With the 2024-25 NHL regular season nearing its end, the contenders for the Stanley Cup are becoming clearer. Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is steadily approaching Wayne Gretzky`s all-time goal record set in 1999. The Hart Trophy race has narrowed to two main contenders, and the Calder Trophy competition is very close. As the regular season winds down, the latest NHL betting odds at BetMGM have seen significant shifts in the past week.
SportsLine expert Jimmie Kaylor has analyzed the recent betting trends and NHL futures odds from BetMGM. He has shared his top selections 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 the first goal, resulting in a 13-1 payout, and the game ended 3-2 in favor of Canada.
This week, Kaylor also successfully hit a five-leg same-game parlay in the Avalanche versus Red Wings game, yielding a payout of almost 7-1.
Kaylor has examined the latest NHL odds from BetMGM and has locked in his best futures bets for the Stanley Cup and NHL player awards.
2025 Stanley Cup Odds (via BetMGM)
| Current Odds | Last Week Odds | Opening Odds | |
| Winnipeg Jets | +1100 | +1200 | +2200 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +1100 | +1100 | +1000 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +1000 | +1050 | +1100 |
| Washington Capitals | +1000 | +1000 | +10000 |
| Colorado Avalanche | +750 | +800 | +1000 |
| Edmonton Oilers | +750 | +700 | +1000 |
| Dallas Stars | +600 | +600 | +1000 |
| Florida Panthers | +550 | +550 | +900 |
This week saw minimal changes, with only the Avalanche and Hurricanes improving their Stanley Cup odds. The Oilers slightly decreased, while the Stars and Panthers remain the top favorites. Despite Colorado`s strong performance, they are still likely headed for a first-round playoff matchup against Dallas.
Top Value Bet: Colorado Avalanche +750
Hart Memorial Trophy Odds (via BetMGM)
| Current Odds | Last Week Odds | Opening Odds | |
| Leon Draisaitl | +425 | +250 | +2200 |
| Nathan MacKinnon | +180 | +350 | +550 |
| Connor Hellebuyck | -185 | -220 | +15000 |
With Draisaitl out, the Hart Trophy race is now primarily between Hellebuyck and MacKinnon. Hellebuyck is still favored, but MacKinnon has narrowed the gap, with his odds almost halving this week. Given the Avalanche`s current play, MacKinnon has a strong chance to become a rare repeat Hart Trophy winner. MacKinnon has the most bets placed on him, but Hellebuyck represents the biggest potential loss for BetMGM.
Top Bet: Nathan MacKinnon (+180)
James Norris Trophy Odds (via BetMGM)
| Current Odds | Last Week Odds | Opening Odds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quinn Hughes | +5000 | +4000 | +600 |
| Zach Werenski | +360 | +325 | +10000 |
| Cale Makar | -700 | -650 | +250 |
There are no significant changes in the Norris Trophy race; Makar is heavily favored to win. Makar accounts for 53.5% of the total money wagered and 25.9% of the total number of bets, while Hughes poses the largest liability for BetMGM.
Top Value Bet: Cale Makar (-750) at 3+ units
Calder Memorial Trophy Odds (via BetMGM)
| Current Odds | Last Week Odds | Opening Odds | |
| Matvei Michkov | +8000 | +800 | +350 |
| Dustin Wolf | +1800 | +1000 | 1500 |
| Macklin Celebrini | -120 | -225 | +400 |
| Lane Hutson | -110 | +260 | +700 |
The Calder Trophy race is likely to be decided in the final week of the regular season. Hutson may surpass Celebrini as the favorite next week. However, Michkov remains BetMGM`s biggest liability in this category.
Top Bet: Lane Hutson (-110)
Looking for more NHL picks?
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Elton Marrow