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)
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
