NHL: Best Player Props Today — Hughes to Fire Devils to Victory?

An exciting opening week of the new season is set for the NHL, as the 2026 regular season will be in full swing by October 1. There will be a busy slate of games across North America on Thursday, including the New Jersey Devils hosting the Philadelphia Flyers and the Vancouver Canucks hosting the Edmonton Oilers. You can find our best NHL bets for Oct 1, 2026 below, as well as our best player props for today.

NHL Best Bets & Top Value Picks

• Best Pick: Under Goals (Tampa Bay Lightning @ New York Rangers)
• Best Value: Buffalo Sabres (+1.5) (vs. Columbus Blue Jackets)
• Team to Fade: Philadelphia Flyers (vs. New Jersey Devils)
• Best NHL Parlay Bet: New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, Calgary Flames & Florida Panthers

ALSO SEE: Breeders’ Cup Classic Picks, Odds, Leading Contenders, Betting Insights & Analysis

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NHL Player Props Today: Key Game Breakdown & Predictions

New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers Prediction & Odds

Date: Thursday, October 1 | Prudential Center, New Jersey

Game Preview

It will be a busy start to the 2026 season for the Philadelphia Flyers, as they play on back-to-back nights against the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New Jersey Devils. Jack Hughes could be an interesting angle to take advantage of the fatigued Flyers on Thursday.

Hughes typically leads the Devils in the power-play unit, and the Flyers had a history of allowing a high volume of shots on goal off the rush last season. Hughes was critical for the Devils last season, scoring an impressive 27 goals in 61 regular season appearances.

• Best Bet: Jack Hughes Over 3.5 Shots on Goal  

Nashville Predators vs. Minnesota Wild Prediction & Odds

Date: Thursday, October 1 | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville

Game Preview

The Nashville Predators open their 2026 regular season at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday, as they host the Minnesota Wild. Filip Forsberg could be a player worth considering when making NHL player props selections today.

Forsberg is the focal point of the Preds’ attacking unit, and his high volume of shooting will make him a key player for the hosts in a potential power play against the Wild. The Swede was clinical in front of goal last season, scoring an impressive 40 goals in 82 regular season appearances.

• Best Bet: Filip Forsberg Over 0.5 Power-Play Points

New York Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction & Odds

Date: Thursday, October 1 | Madison Square Garden, New York

Game Preview

The marquee clash in the NHL on Thursday comes from Madison Square Garden, as the New York Rangers host the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mika Zibanejad could be an angle worth considering when making NHL player props picks today.

Zibanejad has been a key offensive player for the Rangers across the last couple of seasons, and his elite output in 5-on-5 play ensures that he is a crucial player in the power plays. Last season, Zibanejad registered an impressive team-high 44 assists in the regular season.

• Best Bet: Mika Zibanejad Over 0.5 Assists