The NHL returns with a 12-game slate on Thursday night, with first puck drop scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. Below, I’ll go over my favorite NHL player prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook.
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 2/26/26
Brad Marchand 3+ Shots on Goal (-105)
Among all skaters with 175+ minutes of ice time, Marchand ranks 32nd in 5v5 shot attempts per 60 and 30th in 5v5 shots per 60. The 37-year-old has had an impressive campaign, and he draws an elite matchup against the Maple Leafs tonight. Toronto ranks first in shots allowed per game, and Marchand has been much more consistent when playing at home. He has averaged 3.1 shots per game at home this season, and he has cleared 3+ shots in seven of his last 10 home games. Marchand logged three shots in his first meeting with the Maple Leafs on Dec. 2, but he missed the mark in the most recent meeting on Jan. 6, due to an injury sustained in the second period.
Adam Fox 1+ Assist (-105)
Fox will return to the lineup after last playing on Jan. 5. The 28-year-old was productive when in the lineup, totaling four goals and 24 assists across 30 appearances, and his playmaking ability will be key for the club as it navigates its new life without Artemi Panarin. Among defensemen with 175+ minutes of ice time, Fox ranks fourth in assists per 60 and sixth in 5v5 assists per 60. The Rangers have been abysmal at home this season, averaging just 1.96 goals per game, but they draw a good matchup tonight against the Flyers, which should result in plenty of strong chances to score. Fox had recorded 11 assists across his previous 10 outings before his injury.
Nathan MacKinnon Anytime Goalscorer (+100)
I have a feeling we’re going to see an angry version of MacKinnon for the rest of the season, and it begins tonight against the Wild. He cooled off a bit in the goalscoring department prior to the Olympic break, but he has scored three goals across two meetings against Minnesota this season. Filip Gustavsson will start between the pipes for the Wild, and he has been solid with a 2.64 GAA and .906 SV%. However, he posted a 3.00 GAA and .891 SV% across his previous 10 outings before the break, so he’s certainly gettable, especially by a team like the Avalanche. MacKinnon is the league’s leading goalscorer for a reason, and he also ranks first in total 5v5 goals and fourth in 5v5 goals per 60.
