It's a busy 13-game slate across the National Hockey League tonight, and my NHL player props analysis has identified immense value in various markets.
I'm targeting Clayton Keller to stay busy offensively, while Sidney Crosby is in a prime position to pot another helper. I also expect Leon Draisaitl to hit the back of the net in Edmonton.
Read more in my NHL picks for Saturday, Oct. 3.
Today's best NHL player prop picks
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
| Pick |  Probability |
|---|---|
 Keller Over 2.5 shots on goal |
54% |
 Crosby Over 0.5 assists |
54% |
 Draisaitl anytime goal |
50% |
Percentages courtesy of Novig, one of the best prediction market apps.
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Prop pick #1: Clayton Keller Over 2.5 shots on goal
Play up to 60%.
Clayton Keller was brilliant as the Utah Mammoth hammered the Chicago Blackhawks 6-0, notching two assists and registering four shots on goal. I expect Keller to be busy again tonight as Utah visits the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Last season, he was one of Utah's most frequent shooters. Keller averaged 2.74 SOG per game and also generated 2.85 unblocked shot attempts per game at 5-on-5, ranking second on the Mammoth with 234 iFF.
With a prominent even-strength role and additional opportunities on PP1, Keller should continue to generate plenty of volume. Over 2.5 SOG is a very manageable number for Utah's captain.
- Matchup: Mammoth vs Blue Jackets
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
- TV: ESPN+
Prop pick #2: Sidney Crosby Over 0.5 assists
Play up to 58%.
Pittsburgh Penguins legend Sidney Crosby finished with 45 helpers last season, and he picked up right where he left off in the opener. Crosby registered an assist in Pittsburgh's blowout win over Philly, and I expect him to be involved offensively again tonight against the Montreal Canadiens.
"Sid the Kid" notched two helpers in three meetings with the Habs a season ago, and Pittsburgh consistently created offense with him on the ice. At 5-on-5, the Penguins generated 29.84 scoring chances and 3.10 expected goals per 60 minutes during Crosby's minutes last season.
Add in his prominent role on PP1, and Crosby should have plenty of opportunities to set up another goal tonight.
- Matchup: Canadiens vs Penguins
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
- TV: ESPN+
Goal scorer pick: Leon Draisaitl
Play up to 55%.
Leon Draisaitl was electric in the season opener, potting two goals in a 9-7 victory for the Edmonton Oilers over the Vancouver Canucks. He also registered five SOG and was consistently involved in Edmonton’s attack.
The German superstar will face the Seattle Kraken tonight, and Draisaitl scored twice in three meetings with them last season. He also posted the highest shooting percentage on the Oilers in 2025-26, highlighting just how efficiently he converted his chances.
With his shot volume already strong to begin the year, Draisaitl is firmly in the mix to find the net again tonight.
- Matchup: Kraken vs Oilers
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB
- TV: NHL Network
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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