It has been a while since we’ve seen this level of parity across the NHL. There are just a few weeks remaining in the 2025-26 regular season, but there is still so much to be determined. The Eastern Conference playoff race is a jumbled mess, with 12 teams vying for eight postseason berths. Similarly, there are 13 Western Conference teams still in the race, with both division crowns still up for grabs.
As expected, that has sent the NHL futures board into a dizzying state of disarray. Granted, the Colorado Avalanche remain the top contender for the Stanley Cup, but even their market share has waned in recent weeks.
Let’s assess the BetMGM data to see where the NHL betting market is flowing!
Colorado Carrying an Avalanche of Momentum
Most notably, the Colorado Avalanche continue to accumulate the lion’s share of the futures market. So far, they lead in ticket count and handle, commanding 14.8% and 19.0%, respectively, and reflecting the deluge of sharp-backed wagers. Predictably, this correlates with a downward trend in terms of betting price, with the Avs going from +800 to +280.
Relative to previous updates, the betting market has started to slow, indicating that the sharpest minds are looking to expand their portfolios. Clearly, there are some other contenders that are getting hot at the right time of year.
Sharp-Backed Contenders
Western Conference
Right behind the Avalanche stand the two-time defending Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers’ ebbs and flows have been more pronounced that we’ve seen in recent years, but they continue to attract sharp money. As it stands, their 8.0% handle is the second-highest in the market, and exceeds their 6.5% ticket count. Connor McDavid has put the Oilers on his back in recent playoff runs, and bettors aren’t discounting their chances of going on another extended run.
The Central Division features more than just the Avalanche, and bettors could be hedging their Colorado position with two division rivals. The Dallas Stars are the third-most backed team, accumulating a 7.3% market share in terms of handle. The Minnesota Wild are close behind at 7.1%. Given the NHL’s current playoff format, one of those three teams is sure to emerge on the top half of the bracket. With that, sharp bettors may be expanding their portfolio to ensure a profit.
Eastern Conference
There is no shortage of contenders in the Eastern Conference, but only a couple can lay claim to being sharp favorites.
The Carolina Hurricanes are a perennial contender that can never seem to figure things out in the playoffs. That could explain the decline in sharp action, as their 7.2% handle is only marginally above their 6.8% ticket count. Nevertheless, the Canes lead the Eastern Conference in both categories and are a tough out come playoff time.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are the preferred betting option out of the Atlantic Division. The Florida Panthers are on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, meaning this could be the year the Bolts reclaim their mantle as Eastern Conference champions. They are accruing 6.1% handle and 5.6% ticket counts, becoming another beacon for sharp bettors.
Public Teams With Potential
As is the case with any market, there is a public side of the he NHL futures board, as well.
For all of their early franchise accomplishments, the Vegas Golden Knights have become a staple of public sentiment. While they rank second in ticket count (7.3%), they sit a distant in sixth in handle (6.5%). With just two wins versus playoff teams since the end of November, the Golden Knights aren’t the force they once were.
The future may be bright for th Detroit Red Wings, but their current outlook is more guarded. The Original Six franchise has a notable 4.9% ticket, they are backed by just 2.3% of the handle. The Wings would benefit from playoff exposure, but this probably isn’t their year.
Final Thoughts
Like brush strokes on a canvas, the NHL playoff picture continues to take shape. Reconcile the standings and outcomes with the futures board to ensure you’re positioned for long-term betting success through the NHL playoffs!
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