The NHL playoffs are upon us, and sports betting enthusiasts are gearing up for some exciting wagering opportunities. The top contenders for the Conn Smythe Trophy include Connor Hellebuyck, Nathan MacKinnon, and Connor McDavid, but some underdogs like Nikita Kucherov and Alex Ovechkin are also worth a look for value bets. The Winnipeg Jets, despite their Presidents' Trophy win, have been marked as a risky choice for a deep playoff run due to inconsistent performance. In the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning are favorites, while the Toronto Maple Leafs, long seen as playoff underachievers, may finally have a favorable path. The Western Conference is headlined by the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche, with the Stars positioned as strong contenders because of their impressive lineup.

The 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off with 16 teams vying for the most coveted trophy in sports, featuring a blend of elite talent and exciting matchups. Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning stands out as a key player, having led the league in points this season. Meanwhile, Auston Matthews is crucial for the Toronto Maple Leafs, with the team aiming to overcome a historical playoff drought. The Florida Panthers, facing depth issues, acquired Brad Marchand to bolster their lineup. Iconic scorer Alex Ovechkin, even at 39, remains a formidable presence for the Washington Capitals. The Carolina Hurricanes will rely on Sebastian Aho, while the New Jersey Devils' hopes hinge on goalie Jacob Markstrom following Jack Hughes' injury. Players like Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators and Lane Hutson of the Montreal Canadiens could also play vital roles as the tournament unfolds.

Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning has once again proven he is among the elite in the NHL, winning his third Art Ross Trophy after leading the league in scoring for the 2024-25 season with 121 points. This achievement marks his second consecutive win, solidifying his status as one of only ten players to have won the award three or more times. Kucherov's performance included high marks in both assists and advanced metrics, such as power-play points.

On the goal-scoring front, Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers captured the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy, scoring 52 goals in just 71 games. This season's performance was particularly notable as he consistently led the league in goals, demonstrating his ability to find the back of the net even in limited appearances. Draisaitl’s standout stats illustrate his scoring prowess, especially in clutch situations.

The 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs are set to kick off on April 19, with the Winnipeg Jets holding the top overall seed, thanks to their impressive 56-22-4 record and 116 points. The Washington Capitals secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, finishing strong with 111 points.

This year’s playoff format showcases intense first-round matchups, including the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Ottawa Senators, where leading scorers Mitch Marner and Tim Stutzle will be pivotal. The Tampa Bay Lightning will face off against the Florida Panthers in another thrilling contest. The Capitals will meet the Montreal Canadiens, while the Carolina Hurricanes square off against the New Jersey Devils.

In the Western Conference, the Jets will battle the St. Louis Blues, with Kyle Connor's stellar performance being crucial for the Jets, while the Dallas Stars will go against the Colorado Avalanche. The playoffs promise to be filled with excitement as teams vie for the coveted Stanley Cup.

As the 2024-25 NHL season approaches its conclusion, fantasy hockey managers are already eyeing potential first-round selections for the upcoming 2025-26 draft. High-profile players like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon remain top choices despite injury concerns and fluctuating performance. McDavid, a perennial point leader, is expected to continue his dominance, while MacKinnon's impressive assist totals make him a strong candidate for a significant bounce-back year.

Leon Draisaitl and Nikita Kucherov are also poised to make waves, with their consistent point production keeping them in the first-round conversation. Draisaitl's versatility adds to his appeal, while Kucherov's three-season health streak boosts his stock significantly. Other notable mentions include Auston Matthews, who may provide excellent value if he falls in drafts, and Cale Makar, who remains the top defenseman due to his scoring ability and all-around game.