In this article, Canada Sports Betting’s Nick Martin breaks down the two best NHL player prop picks that provide value at online sportsbooks today (4/2/26).
These player prop guides enter Thursday’s slate up +10.07 units across 161 selections this season, after a frustrating split on Wednesday’s card. We will look to get things moving in the right direction Thursday with our pair of props targeting Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk in a huge spot on home ice, and Cole Hutson to bounce back after the worst performance of his young career for the Washington Capitals.
Check out today’s best NHL player prop bets below and tail my picks at any of the top NHL betting sites in Canada.
Brady Tkachuk Over 3.5 Shots on Goal: -140
Tkachuk over 3.5 SOG
After a horrific loss on Tuesday versus the Florida Panthers, the Ottawa Senators will return home desperate to snap a three-game losing skid when they host the Buffalo Sabres.
It feels pretty dicey to count on a strong start from Linus Ullmark right now, while Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson’s absences on the blue line are also concerning. My expectation is that the Senators bring a spirited effort in this matchup led by their captain, but that the Sabres hang around and keep things close, which would set a strong game script for our first player prop.
The Sabres have been in better form defensively of late after leaning heavily upon incredible goaltending for much of their sensational second half, but they have played against a notably soft schedule of late featuring few teams that typically generate much quantity in terms of shots on goal.
The Senators’ second line of Tkachuk, Dylan Cozens, and Ridly Greig holds a 63% expected goal share and has generated 3.48 xGF/60 across 258.5 minutes of play this season. They should receive hefty usage in this matchup and receive some winnable matchups on home ice versus a Sabres side that still does not seem to be a defensive juggernaut.
Tkachuk has attempted 19 shots and registered 11 on goal over the last three games, and this critical spot feels like a good time to back him offering an inspired performance in which he records at least four shots on target.
Cole Hutson Over 0.5 Assists: +230
Hutson to record an assist
Throughout a tough schedule of play over the last five games, the Washington Capitals are 3-1-1 and have averaged 4.00 goals per game. They are now somewhat live in the ultra-competitive Eastern Conference playoff race once again, and it does feel as though the insertion of top prospect Cole Hutson has invigorated the team of late.
Hutson has recorded four assists over the last five games, and his ability to open up passing lanes with his excellent mobility already looks likely to consistently provide a strong offensive impact at the NHL level.
There is a real concern regarding this prop in terms of potential usage, as Hutson had a poor showing versus the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, and was benched for the third period after some ugly defensive lapses. However, at Thursday’s morning skate, Hutson remained alongside Matt Roy, as well as on the team’s second power-play unit.
If head coach Spencer Carbery intended to use Hutson quite sparingly, he likely would not pair him with Roy, who is a critical right side defender for the team. The expectation is that Hutson will see a regular shift in the first period in this matchup and he is capable of offering a bounce-back performance and will then ultimately receive far more minutes than he played on Tuesday.
With that in mind, a price of +230 for Hutson to record an assist looks to be an appealing price considering the excellent offensive upside he has already displayed at the NHL level.
Particularly as Thursday’s matchup features a high total of 6.5, and the New Jersey Devils have allowed 3.50 goals against per game over the last 10 matchups.
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