2023 NHL Draft: OddsChecker Complete Betting Guide for the NHL Draft

2023 NHL Draft: OddsChecker Complete Betting Guide for the NHL Draft

The Vegas Golden Knights were crowned Stanley Cup Champions earlier this month, and since then the attention has turned to the 2023 NHL Draft, as teams look to build for the future.

The Chicago Blackhawks won the Draft Lottery in May and in turn the rights to draft Connor Bedard, and that is expected to be a formality later today.

Whatever happens on this special night in the NHL, OddsChecker has all of the best odds, promos, and predictions for the big night, and you should read on to learn more about betting on the 2023 NHL Draft.

Preview and Predictions for the 2023 NHL Draft

The #1 pick is all but confirmed, there would have to be some sort of Kevin Costner/Sony Weaver from Draft Day magic to prevent the Chicago Blackhawks from taking Connor Bedard at #1.

So far it looks like Adam Fantilli will follow at #2 but there has been a noticeable drift in his price today, from -600 up to -310, and maybe just maybe, the Anaheim Ducks are taking a second look at Leo Carlsson in this spot.

If the first two picks go as expected with Bedard and Fantilli, it will then be between Carlsson and Will Smith at #3, with the latter a +210 shot to be picked third overall, as the buzz continues to build around this young sensation.

What is for sure, is that Connor Bedard is going to go early, almost certainly with the #1 pick, and sportsbooks are so confident that is the case, they are not even taking money on his draft position.

Let's look into the odds for the 2nd pick right the way thru to the 5th pick, to see who else will fill out the top 5 picks in the NHL Draft.

NHL Draft Betting Odds: Common Betting Lines

The NHL Draft isn't quite as big as the NBA Draft, and that is reflected in there being fewer markets available to bet on.

Sportsbooks are not taking odds on Connor Bedard going to the Chicago Blackhawks at #1. so it is picks 2 thru 5 that you will be betting on tonight.

Here are the latest odds for the top 5 picks in the NHL Draft tonight.

Second Overall Pick Odds

Adam Fantilli looked a certainty in the build-up to go in this spot, but as the pick draws closer, it looks like the Anaheim Ducks are considering Leo Carlsson, or at least that is what the odds suggest.

Let's look at the most likely candidates for the #2 pick.

• Adam Fantilli (-310)
• Leo Carlsson (+170)
• Matvei Machkov (+2400)
• Will Smith (+3300)

The odds still suggest Fantilli will go at #2 even with a late odds drift, and his current odds of -310 suggest there's a 75.6% chance he is drafted in the #2 spot.

Third Overall Pick Odds

So the Blackhawks have taken Bedard, and the idea is that the Anaheim Ducks will have taken Adam Fantilli at #2. The odds on the latter do seem to be drifting, and there is a growing idea that Leo Carlsson could go 2nd. If that is the case, Adam Fantilli would likely go in this spot, and the Blue Jackets would love that scenario.

If Fantilli does go at #2, let's look at the likeliest draft pick for the Blue Jackets.

• Leo Carlsson (-240)
• Will Smith (+210)
• Adam Fantilli (+300)

It is very unlikely that the Blue Jackets look past this trio of skaters, with Leo Carlsson still the most likely to be available at this stage. If he is not, that would suggest Fantilli was still around, in which case the Blue Jackets will likely take him over Will Smith. This has the potential to be a really interesting pick as the event draws closer, especially if the Ducks get cold feet taking Fantilli at #2.

Fourth Overall Pick Odds

The San Jose Sharks are obviously going to have to react to what happens in picks 1-3, and whilst the odds suggest Bedard, Fantilli, and Leo Carlsson will be off the board, there is a chance the latter is still here.

There is some buzz around Will Smith going #3, so the Sharks may be able to take Carlsson at #4 if they so wish.

Below are the current 4th Overall Pick odds for the 2023 NHL Draft

• William Smith (-160)
• Leo Carlsson (+200)
• Matvei Michkov (+500)
• David Reinbacher (+900)
• Ryan Leonard (+1600)
• Adam Fantilli (+1600)

The Sharks would love it if Fantilli was still available at this point, but that seems like a pipe dream that we can rule out at +1600. Ultimately it will probably come down to who is remaining out of Will Smith and Leo Carlsson in this spot.

The odds suggest Carlsson will be gone by this point.

Fifth Overall Pick Odds

The Montreal Canadiens currently hold the 5th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and at this stage are currently looking likely to draft, Ryan Leonard.

Here is a look at the odds for the 5th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft from DraftKings

• Ryan Leonard (+175)
• David Reinbacher (+200)
• Matvei Michkov (+225)
• Will Smith (+550)
• Dalibor Dvorsky (+900)
• Zach Benson (+2000)

This pick is certainly going to depend a lot on what happens in picks 1 thru 4. If for some reason, Will Smith falls to this point, you would have to think the Canadiens would take him, and whilst they are reportedly not as keen on Matvei Michkov, he would be in the mix too.

Right now, Ryan Leonard is the frontrunner for the 5th overall pick, and at odds of +175, there is a 36.4% implied probability of him being drafted here.

How to Bet on the NHL Draft FAQs

When Does the NHL Draft Start?

The first round of the 2023 NHL Draft will take place tonight and will start at 7 pm EST.

The Chicago Blackhawks, who won the draft lottery and the chance to draft Connor Bedard back in May, are expected to draft Bedard shortly after programming starts at 7 pm EST.

How Can I Watch the NHL Draft?

There are several ways to keep tabs on the NHL Draft, but if you want to watch it live in its entirety, you will need to follow along on one of the broadcasts below.

• TV Channel: ESPN
• Stream: ESPN app, ESPN+, Fubo

After today's first round, you will also be able to catch the remaining rounds on NHL Network.