The NHL Draft isn’t just about rebuilding rosters. It’s also a solid opportunity for bettors who are following scouting reports, lineup needs, and last-minute intel. With player props, draft position lines, and top-pick markets on the board, there’s a lot to work with.

Here’s how NHL Draft betting works, with real 2025 examples from the current market.

Check out all the 2025 NHL Draft betting odds here. 

Draft Position Over/Unders

This market lets you bet on whether a player will be selected earlier (under) or later (over) than a set position.

Example: Brady Martin Draft Position

• Over 6.5 (+125)
• Under 6.5 (-160)

If Martin is picked sixth or earlier, the under hits. If he’s selected seventh or later, the over cashes.

Other examples:

• Victor Eklund Over 12.5 (-143) / Under 12.5 (+115)
• Cole Reschny Over 18.5 (-175) / Under 18.5 (+135)
• Carter Bear Over 14.5 (-149) / Under 14.5 (+115)
• Caleb Desnoyers Over 4.5 (+135) / Under 4.5 (-175)

Keep an eye on movement. A single credible report linking a team to a player can shift these odds quickly.

To Be a Top 5 or Top 10 Pick

This is a yes or no bet on whether a player gets drafted within the top five or top ten.

Top 5 Odds:

• Caleb Desnoyers: -500
• Porter Martone: -150
• Brady Martin: -145
• James Hagens: +100
• Jake O’Brien: +500
• Roger McQueen: +700

Top 10 Odds:

• Brady Martin: -1700
• Jake O’Brien: -1250
• Roger McQueen: -275
• Radim Mrtka: -250
• Victor Eklund: +200
• Kashawn Aitcheson: +200

These are useful markets for players expected to go in the 6 to 12 range. You can often find better value here than on strict over/under positions.

To Be a First Round Pick

This market covers whether a player will be taken in the top 32 picks.

Examples:

• Will Horcoff: -840
• Daniil Prohorov: -400
• Bill Zonnon: -350
• Milton Gastrin: -335

The prices suggest the market expects all of these players to go late in the first round, but nothing is locked in. Draft boards vary from team to team, and late trades or runs on a position can shift things quickly.

Exact Pick Markets

If you have a strong read on a specific team’s preference or draft order, you can bet on the exact pick a player will be selected at.

Odds to Go 2nd Overall:

• Michael Misa: -285
• Anton Frondell: +175
• Caleb Desnoyers: +2000
• James Hagens: +3000
• Porter Martone: +3000
• Jake O’Brien: +5000

Odds to Go 3rd Overall:

• Anton Frondell: -225
• Michael Misa: +200
• Porter Martone: +800
• Caleb Desnoyers: +950
• James Hagens: +1500
• Brady Martin: +2000

These are volatile markets. If a team trades up or down, or changes direction in the final hours, these numbers can shift fast. Use them if you’ve got a specific scenario in mind or want to take a long shot.

NHL Draft Betting Tips

• Skip the final mock. Most mocks are outdated before they’re even posted.
• Follow the movement. Sharp action often shows up first in position or top 10 markets.
• Be selective. Stick to a few names you’ve tracked and avoid spreading your bankroll across too many uncertain plays.

The NHL Draft is a sneaky-good spot for smart betting. Between intel leaks, team fit analysis, and fast-moving markets, there’s real upside if you’re prepared. Draft night itself is unpredictable, but if you’ve done your homework, you’ll know where to strike.