The 2024-25 NHL regular season is nearing its end, and the Stanley Cup Playoffs are taking shape. Clear contenders for the Stanley Cup have emerged, while Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin continues his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky`s all-time goal record. In NHL awards discussions, the Hart Trophy race is primarily between two players, and the Calder Trophy competition is exceptionally close. As the regular season concludes, recent NHL betting odds at BetMGM have seen significant shifts.
SportsLine expert handicapper Jimmie Kaylor has analyzed the latest 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.
Previously, in the 4 Nations Face-Off Final, Kaylor successfully 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 score for Canada.
Recently, Kaylor also hit a five-leg same-game parlay in a game between the Avalanche and Red Wings, achieving a payout of nearly 7-1.
Kaylor has examined the current NHL odds from BetMGM and finalized his best futures bets for the Stanley Cup and NHL player awards.
2025 Stanley Cup Odds
| Team | Current Odds | Previous 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 |
There was minimal change in Stanley Cup odds recently, with only the Avalanche and Hurricanes improving their odds. The Oilers saw a slight decrease, while the Stars and Panthers remain the top favorites. Colorado is currently performing strongly but is still likely to face Dallas in the first playoff round.
Best Value Bet: Colorado Avalanche +750
Hart Memorial Trophy Odds
| Player | Current Odds | Previous Odds | Opening Odds |
| Leon Draisaitl | +425 | +250 | +2200 |
| Nathan MacKinnon | +180 | +350 | +550 |
| Connor Hellebuyck | -185 | -220 | +15000 |
With Draisaitl`s injury, the Hart Trophy race is now primarily between Hellebuyck and MacKinnon. Hellebuyck is still favored, but MacKinnon has narrowed the gap, with his odds significantly improving recently. Given the Avalanche`s current performance, MacKinnon has a strong chance to win the Hart Trophy consecutively. MacKinnon has the most bets placed on him, but Hellebuyck represents a greater potential loss for BetMGM.
Best bet: Nathan MacKinnon (+180)
James Norris Trophy Odds
| Player | Current Odds | Previous Odds | Opening Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quinn Hughes | +5000 | +4000 | +600 |
| Zach Werenski | +360 | +325 | +10000 |
| Cale Makar | -700 | -650 | +250 |
There are no major changes in the Norris Trophy race – Makar is the clear frontrunner. Makar accounts for a significant portion of total bets and money wagered, but Hughes poses a larger financial risk for BetMGM.
Best value bet: Cale Makar (-750) at 3+ units
Calder Memorial Trophy Odds
| Player | Current Odds | Previous 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 expected to be decided in the final week of the regular season. Hutson might soon become the favorite over Celebrini. However, Michkov remains BetMGM`s biggest potential liability in this category.
Best Bet: Lane Hutson (-110)
