Anticipating the NHL’s 2024-25 Season: 10 Prop Bets Worth Considering

As we stand on the brink of the 2024-25 NHL season, following the inaugural Europe-based game between the Sabres and Devils, anticipations are high for the North American leg. Focusing on both team and individual prospects, here are 10 prop wagers you might find interesting.

1. Alex Ovechkin’s Goal Count: Over 29.5 (Even)

Sure, Ovechkin might not hit 42 to surpass Gretzky’s record by mid-April, but 30? That’s well within reach. Despite the previous season’s surprisingly sluggish start, the top scorer still managed 31 goals. The only season Ovechkin didn’t cross the 30-goal threshold was during the NHL’s Covid-shortened 2020-21 season, when he still scored 24 in 45 games.

2. David Pastrnak’s 50+ Regular Season Goals (-115)

With Elias Lindholm stepping in as the Bruins’ new No. 1 center, a position more akin to Patrice Bergeron’s style, Pastrnak is likely to exceed 50 goals again. Lindholm’s presence should provide the necessary lift to the top scorer’s performance.

3. Will Kirill Kaprizov Score 50+ Regular Season Goals? (+185)

Kaprizov, who’s in his prime at 27, is fit, enthusiastic, and planning to sign a lucrative long-term deal with the Wild next summer. He has consistently performed well in recent seasons, making it likely he’ll at least approach the 50-goal mark in a full, healthy season.

4. Jake Guentzel’s 40+ Regular Season Goals (+250)

Playing on a top line and power play with Nikita Kucherov, 30-year-old Guentzel has a solid chance of hitting 40 goals again. The motivation to justify his signing with the Lightning, following their decision to part ways with beloved captain Steven Stamkos, should fuel his performance.

5. Tyler Bertuzzi’s 20+ Regular Season Goals (-155)

Should he play at least 70 games, mostly on a top line and power play with Connor Bedard as expected, Bertuzzi is likely to cross the 20-goal line. Even with his slow start with the Maple Leafs last season, he still managed to score 21.

6. Head-to-Head: Sidney Crosby vs. Brock Nelson in Regular Season Goals (-115)

Here’s your chance to bet on a player with a career average of 0.47 goals per game, versus one with an average of 0.33. While Nelson is an important player in the Islanders’ lineup, he’s not a consistent high scorer like Crosby, who shows no sign of slowing down.

7. Head-to-Head: J.T. Miller vs. William Nylander in Regular Season Points (Even)

Regardless of whether he plays as a winger or center, Nylander is set to play on the Leafs’ second line this season, not with Auston Matthews. That’s why the Vancouver forward, who averaged 1.17 points/game over the last three seasons, is a better bet.

8. Head-to-Head: Cale Makar vs. Evan Bouchard in Regular Season Points (-145)

Edmonton’s Bouchard doubled his points to 82 last season, but Makar has averaged 1.13 over the last three seasons. The main concern is Makar’s health. If he plays 77 games as he did last season, another 90-point haul is within his reach.

9. Darcy Kuemper’s Regular Season Wins: Over 25.5 (-115)

Kuemper, eager to revive his career in Los Angeles under Director of Goaltending Bill Ranford, wants to leave last year’s underwhelming performance in Washington behind. If L.A. manages to win 40 games, Kuemper should easily surpass 26 personal victories.

10. Charlie Lindgren’s Regular Season Wins: Under 24.5 (-115)

With Logan Thompson challenging Lindgren for the starter’s position after requesting a trade from Vegas, and the Capitals unlikely to repeat their 40-win season with a -37 goal differential, Lindgren falling short of 25 wins seems likely.