The 2025-26 NHL season continues on Thursday with a loaded 14-game slate.
My NHL player props target three players to find the back of the net, two from the Blackhawks vs. Bruins game.
Read on for my NHL picks for October 9.
Best NHL player prop bets today
Nazar anytime goal 
MacKinnon anytime goal
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Our best NHL player props for Thursday, October 9
Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.
Prop #1: Frank Nazar anytime goal
Kicking off Thursday’s NHL slate is a matchup between the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks. Boston enters on the second half of a back-to-back, meaning its defensive corps could be a bit sluggish early.
Furthermore, with Jeremy Swayman starting last night, the Bruins will turn to backup goaltender Joonas Korpisalo. Over his final 15 starts last season, Korpisalo posted a 4-7-2 record with a .885 SV% and 3.30 GAA.
Meanwhile, Chicago’s Frank Nazar looks to build on his two-point, one-goal effort in the season opener against the Florida Panthers. Boston is a more favorable opponent defensively, and dating back to the preseason, Nazar has now scored five goals over his past four games.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: CHSN, NESN
Prop #2: Connor Bedard anytime goal
Another Chicago skater to target Thursday is Connor Bedard. Despite not finding the scoresheet in Tuesday’s opener, Bedard played well and generated the most scoring chances on the team.
He finished with two shots on goal and 22 minutes of ice time. That figure excludes his unregistered shot that rang off the bar in the first period and was just an inch away from going in.
Bedard finished first among all Chicago forwards in expected goals and shot attempts, and given how much faster he looked compared to last season, No. 98 is poised to find the back of the net sooner rather than later.
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: CHSN, NESN
Prop #3: Nathan MacKinnon anytime goal
Speaking of generational talents, Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche look to move to 2-0 as they host the Utah Mammoth. MacKinnon recorded two assists in Tuesday’s opener but, like Bedard, failed to score.
However, he led all Colorado forwards in shot attempts, and with his elite shooting ability, he’s likely to convert one of those chances soon.
This matchup against Utah could provide that opportunity, given that goaltender Karel Vejmelka is slated to start for the Mammoth. Vejmelka struggled mightily in the preseason, surrendering three or more goals in each of his two starts while posting a .767 SV%.
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
- Where to watch: Utah16, ALT
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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