The NHL returns with a massive 12-game slate on Thursday night, with first puck drop set for 7:00 p.m. ET. The Flames, Canadiens and Senators all played on Wednesday night and will be the only teams operating on zero days’ rest.
Below, I’ll go over my favorite NHL player prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday, January 8.
For up-to-date NHL betting information and data, check out both the DraftKings Sportsbook betting splits page and the DraftKings Sportsbook player props page!
Best NHL props for Thursday 1/8/26
Jack Quinn 1+ Point (+155)
Quinn has been held off the scoresheet in each of his last three outings, but tonight’s matchup against the Rangers is a perfect bounce-back spot. The Rangers sport an abysmal 5-10-4 record at home this season, while the Sabres have won seven of their last eight games on the road. Prior to this three-game skid, Quinn had recorded seven points across his previous eight games, primarily because his line, comprised of Zach Benson and Ryan McLeod, has been one of Buffalo’s most efficient lines. The three of them have garnered a 75% goal percentage across 14 games together this season, and Quinn ranks third on the team in points per 60 and fifth in 5v5 points per 60 across the last 10 games.
Nathan MacKinnon Anytime Goalscorer (-125)
This is the most-bet player prop on DraftKings Sportsbook for tonight’s slate, but I cannot fade the second-best hockey player on the planet against a Senators team that has been plagued by awful goaltending all season. MacKinnon and the Avalanche will likely be facing off against Mads Sogaard, who was recalled from the AHL this week and sports a career 3.55 GAA and .879 SV%. The Canadian leads the league in goals and has scored at least one goal in 12-of-19 home games this season. Among skaters with at least 200 minutes of ice time, MacKinnon ranks second in the NHL in 5v5 goals per 60, and the Senators rank 25th in 5v5 goals against per 60.
Shayne Gostisbehere 1+ Assist (-115)
The veteran defenseman has been an assist cash-cow for much of the season, especially at home; however, he has failed to tally an assist in each of the past three games. Tonight’s matchup against the Ducks, who lead the league in goals against per 60, is a great spot for Gostisbehere to return to his elite playmaking ways. He has 25 assists on the season and ranks first in the NHL among defensemen in 5v5 assists per 60. Gostisbehere should also see increased opportunities on the power play, and he recorded three assists in Carolina’s first meeting against Anaheim on Oct. 16.
