The 2025 NHL Draft has already taken place (June 27–28, 2025), with Matthew Schaefer going first overall to the New York Islanders and Michael Misa selected second by the San Jose Sharks. With the dust settled, the focus now shifts to the 2026 NHL Draft, scheduled for June 26–27, 2026.
For bettors, the NHL draft odds chart remains a useful tool. It works much like a futures market—similar to Stanley Cup odds—and offers a dynamic way to stay engaged with the league throughout the year. Whether you’re exploring draft prop bets or keeping tabs on lottery odds, it’s one of the most exciting hockey futures markets available.
Last updated on: October 6, 2025
How to Bet on the 2026 NHL Draft
If you want to make the best NHL Draft bets, here are some strategies to consider.
Do Your Research
Keep an eye on up-and-coming hockey players who are potential NHL draft picks in the near future. Identifying them early is crucial for a successful draft bet. Lacking this crucial information, you will be uninformed. Knowing only the NHL is insufficient; understanding the college-level game that leads to the professional level is essential. This is the sole path to success in this context.
Research the Teams
Knowing the players is important, but it's only part of the equation. Understanding the teams is equally crucial. The teams consider their specific needs when selecting players, rather than just looking at their overall skill level.
NHL teams have different strategies - some go for immediate results, others focus on long-term goals. To understand a team's approach, it's important to know how they are building their roster, their expectations, and how they make decisions.
Know the Basics
If you want to bet on the 2026 NHL Draft, it's important to know the basics of betting. Start by reading our guide on betting basics, which will help you make informed hockey bets.
Money Management
Having a proper bankroll management strategy can completely transform your approach to betting. It allows you to have a clear and concise understanding of your actions like never before. With a systematic approach to your betting finances, you can effectively analyze and manage your betting portfolio.
There are two main approaches: the unit approach and the percentage approach. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, which depend on what type of bettor you are.
Only Work With Reputable Sportsbooks
Signing up at a sketchy sports betting site can put all your hard work and research on 2026 NHL draft bets at risk. Instead of taking needless risks, you should sign up with any of our tried-and-tested reliable offshore sportsbooks. These highly respected sportsbooks offer a variety of options, including NHL draft prop bets. You can also rely on responsive customer service agents to assist you. To make informed choices, check the latest 2026 NHL draft lottery odds on different trusted bookies.
NHL Draft Lottery Odds
Checking the NHL draft lottery odds is crucial for making informed NHL draft bets. One of the top NHL draft prop bets revolves around this. The NHL lottery odds give each team that didn't make the Stanley Cup playoffs a weighted chance of securing the first pick.
If you want to make a bet on the first overall pick for the 2026 NHL Draft, you need to understand the draft lottery. It usually occurs a few weeks before the draft, allowing you to check out the odds and team order to make informed betting decisions.
NHL Draft Betting FAQs
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The NHL Draft took place on 27-28 June, 2005. The first three picks were Matthew Schaefer (D, NYI), Michael Misa (C, SJS), and Anton Frondell (C, CHI).
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While it is possible to win big betting on the NHL Draft, it is important to note that it is also a highly unpredictable event. The outcome of the draft depends on numerous factors, such as team strategies, player performance, and the unpredictability of the draft order.
Some successful bettors may have won big by accurately predicting the selection of certain players or anticipating trades and draft day surprises. However, these instances are relatively rare and require a deep understanding of the NHL and its teams.
If you are considering betting on the NHL Draft, it is crucial to do thorough research, follow draft projections, and stay updated with the latest news and rumors. Additionally, it is often helpful to consult with experts or individuals experienced in NHL betting to gain insights and improve your chances of winning.
Overall, while there may be opportunities to win big betting on the NHL Draft, it is important to approach it with caution and consider it as a form of entertainment rather than a guaranteed money-making venture.
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There are several reliable sources where you can get up-to-date news about the NHL Draft. Here are a few options:
- NHL’s official website: The NHL website provides comprehensive coverage of the draft, including player profiles, draft order, and breaking news updates.
- Sports news websites: Websites like ESPN, TSN, and Sportsnet have dedicated sections for NHL coverage, including draft news. These sites employ journalists who provide timely and reliable information on all aspects of the draft.
- Team-specific websites and social media accounts: If you’re specifically interested in news about a particular team, check their official website and social media accounts. They usually provide updates on draft picks, trade rumors, and other relevant information.
- NHL Draft X accounts: Many X accounts are solely dedicated to providing updates on the NHL Draft. Some popular ones include @NHLDraftSite, @NHLDraftWired, and @NHLProspects, which provide real-time updates on draft picks, player analysis, and trade rumors.
- NHL Draft podcasts and YouTube channels: There are several podcasts and YouTube channels that focus specifically on the NHL Draft. These platforms often feature draft experts who offer their insights and analysis on the latest news and prospects.
Remember to verify the credibility of the source before relying on any news.
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The New York Islanders held the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. They used it to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer.
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It is not necessarily a smart move to always bet on the favorite in the NHL Draft. While favorites may have a higher probability of winning, there are many factors to consider before placing a bet.
Firstly, NHL drafts can be unpredictable, with young players who are still developing and improving their skills. The performance of these players can vary greatly from year to year, making it difficult to accurately predict outcomes.
Additionally, the draft is not solely based on individual player talent, but also on team needs, strategies, and scouting reports. A team may prioritize selecting a player who fills a specific position or fits their playing style, rather than solely choosing the top-ranked player.
Furthermore, the odds set by bookmakers are based on various factors such as public perception, team performance, and previous draft results. These odds do not always reflect the true probabilities of a team’s success in the draft.
Therefore, it is important to analyze the specific circumstances, player profiles, team needs, and odds before placing any bets on the NHL Draft. Without thorough research and a comprehensive understanding of the draft process, solely betting on the favorite may not necessarily be a smart move.
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As with any sports betting market, the NHL Draft can be challenging for beginner bettors. The NHL Draft consists of teams selecting young and often unproven players, making it difficult to predict their future performance and value to a team. Additionally, there are many variables and factors to consider, such as team needs, player potential, and future development, which can make it a complex betting market.
However, with proper research and understanding, beginner bettors can still find opportunities to make informed bets on the NHL Draft. It is essential to analyze player statistics, scouting reports, team needs, and draft history to make educated predictions. Following NHL experts, reading articles, and participating in forums can also provide valuable insights and help you make more informed betting decisions.
It is important for beginner bettors to start small and gradually increase their bets as they gain experience and knowledge in this particular market. Taking time to understand the dynamics of the NHL Draft and familiarize yourself with its nuances will undoubtedly improve your chances of success.
Ultimately, like any form of betting, it is crucial to approach the NHL Draft with caution and discipline. Being mindful of your bankroll, setting realistic expectations, and continuously learning from both successes and failures will be the key to navigating the NHL Draft market as a beginner bettor.
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NHL draft betting works similarly to other sports betting. In the NHL draft, bettors can wager on various outcomes related to the draft picks. Here are a few key points to understand how NHL draft betting works:
- Betting options: Sportsbooks offer a range of betting options for the NHL draft, such as predicting the draft order of the top picks, the number of players drafted from each league, or specific players’ draft positions.
- Odds: Sportsbooks will assign odds to each betting option, indicating the likelihood of each outcome happening. Odds can be displayed as fractions, decimals, or in the American format (+/-).
- Placing bets: To place a bet, you need to find a reputable sportsbook that offers NHL draft betting. Sign up and deposit funds into your account. Then, navigate to the NHL draft section and select the betting option you want. Enter your stake, review your bet slip, and confirm your wager.
- Potential winnings: Your potential winnings will be determined by the odds assigned to the betting option you choose. Higher odds typically indicate a higher payout, but they also reflect a lower probability of the event occurring.
It’s important to note that betting on the NHL draft requires knowledge of the teams, prospects, and possible draft scenarios. Conducting research, following draft experts, and staying updated with the latest news and rumors can help make more informed betting decisions.
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The most popular market for NHL Draft betting is typically the first overall pick. This is because it is one of the most anticipated and talked about aspects of the draft. Many bettors enjoy trying to predict which player will be selected first and there is often a lot of speculation and analysis leading up to the draft. Additionally, the first overall pick is often seen as the most impactful player in the draft, so there is a lot of excitement and interest in this market. It’s important to note that the popularity of different markets can vary depending on factors such as the strength of the draft class and the level of media coverage leading up to the event.
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There are several reputable sportsbooks that offer NHL Draft betting, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. However, one sportsbook that consistently ranks highly among bettors is BetOnline.
BetOnline offers a wide range of betting options for NHL Draft, including futures bets, prop bets, and live betting. They have a user-friendly interface and a seamless betting experience. Additionally, BetOnline is known for their competitive odds and timely payout system.
Another highly recommended sportsbook for NHL Draft betting is Bovada. Bovada also provides a variety of betting options and has a user-friendly platform. They offer competitive odds and have a solid reputation in the industry for providing a safe and secure betting environment.
When choosing a sportsbook for NHL Draft betting, it’s important to consider factors such as customer service, payout speed, available betting markets, and promotions. Research and read reviews to find the sportsbook that best aligns with your needs and preferences.
Meet the author
The team at OnlineSportsBetting is made up of professionals from a number of fields, including journalism, math, sports, and more. What really brings them together is a passion for the sports betting landscape and its ever-changing strategies.
