NHL Player Props & Best Bets for Today, January 3: Celebrini Will Have You Celebrating

Macklin Celebrini leads the way as today’s NHL player prop board delivers value across the slate.

Quinn Allen - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Quinn Allen • Betting Analyst
Jan 3, 2026 • 09:06 ET • 4 min read

This article contains projections for old games! See our best NHL player props today.

Latest NHL Props
San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini (71) celebrates his goal.
Photo By - Imagn Images. San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini (71) celebrates his goal.

The NHL schedule is loaded for January 3, creating plenty of opportunities in the player prop market. From shot volume to goal scorer and point props, tonight’s slate offers several mispriced numbers worth targeting.

Below, we break down the best NHL player props and bets for today, backed by matchup data, recent form, and market movement.

Best NHL player prop bets today

Player Bet99
Mammoth Macklin Celebrini Over 1.5 points +145
Mammoth Sebastian Aho Over 0.5 assists +125
Mammoth Sidney Crosby anytime goal +165

Get a first bet encore up to $800 — no BET99 promo code neededGet a first bet encore up to $800 with BET99 bonus code COVERSNHL.
(not available in Ontario)

Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account Add as a preferred source on Google

Our best NHL player props for Saturday, January 3

Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.

Prop #1: Macklin Celebrini Over 1.5 points

+145 at BET99

Macklin Celebrini is having a phenomenal season for the San Jose Sharks, and it’s even earned him a spot on the Team Canada Olympic roster. The Vancouver, BC native has 22 goals while tallying 40 assists, which ranks second in the entire NHL.

The 19-year-old is on a roll at the moment. He’s cashed the Over in points in three consecutive appearances, and all of those games were wins for the Sharks. Celebrini posted two points on Wednesday against the Minnesota Wild, and he also had three points two nights prior against the Anaheim Ducks. 

San Jose welcomes the Tampa Bay Lightning to town tonight, and Celebrini has 30 points in 21 home games. 

  • Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: The Spot, NBCSCA

Prop #2: Sebastian Aho Over 0.5 assists 

+125 at BET99

Sebastian Aho is one of the most important players on this Carolina Hurricanes roster, and he continues to prove why on a nightly basis. The Finnish star has collected 16 goals and 24 helpers in 2025-26, putting him well on track for another 60+ point season.

The 28-year-old is coming off a mammoth performance on Thursday, where he collected five points in a win over the Montreal Canadiens. Aho tallied three assists and scored twice. In fact, he’s cashed the Over in helpers in four of his last five outings.

During that span, Aho has six assists. He also has 17 of his assists at home, and the Canes welcome the Colorado Avalanche to Raleigh this evening. 

  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: FDSNSO, ALT

Prop #3: Sidney Crosby anytime goal

+165 at BET99

38 years old, no problem. Sidney Crosby is still putting up insane numbers. Crosby, who will represent Team Canada in the Olympics in February, has scored 23 goals and supplied 20 assists this season for the Pittsburgh Penguins

The legend just scored twice on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings, and the Pens will face them again this afternoon. He’s actually netted in back-to-back contests, also scoring on Tuesday in a victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. 

Crosby has scored 10 of his goals on the road in just 19 games as well. He’ll stay hot and notch No. 24. 

  • Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: ABC

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

Pages related to this topic

Quinn Allen - Covers
Betting Analyst

Quinn Allen is an experienced sports journalist from Vancouver, Canada who fell in love with sports by the time he could walk. He proceeded to play high-level baseball and soccer growing up and eventually played college baseball in the United States.

After his career ended, Quinn received his broadcast journalism degree from BCIT and has since written for many sports publications including ClutchPoints, Gino Hard, and RG, where he plies his trade as a writer and editor.

Quinn's favorite team is Chelsea FC and he'd like to watch a match at Stamford Bridge one day. He loves to bet on NBA player props and encourages others to bet responsibly and not chase losses.

Popular Content

Covers is verified safe by: Evalon Logo GPWA Logo GDPR Logo GeoTrust Logo Evalon Logo