There are only four games on the schedule Friday night, but there’s plenty of value on the board.
Headlined by Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews, let’s zero in on a few of my favorite targets with three NHL player props picks for October 24.
Best NHL player prop bets today
| Player |  |
|---|---|
 Auston Matthews Over 3.5 shots on goal |
-125 |
 Luke Hughes Over 0.5 points |
-130 |
 Nazem Kadri Over 0.5 points |
-150 |
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Our best NHL player props for Friday, October 24
Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.
Prop #1: Auston Matthews Over 3.5 shots on goal
Auston Matthews started the season with a one-shot performance against the Montreal Canadiens, which came with an empty net.
He has since taken his volume up several notches, averaging 4.6 shots on 8.3 attempts over the last six games. Matthews cleared his shot total four times, with one of the two unders coming against a strong New Jersey Devils squad off to a 6-1-0 start.
Matthews ranked Top-10 in shots on goal last season and is actually generating more shots and attempts per game this year. If not anything else, his shot volume has not decreased without Mitch Marner.
The shots should continue to be there Friday night against the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres are giving up the 3rd most shots per game to opposing centers. Matthews also has an exceptional track record against them, recording 4+ shots in seven of the past eight.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: SN1, ESPN+
Prop #2: Luke Hughes Over 0.5 points
Luke Hughes missed the entire preseason while waiting for a contract. It would’ve been natural for him to take some time to shake off the rust but we haven’t seen that at all.
He has five points through seven games, which is impressive considering six of those came against teams who qualified for the playoffs last year.
Hughes has done a great job of getting up in the play and driving the puck to the net. He ranks Top-20 among defensemen in shot attempts and scoring chances while only three blueliners have generated more high-danger opportunities.
There should be plenty of chances for Hughes to get involved against the San Jose Sharks. They rank dead last in shots as well as goals against.
Fatigue could be a factor as well as they were in action Thursday night, playing an overtime game against the Rangers.
The New Jersey Devils are massive favorites and their 3.5 team total is heavily juiced to the Over. If they score in bunches, as expected, Hughes is likely to get involved.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: SN+, MSGN, NBCSCA
Prop #3: Nazem Kadri Over 0.5 points
The Winnipeg Jets rank 3rd in goals against this season but don’t let that fool you: they are not defending very well.
They have allowed 28.03 expected goals through seven games. That is one of the worst outputs in the league and miles above the 17 goals they’ve conceded in reality.
While outperforming expectations is par for the course for Connor Hellebuyck, the reigning Vezina winner won’t be between the pipes Friday.
Manning the crease will be Eric Comrie, who owns a pedestrian .899 save percentage through 78 career NHL appearances.
He is much less likely to mask the mistakes made in front of him, giving the Calgary Flames a better chance of cashing in.
Centering the top line and No. 1 power play unit, Nazem Kadri is as likely as anybody to benefit.
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: SNF, TSN3, ESPN+
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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