Best NHL player prop bets (Oct. 17): Snag this rare price on Edmonton’s sniper to score

Join Daily Faceoff’s Nick Martin as he handicaps the best player props available for Thursday’s NHL slate.

Leon Draisaitl Anytime Goalscorer: +175 (Sports Interaction)

It’s no secret that Leon Draisaitl has been extremely productive against the Nashville Predators, and this is a popular angle in the betting community as a result. In his career, Draisaitl has put up 25 in goals in 26 games versus Nashville, and 42 points. Last year he netted seven points in three games versus the Predators.

Reaching to back a player in prop markets specifically because that skater has fared well in a matchup historically is something I’d argue against to some extent in the NHL specifically, though. Teams change quickly year-over-year; the Predators have been a completely different looking side under Andrew Brunette, for instance.

At a price of +175, it’s not reaching to back Draisaitl just because he’s playing in Nashville. That number is far longer than we see most nights, and in a tiny sample the new-look Predators have allowed 4.66 goals per game.

The Predators’ goaltending situation is quietly looking dicier than we are used to seeing, as Juuse Saros has struggled for a relatively lengthy sample size. Saros posted a .906 save % and -3.0 GSAx across 64 appearances last season, and through two starts this season has played to an .855 save % and -3.6 GSAx.

It’s possible the Predators opt to hand this start to backup Scott Wedgewood, who holds a -11.5 GSAx in his last 33 starts. Although Saros is the projected starter based off activities at the morning skate.

The Oilers have exhibited some clear flaws throughout their 1-3-0 start to the season. In a lot of game scripts we should expect Kris Knoblauch to be forced to offer heavy minutes to Draisaitl, Connor McDavid and the rest of the Oilers stars in this matchup.

Draisaitl led the Oilers in expected goals last time out versus the Flyers, and scored the overtime winner to complete the comeback.

Connor Bedard Anytime Goalscorer: +140 (Sports Interaction)

Backing Bedard to be productive in a matchup versus the Sharks also has to be a considered one of the chalkiest plays out there on this 11-game slate, and it’s another trendy angle that I’m in full support of.

The Sharks have allowed 4.16 xGA/60 in their opening three matchups this season, after allowing a league-worst 3.87 xGA/60 in the second half of last season. They allowed 3.98 goals against per game a year ago, and with Macklin Celebrini currently sidelined the roster looks comparably awful.

The Blackhawks return home from a tough four-game road trip, which featured matchups against three teams that have exhibited great form out of the gates, as well as the Oilers.

Bedard has fared well with new linemate Teuvo Teravainen in the Blackhawks’ opening four matchups. In 42.7 minutes together, Bedard, Teravainen, and Nick Foligno own a 60.6% expected goal share.

Bedard generated seven shots on goal but was stymied by Dustin Wolf last time out in a tight-checking matchup in Calgary. I’m not convinced we see the Sharks keep him in check to the same extent, and at +130 or better, there is value backing Bedard to score in Chicago’s home opener.

Jordan Eberle Over 0.5 Points: +105 (Sports Interaction)

The Kraken surprised in naming Eberle team captain on opening night, and he’s looked the part in the early going of this season in generating a team-leading four points in four games, including a single point in three of four matchups.

Whether its been Shane Wright or Matty Beniers centering Jared McCann and Eberle on the Kraken’s top line, the Kraken have created plenty of looks when Eberle and McCann are on the ice. In 13.7 minutes together, Eberle, McCann, and Beniers have generated 4.38 xGF/60, while with Wright they have generated 3.40 xGF/60.

Eberle will also remain on the Kraken’s top power-play unit in this matchup.

The Flyers project to rank slightly below league average in terms of goals allowed this season and offer a solid matchup for Eberle to produce. Sam Ersson had a horrid finish to last season, and has been fairly pedestrian so far with an .895 save %. The Flyers have allowed 3.34 xGA/60 this season, which is the 13th highest mark in the league.

Philadelphia hasn’t announced its starting goaltender at time of publish.