The 2024-25 NHL season is approaching the playoffs. Many teams were active at the trade deadline, with players like Mikko Rantanen, Brad Marchand, and Brock Nelson changing teams. These roster changes have significantly impacted the NHL betting odds at sportsbooks like BetMGM recently.
SportsLine expert Jimmie Kaylor has analyzed the latest NHL futures odds from BetMGM and shared his top predictions for the Stanley Cup, Hart Memorial Trophy, James Norris Memorial Trophy, and Calder Memorial Trophy.
In the 4 Nations Face-Off Final, Kaylor correctly predicted Nathan MacKinnon as the first goal scorer and the game total to be under 5.5 goals. MacKinnon scored first at 13-1 odds, and the game ended 3-2 for Canada.
Kaylor has assessed the current NHL odds from BetMGM and has identified his best futures bets for the Stanley Cup and NHL awards.
2025 Stanley Cup Odds (via BetMGM)
| Current Odds | Last Week Odds | Opening Odds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Capitals | +1000 | +1000 | +10000 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +1000 | +750 | +1100 |
| Colorado Avalanche | +850 | +1300 | +1000 |
| Edmonton Oilers | +750 | +575 | +1000 |
| Dallas Stars | +600 | +900 | +1000 |
| Florida Panthers | +550 | +800 | +900 |
The Avalanche are currently the most popular bet at BetMGM, but the biggest potential payouts for the sportsbook are on the Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, and Detroit Red Wings. The Panthers began the season as Stanley Cup favorites and remain so after acquiring Brad Marchand.
The Oilers are an interesting team with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and the Stars added Mikko Rantanen, but Colorado made the most significant roster improvements at the deadline.
The Avalanche acquired Martin Necas and Jack Drury in the Rantanen trade with Carolina, followed by Brock Nelson, Charlie Coyle, Jimmy Vesey, Ryan Lindgren, and Erik Johnson at the deadline. Crucially, Colorado addressed their goaltending earlier by acquiring Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood. The Avs have added depth and toughness, and still possess two world-class players in Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.
Top Pick: Colorado Avalanche +850
Hart Memorial Trophy Odds (via BetMGM)
| Current Odds | Last Week Odds | Opening Odds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan MacKinnon | +475 | +750 | +550 |
| Connor Hellebuyck | +150 | +115 | +15000 |
| Leon Draisaitl | -165 | -140 | +2200 |
Draisaitl has overtaken his teammate Connor McDavid (currently 60-1) as the favorite for the 2025 Hart Memorial Trophy. Hellebuyck is a popular bet and poses the biggest risk for BetMGM, while Auston Matthews, despite being out of contention, accounts for nearly 20% of bets at BetMGM.
Draisaitl is the NHL’s top goal scorer and second in total points behind MacKinnon. The Hart Trophy appears to be Draisaitl’s to win. Hellebuyck is likely to win the Vezina, but it’s unlikely he’ll surpass Draisaitl for the Hart. MacKinnon is a dark horse, leading the league in points, and the Avalanche are arguably the league’s best team. MacKinnon’s odds at +475 offer good value compared to Hellebuyck.
Ultimately, Draisaitl is expected to win, but MacKinnon offers better betting value.
Top Pick: Nathan MacKinnon (+475)
James Norris Trophy Odds (via BetMGM)
| Current Odds | Last Week Odds | Opening Odds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quinn Hughes | +1800 | +320 | +600 |
| Zach Werenski | +190 | +200 | +10000 |
| Cale Makar | -300 | -160 | +250 |
Cale Makar is the clear frontrunner for the 2025 James Norris Trophy, which would be his second time winning as the NHL’s best defenseman. Betting on Makar at -300 offers little value unless placing a large bet. Werenski at +190 presents a better value bet.
Best Value Bet: Zach Werenski (+190)
Calder Memorial Trophy Odds (via BetMGM)
| Current Odds | Last Week Odds | Opening Odds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Wolf | +1000 | +2500 | +1500 |
| Matvei Michkov | +800 | +700 | +350 |
| Lane Hutson | +260 | +225 | +700 |
| Macklin Celebrini | -225 | -275 | +400 |
Celebrini generated Connor Bedard-like hype as a draft prospect and has lived up to it. The 18-year-old has 48 points (20 goals, 28 assists) and has become San Jose’s first-line center. Similar to Makar in the Norris race, betting on Celebrini at -225 isn’t very valuable. However, he currently has no serious challengers.
Top Pick: Macklin Celebrini (-225)
Elton Marrow