NHL: Best Pre-Season Picks Today

Pressure ahead of the new NHL season ramps up this weekend, as we get a first look at every team before the regular season begins.

Some teams have done excellently in the off-season by adding to their rosters, while others enter the pre-season campaign with questions to answer. You can find our best pre-season NHL picks today here.

NHL Best Bets & Top Value Picks

• Best Pick: Seattle Kraken (vs. Vancouver Canucks)
• Best Value: St. Louis Blues (vs. Dallas Stars)
• Team to Fade: Montreal Canadiens (vs. Toronto Maple Leafs)

ALSO SEE: Presidents Cup Picks, Odds & Betting Preview (Sep 24-27)

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Key Game Breakdown & Predictions

Minnesota Wild vs. Chicago Blackhawks Prediction & Odds

Date: Saturday, September 19 | Xcel Energy Center 

Game Preview

The opening day of a shortened eight-day pre-season campaign will see a number of standout bets. Minnesota Wild rank among the most interesting, as the hosts will field a competitive mix of NHL regulars and top-tier prospects in the hope of making a dream start to their home campaign.

The Blackhawks remain in the midst of another overhaul of their roster, and they will likely use the opportunity this week to field lower-tier bubble players. Therefore, the home win is the outstanding chance when making NHL pre-season picks.

• Best Bet: Minnesota Wild

Edmonton Oilers vs. Winnipeg Jets Prediction & Odds

Date: Saturday, September 19 | Rogers Place, Edmonton

Game Preview

Another home victory should be on the cards when making NHL pre-season picks at Rogers Place. Edmonton’s offensive pipeline is tailored for quick scoring strikes, and home teams on opening night of pre-season typically thrive.

The Oilers should thrive on their power play setup, which will give them the huge advantage against a Winnipeg Jets side that will likely rotate their roster ahead of back-to-back games on the road to kickstart the pre-season period.

• Best Bet: Edmonton Oilers

Seattle Kraken vs. Vancouver Canucks Prediction & Odds

Date: Saturday, September 19 | Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle

Game Preview

The Climate Pledge Arena is always a very lively arena during the pre-season period, and that is likely to give Seattle a major advantage when they host the Canucks on Saturday. The Kraken excel with the prospect pool and 4-line composition during pre-season games.

Meanwhile, the Canucks typically rest key veterans during Pacific road trips in pre-season. Therefore, a victory for the hosts looks like a standout selection when making NHL pre-season picks.

• Best Bet: Seattle Kraken

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Best NHL Pre-Season Parlay Picks Today

• New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Seattle Kraken, Anaheim Ducks All To Win