The NHL Draft is more than a moment for rebuilding teams—it’s also where future value starts to form for bettors. While some rookies need time to make an impact, others are built to contribute immediately. That makes tracking NHL draft selections a smart move for anyone following NHL betting news or shaping early-season futures predictions.
This year’s class includes elite skaters, high-IQ centers, and physical defensemen. All of these players with the potential to shift the outlook for their new teams. Let’s take a closer look at which players are positioned to impact NHL betting predictions heading into the season.
Top Five Impactful Draft Picks This Season
These five NHL draft picks are poised to make an immediate impact on the ice—and on futures betting markets—as the new season begins.
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Matthew Schaefer: Two-Way Value for New York
Matthew Schaefer, projected to join the Islanders, is widely seen as the top player in this year’s class. Despite missing time due to injury, his early-season form showed why. He’s an elite skater, has offensive upside, and can play in all situations—penalty kill, power play, and even-strength.
He’s already drawn comparisons to top-tier defensemen for his combination of size (6’2″, 183 pounds) and mobility. For the Islanders, a team that often plays tight defensive hockey, Schaefer could be a perfect fit. His presence may improve team defense, which can influence goal totals and team performance props in early matchups.
From a futures betting perspective, keep an eye on how quickly Schaefer earns minutes. If he’s on the top pair or quarterbacking a power play, he becomes a valuable name in rookie scoring markets.
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Michael Misa: Reshaping San Jose’s Offense
San Jose has a clear need for scoring, and Michael Misa may help solve it. He dominated the CHL with 134 points in just 65 games. His ability to create space and finish plays under pressure makes him one of the most polished offensive players in the draft.
Misa doesn’t just rack up goals. He wins face-offs, leads by example, and has shown consistency in both even-strength and special teams play. His power-play production stands out, including 21 goals with the man advantage.
If he slots in next to Macklin Celebrini, San Jose’s rebuild could move faster than expected. That creates potential value in season win totals or player-related prop markets. For bettors tracking NHL betting insights, Misa’s early deployment could signal where to find upside.
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Anton Frondell: Grit and Speed in Chicago
Anton Frondell isn’t flashy, but he’s built for playoff hockey. The Swedish forward is physical, relentless on the forecheck, and smart with the puck. Scouts describe him as a “military tank,” and that intensity makes him hard to ignore.
Playing in Sweden’s second-tier league, Frondell still managed 25 points in 29 games and helped Djurgarden earn promotion. He’s expected to spend one more season overseas, but his upside is worth noting for long-term futures bets.
With Connor Bedard already leading the rebuild in Chicago, Frondell’s future arrival could complete a dangerous 1-2 punch. That long view matters for anyone evaluating team trajectory bets or rookie performance pools heading into the following season.
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Caleb Desnoyers: A Game-Changer for Utah
Utah is assembling one of the most exciting young cores in the NHL. Adding Caleb Desnoyers to that mix gives the team another two-way weapon. He dominated the QMJHL playoffs, winning MVP with 30 points in 19 games and proving he can carry a team under pressure.
Desnoyers is more than a scorer. He matches up against top lines, wins puck battles, and stays composed in tight spots. That’s the type of profile that fits well into NHL systems quickly.
If he joins the opening-night roster, expect him to appear in player props related to points, ice time, or head-to-head matchups. Teams like Utah, which are rising but not yet favorites, often carry more value in early-season betting.
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James Hagens: Playmaking Depth for Philadelphia
James Hagens has experience beyond his years. At 18, he starred in the World Juniors and played top-line minutes for Team USA. He’s strong in his own zone, wins face-offs, and sets the tempo.
Philadelphia, holding multiple first-round picks, may see Hagens as a ready-to-play option. While he’s not the biggest forward, his hockey sense and speed allow him to make plays others can’t.
Hagens’ impact could show up in team props and game totals. If he drives possession and adds stability down the middle, Philadelphia could exceed projections in the early months of the season.
Tracking Talent That Might Move the Needle
Not every pick will crack the roster right away. Several players in this class could enter the NHL sooner than expected, especially if injuries or roster moves open doors. That’s where NHL betting insights come into play—spotting names before they hit highlight reels.
These players may start in junior or overseas leagues, but they carry value in long-term betting strategies or next-season futures:
- Jake O’Brien: A skilled passer with OHL Rookie of the Year honors, possibly joining Boston,
- Porter Martone: A power forward with leadership qualities, known for strong play in traffic,
- Radim Mrtka: A towering defenseman with upside as a puck-mover, just starting to find his ceiling.
Why Bettors Should Watch the Draft Board Closely
The NHL Draft isn’t just about roster building. It’s about spotting potential value before it becomes obvious. Bettors who track player movement can better assess team depth, power-play trends, and overall chemistry. A strong draft class can affect:
- Rookie scoring props,
- Team points and win totals,
- Calder Trophy odds,
- Head-to-head player matchups.
Teams that integrate new talent quickly may outperform early expectations. That’s especially important in the first six weeks of the season, when oddsmakers are still adjusting.
This year’s draft is filled with prospects who can contribute right away or reshape their teams’ direction. Tracking them closely opens new angles for bettors looking beyond standard lines.
Explore Player Markets Before the Season Starts
For those exploring future lines, player milestones, or first-year performance markets, FanDuel offers one of the most detailed views of current and upcoming draft talent. Their NHL draft picks page highlights team selections, market updates, and player-specific insights that help bettors make informed decisions.
This resource is useful during the preseason, when player roles begin to solidify and sportsbooks release more detailed markets. Those paying attention to depth charts and training camp buzz can act early, before pricing reflects the hype.
One Move Can Shift the Odds
In a league defined by depth, skating speed, and systems, even a single draft pick can tilt a team’s potential. A player like Matthew Schaefer or Michael Misa may not just make the roster—they could drive scoring, change line combinations, and alter betting outcomes.
Futures betting often rewards early research. The NHL Draft, packed with elite skaters, skilled playmakers, and physical defensemen, offers the first look at what’s coming. For fans and bettors alike, this year’s class is worth following all the way through to opening night.
