The 2024-25 NHL regular season is nearing its end, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs are just around the corner. Leading up to the trade deadline, several teams made significant acquisitions, including All-Star caliber players like Mikko Rantanen, Brad Marchand, and Brock Nelson changing teams. These recent roster changes have caused dramatic shifts in the NHL betting odds at BetMGM sportsbooks.
SportsLine expert handicapper Jimmie Kaylor has analyzed the latest betting trends and NHL futures odds from BetMGM. He has revealed his top picks 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 indeed scored the first goal, resulting in a 13-1 payout, and the game concluded with a 3-2 victory for Canada.
Kaylor has now assessed the updated NHL odds from BetMGM and shared his best futures bets for the Stanley Cup and NHL player awards.
2025 Stanley Cup Odds (at BetMGM)
| Team | 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 seeing the highest volume of bets at BetMGM. However, the Oilers, Winnipeg Jets, and Detroit Red Wings represent the sportsbook’s biggest potential payouts. The Panthers began the season as favorites to win consecutive Stanley Cups and remain the top contender after acquiring veteran winger Brad Marchand before the trade deadline.
The Oilers, featuring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are a team to watch. The Stars strengthened their roster with Mikko Rantanen. However, Colorado made the most impactful moves at the trade deadline.
Colorado initially added Martin Necas and Jack Drury in the Rantanen trade with Carolina. They then acquired Brock Nelson, Charlie Coyle, Jimmy Vesey, Ryan Lindgren, and Erik Johnson at the deadline. Crucially, Colorado addressed their goaltending earlier in the season by bringing in Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood. The Avalanche have enhanced their depth and physicality, and still boast world-class talents in Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.
Top Pick: Colorado Avalanche +850
Hart Memorial Trophy Odds (at BetMGM)
| Player | 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 at 60-1 odds), and is now the clear favorite for the 2025 Hart Memorial Trophy. Hellebuyck has attracted the most money and poses the largest liability for BetMGM, while Auston Matthews, despite being out of contention, accounts for nearly 20% of all bets placed at BetMGM.
Draisaitl is the NHL’s leading goal scorer and only trails MacKinnon in total points. In essence, the Hart Trophy is Draisaitl’s to secure in the final month of the regular season. Hellebuyck has essentially secured the Vezina Trophy, and despite his excellent performance, it’s unlikely he will surpass Draisaitl. MacKinnon is a dark horse contender, leading the league in points, and the Avalanche could be the league’s best team currently. MacKinnon’s odds should arguably be closer to Hellebuyck’s, making +475 a valuable bet (risk $100 to win $475).
Ultimately, Draisaitl is expected to win, but MacKinnon presents the only real betting value.
Top Pick: Nathan MacKinnon (+475)
James Norris Trophy Odds (at BetMGM)
| Player | Current Odds | Last Week Odds | Opening Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quinn Hughes | +1800 | +320 | +600 |
| Zach Werenski | +190 | +200 | +10000 |
| Cale Makar | -300 | -160 | +250 |
There’s not much debate here. Makar is poised to win the 2025 James Norris Trophy, marking his second time as the NHL’s best defenseman. Betting on Makar at -300 offers little value at this point (unless you’re betting heavily). The only valuable bet in this category is Werenski at +190.
Best Value Bet: Zach Werenski (+190)
Calder Memorial Trophy Odds (at BetMGM)
| Player | 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-level buzz leading up to the draft, and the 18-year-old prodigy has lived up to the hype. Celebrini has accumulated 48 points (20 goals, 28 assists) and seamlessly transitioned to the San Jose Sharks’ top center position. Similar to Makar in the Norris Trophy race, betting on Celebrini at -225 offers limited value currently. However, he faces no significant challengers at this point.
Top Pick: Macklin Celebrini (-225)
