A lottery drawing was held among the 16 teams that did not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs to determine the first two selections.
Before we get to our picks for the NHL Draft, you should check out our list of the best NHL Draft bets you can make.
On May 8, the Chicago Blackhawks secured the coveted No. 1 pick, while the Anaheim Ducks obtained the No. 2 selection. The remaining teams were then ordered based on their regular-season NHL standings.
Picks 17-28 were determined by the outcomes of the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Non-division winners were ranked according to their regular-season point totals, followed by division winners.
Typically, there’s a market for who will be the top pick in a draft. However, this year there isn’t an opportunity to bet on the first pick. The oddsmakers have agreed that the Blackhawks are going to draft Connor Bedard.
Bedard has the potential to become the most exceptional prospect in the NHL since the selection of Connor McDavid as the No. 1 pick by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2015 NHL Draft.
Despite being only 17 years old, Bedard has consistently excelled at every level he has competed in, often being the youngest player on his team. His remarkable abilities make him a generational talent capable of propelling the Chicago Blackhawks back into contention for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
To begin betting, simply create an account and fund it using a payment method. You will want to act quickly to take advantage of the betting opportunities in the NHL playoffs.
Let’s examine the options for betting on the second pick in the NHL draft.
The 2nd Pick
The favorite is Adam Fantilli out of Michigan with odds at -1000 at Beonline to be the second pick.
 |  |  |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Fantilli | -1000 | -700 | -800 |
| Leo Carlsson | +550 | +600 | +550 |
| Will Smith | +1600 | +2500 | +2000 |
| Matvei Mitchkov | +2800 | +1600 | +1000 |
The selection of Fantilli by the Ducks is a foolproof choice. As a sizable and dominant center, he perfectly embodies the fiercely competitive player that GM Pat Verbeek envisions for his team.
While Leo Carlsson’s impressive stature, hockey IQ, and Matvei Michkov’s dynamic playmaking warrant consideration, Verbeek appears inclined to kickstart the team’s rebuilding process in the upcoming season with an individual who possesses exceptional skills and talent.
These first two picks seem like such a certainty there doesn’t seem to be much value available. I would pass on betting on Fantilli to be the second pick at -1000 odds at Betonline.
The 3rd Pick
We have to get to the third pick in the draft before there’s actually some competitive odds worth betting on.
The Blue Jackets hope that Carlsson’s impressive performance at the World Championships creates a significant dilemma for Anaheim. They hope it could potentially allow Adam Fantilli to fall to Columbus at No. 3.
Carlsson’s exceptional display in Europe, particularly his ability to excel against seasoned professional players, may give him an advantage over another highly skilled center, Will Smith, for the No. 3 spot.
This draft presents Jarmo Kekalainen and his team with the first crucial decision to make. It appears to be a choice between Carlsson and Smith. Undoubtedly, the Blue Jackets will not select winger Matvei Michkov for this pick.
It’s not solely due to Michkov’s contract situation in Russia but mainly because he does not play as a center. The struggles faced by the Blue Jackets in the 2022-23 season have put them in a position where they must address their long-standing issue of poor performance at the center ice position.
I would recommend betting on Leo Carlsson to be the pick at -175 odds at Betonline.
The 4th Pick
The odds get better for us when we get to the fourth pick. William Smith is the favorite to be the fourth pick at -140.
Smith has an extraordinary ability to significantly impact games, consistently delivering his best performances during crucial moments.
| | |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Will Smith | -140 | -140 | -140 |
| Leo Carlsson | +275 | +275 | +275 |
| Matvei Mitchkov | +450 | +450 | +450 |
| David Reinbacher | +475 | +475 | +475 |
His outstanding contributions were pivotal in securing the United States’ gold medal at the April 2023 IIHF Under-18 World Championship.
Leading the tournament with an impressive 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) in seven games, he equaled the U.S. record previously set by Jack Hughes at the 2019 event.
Standing at 6-foot and weighing 181 pounds, Smith has committed to playing at Boston College for at least one season, and despite the anticipation, he will undoubtedly prove to be well worth the wait.
Best Bet
The best bet for this NHL draft is William Smith to be the fourth overall pick at -140 on BetOnline.
Make sure to check out our sportsbook reviews so you can ensure which ones are safe. We will ensure we provide trustworthy information to make your betting choices.
