5 Goals
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins O 80.5 Points
Jonathan Drouin O 32.5 Points
Alex Tuch O 30.5 Goals
Tim Stutzle O 36.5 Goals
Elias Pettersson O 86.5 Points
Alex Tuch O 71.5 Points
Tim Stutzle O 87.5 Points
Jonathan Drouin O 8.5 Goals
Lonshots NHL Futures:
Adrian Kempe 40+ Goals +300
Cole Caufield 40+ Goals +450
Clayton Keller 40+ Goals +700
Gabriel Vilardi 40+ Goals +2000
Longshots Playoff Picks:
ARI Playoffs (+500)
CBJ Playoffs (+900)
DraftKings Team H2H Points
Kings OVER Pens (-130)
Canadiens OVER Blackhawks (-105)
Kraken OVER Jets (-110)
DraftKings H2H Goals
Cole Caufield OVER Mitch Marner (-115)
DraftKings H2H Points
Jack Hughes OVER Jason Robertson (-115)
Connor Bedard OVER Adam Fox (-105)
DraftKings Specials
Evan Bouchard 80+ Points (+1000) .25 units
Connor Bedard’s First Goal vs MTL (+450) .25 units
Top NHL Futures
Cole Caufield O 25.5 Goals
Joonas Korpisalo O 24.5 Wins
Roope Hintz O 79.5 Points
Adrian Kempe O 67.5 Points
Alexandar Georgiev O 34.5 Wins
TOR O 105.5
BOS U 101.5
NJ O 105.5
LA O 99.5
ARI O 79.5
