The NHL Draft Vegas odds appear each year and signal one of the most anticipated betting events for hockey fans. Unlike standard game wagers, NHL Draft odds open a unique market that can be confusing for newcomers—similar in style to NFL Draft betting, but focused on player selections and team decisions.
The 2026 NHL Draft will take place in June 2026, but odds for that event are not yet available. Check back closer to the draft date, or explore our partner offshore sportsbooks for early 2026 NHL Draft odds once they go live.
| NHL Draft 2026 - 1st Overall Pick |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| #Team 1 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| #Team 2 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| #Team 3 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| #Team 4 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| #Team 5 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| #Team 6 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| #Team 7 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
It’s worth noting that the term “Las Vegas odds” simply refers to the industry benchmark for betting lines. Vegas lines set the standard across sportsbooks and are widely respected throughout the sports gambling world. They serve as the reference point for futures and prop lines on major events, including the NHL Draft, signaling how oddsmakers across the market are valuing top prospects.
The NHL Draft itself is where teams select the best up-and-coming talent from junior, college, and international leagues. It’s a pivotal event that can reshape a franchise for years to come. For example, in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks made headlines by selecting Swedish center Anton Frondell with the third overall pick—an exciting move that immediately shifted NHL Draft odds across major sportsbooks and reignited conversations about Chicago’s rebuild.
If you miss out on the latest NHL Draft odds, you can still place wagers online from almost anywhere in the world. For those looking for the best NHL odds, check out our curated list of the best offshore betting sites. While Vegas odds remain the gold standard in the United States, offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline, Bovada, and MyBookie often post similar—and sometimes even earlier—NHL Draft lines leading up to the preseason draft.
Vegas Draft odds are an exciting period for bettors, as at this point in the season there are more prop bets available than any other time during the year. As well as prop bets there are NHL futures available, as the NHL draft odds come out almost as soon as the Stanley Cup winners are lifting the trophy from the previous season.
A variety of top-tier NHL betting sites offer a range of prop bets, as well as providing the odds and betting markets for other key events in the NHL calendar; like the NHL All-Star Game and NHL playoff odds.
A common misconception is that you can only wager on who wins the NHL Draft lottery. In reality, NHL Draft prop odds are among the most popular and entertaining betting lines of the year—and understanding how they work can help bettors find real value in the market.
Prop bets are simply special wagers offered around key events in the NHL calendar. During the Stanley Cup Playoffs, for instance, you might see props such as “Connor McDavid to score 2+ goals” or “Brad Marchand to record a penalty in the first period.” These bets add extra excitement to specific moments rather than focusing on game outcomes.
The same concept applies to the NHL Draft. With the 2026 NHL Draft scheduled for June 2026, sportsbooks will soon begin releasing prop markets tied to draft night. Common NHL Draft props include bets like “who will be selected first overall,” “which position will the first player drafted play,” or “how many defensemen will be taken in the top 10.” For example, a bettor might wager on whether a star offensive prospect will go first overall or if a defenseman will be picked instead—a type of market that often sees big odds swings in the weeks before the draft.
For those who can’t wait for the official lines to drop, NHL Draft odds simulators can help fans anticipate how things might unfold. These simulators use projected rankings and team needs to estimate draft outcomes, giving bettors early insights before the sportsbooks post their odds.
If you’re interested in exploring NHL Draft props, BetUS is a great starting point. The site regularly lists creative pre-season and futures markets, allowing bettors to get familiar with how sportsbooks handle these types of specialty NHL odds.
Alexis Lafreniere
The 2026 2026 NHL Draft is scheduled to take place in June 2026. At this time the exact dates have not yet been officially announced.
Is NHL Draft betting profitable?It can be—especially for bettors who know how to find value beyond the first overall pick. While wagering on the top selection rarely offers strong returns, betting on the 2nd or 3rd picks, or exploring specific NHL Draft prop bets, often provides better odds and more profitable opportunities.
Which is the best sportsbook for NHL Draft betting?With so many reputable sportsbook providers available, it’s impossible to name a single best sportsbook for the NHL Draft. Each platform offers unique advantages depending on your betting style and preferred markets. Our recommended list features top offshore sportsbooks like BetUS, BetOnline, Bovada, and MyBookie—all of which provide competitive NHL Draft odds, a wide range of prop markets, and reliable crypto-friendly payouts. Explore each option to find the one that best fits your betting approach.
Which team has the first pick in the 2026 NHL Draft?It is not yet determined which team will hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft—the draft order will only be finalized after the 2025-26 NHL season.
Is betting on the favorite a bad way to bet on the NHL Draft?This really depends on the NHL Draft each year. More often than not, the number one pick is the overwhelming favorite. This means that the odds are quite unfavorable for the bettor, while the second and third picks may be the better option.
Can you bet on the draft on FanDuel?Tes! If you’re looking to place NHL bets, FanDuel is an option in states where gambling is legal. However, many pro bettors tend to lean towards offshore sites due to their better odds and bonuses, making them a more favorable choice regardless of the state you’re in.
Are there any specific NHL draft betting tips for beginners?You can enhance your chances of success as a beginner by conducting thorough research on prospects, analyzing team needs and strategies, and monitoring draft trends. We also recommend that you stay up to date with the news and picks, mock drafts, and pre-draft analysis, which can give you valuable insights.
Are there any restrictions or regulations for NHL draft betting?There are no specific restrictions or regulations for NHL draft betting. You can bet on the draft through offshore sportsbooks in all states without legal issues. Offshore bookies offer certain benefits such as a wider range of NHL draft lines, various betting options, better odds, and bonuses.
How does NHL draft betting work?NHL draft betting is all about placing bets on different aspects of the NHL draft, like predicting the player order, betting on specific players for certain teams, or even exploring unusual niche betting markets.
What are the popular NHL draft betting markets?Popular NHL draft betting markets include predicting the first overall pick, betting on specific players to be selected within a certain range of draft positions (e.g., over/under draft position), wagering on the nationality of the first player chosen, and even betting on the number of players from a particular college or junior league to be drafted in the first round.
How can I stay updated with NHL draft news and information?To stay updated with NHL draft news and information, you can visit trusted sports news websites like Vegasbetting, which provide comprehensive coverage of NHL draft-related updates, including prospect profiles, mock drafts, and analysis. Additionally, following reputable sports journalists, insiders, and NHL team accounts on social media platforms such as Twitter can provide real-time updates. You should also tune into sports radio shows or podcasts that focus on hockey and draft-related topics.
