Nathan MacKinnon Favored to Lead NHL in Shots on Goal

When it comes to the 2026 NHL stat props, oddsmakers start getting a little creative. Training camps are fully underway for all players and preseason games will start over the weekend.

In June, the Florida Panthers repeated as Stanley Cup champions. While Florida is among the contenders to three-peat, there are no shortage of teams who want to come for the crown. The same exists in a variety of individual categories from shots on goal to goalie wins and even rookie points.

The NHL odds project Nathan MacKinnon as a very slight favorite over David Pastrnak to lead the lead in shots on goal for example. MacKinnon is one of those players who pile on shots by volume. Pastrnak does a bit of the same thing for the Boston Bruins. This is where the offense goes through Colorado and Boston respectively. Here is a short table below:

NHL Stat Prop Bets
Shot Leaders
Nathan MacKinnon	+350	+300	+325
David Pastrnak	+350	+375	+375
Brady Tkachuk	+600	+600	+600
Jack Hughes	+800	+800	+800
Auston Matthews	+800	+900	+900
Goalie WIns
Connor Hellebuyck	+400	+350	+375
Andrei Vasilevskiy	+450	+475	+500
Jake Oettinger	+650	+650	+600
Sergei Bobrovsky	+900	+1000	+950
MacKenzie Blackwood	+900	+1200	+1000
Igor Shesterkin	+1200	+1200	+1100

The allure of dipping into other numbers is very intriguing here.

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NHL Prop Betting Tips

Before we dive into the 2026 NHL Stat Props, why not check out our updated NHL playoff betting odds to see where the best NHL playoff picks are located. Also, our online sportsbook reviews will help you pick the sites that are going to take care of your NHL wagering needs. Also, if you prefer mobile devices, these are the best sports betting apps that can help you place your NHL bets before the NHL season gets underway.

The 2026 NHL Stat Props Get Focused

Prior to making your NHL picks, realize that the 2026 NHL Stat Props get focused. Keep in mind that numbers will start to shift but the fact that we have a release (opening numbers) grants us a baseline on potential value or bets to possibly stay away from.

Also, be aware that props like this can be very fickle. Unfortunately, all it takes is one injury or slump to derail the hopes.

Shot Leaders And The 2026 NHL Stat Props Side With MacKinnon

Another matter of debate is Nathan Mackinnon and the 2026 NHL Stat Props. Pundits are wondering if the forward is forgoing shots for quality. MacKinnon had a down year by his standards. He scored on 10% of his 320 shots while attempting 590 shots on goal. By the way, the Avalanche player still led the league. The expectation is that he will for a third year in a row while firing 600 pucks at or near the goal.

MacKinnon has been extremely durable the past two seasons which helps too. The only games he missed were due to rest last season. It is why players like him and David Pastrnak are perennial contenders on this prop. These are players that rarely miss time. Our only concern with Pastrnak is the talent surrounding him. MacKinnon's supporting Top Six cast is a hair better than Pastrnak's. Currently, that makes enough of a difference for us.

Nathan MacKinnon To lead the NHL in shots on goal

+350

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The other contenders to the throne include Brady Tkachuk and even Auston Matthews. For our Canadian friends, the question with Matthews is can he play enough games. A persistent wrist issue limited the sniper to 67 games in 2024-25. As for Tkachuk, he does so many things for Ottawa. Can he attempt enough shots?

What About Goalie Wins?

2026 NHL Stat Props ask what about goalie wins. Cue all the debates about goaltenders. For one, a team has to be good and the goaltender has to play enough. This is not the 1990's NHL where the man in net played 65,70, even 75 games regularly. See Martin Brodeur's games started sometime. Anyway, the more starts, the more likely a goalie can top the leaderboard in wins.

Connor Hellebuyck led the league in wins last season with 47 wins and typically starts around 60-65 games. Winnipeg may drop down a notch this year which could open the door. However, who may be as healthy as the Jets' netminder? That presents some considerable problems. Andrei Vasilevskiy has started 60+ games in three of the previous four campaigns but at 31, is age a concern?

Even Jake Oettinger has come close to leading the league in wins but does the pressure in Dallas get to him again? Sergei Bobrovsky may start slow in Florida while MacKenzie Blackwood is already injured in Colorado. A longer shot option may be in the cards as there remains uncertainty with Igor Shesterkin after a subpar season (only 27 wins). One risky pick may be Filip Gustavsson. If he can play around 60 times again, Minnesota has a lot to play for including a Kirill Kaprizov contract year. At +2500, he is worth a look.

Filip Gustavsson To lead the NHL in goalie wins

+2500

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Alas, teams like Los Angeles, Edmonton, and even Ottawa could have goaltenders in the mix here. However, the Kings and Oilers especially have shown volatility in the Pacific Division. Ottawa is still one of those teams that is capable of making the next step but can they?

Rookie Points For The Road?

2026 NHL stat props examine rookie points for the road. At some point, it is almost assumed that Ivan Demidov is going to be too much of a handful in the NHL. He got a taste of the league and played a couple games. Demidov notched his first goal and first assist. This figures to only be the beginning. At +200, this number may not last too long. He has 50-60+ point potential for Montreal in a Top 6 role. He adds a lot at even strength but more on the power play too.

Michael Misa and Isaac Howard are talents and should fare well in the NHL this season. However, even Misa is not quite on the same offensive talent level as Demidov...yet.

Ivan Demidov To lead NHL Rookies in points

+200

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