2026 Best NHL Second Half Futures To Bet On

By Adam Martin

Feb 23rd, 2026 11:32 AM EST

Connor McDavid (97) of Canada

With the Olympic Winter Games break over for the NHL, the top professional hockey league in the world returns this week for an exciting second half. With that being the case, we thought it was a great time to look ahead at some second-half future bets that have solid betting value.

Check out these NHL future bets to consider, with odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook .

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Stanley Cup Winner: Colorado Avalanche (+225)

The Colorado Avalanche have been the best team in the NHL all season long, and we see no reason to doubt them now. This team is absolutely stacked from top to bottom, with superstars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar leading the way. We also expect the Avs to make some trades ahead of the deadline and pick up some reinforcements and put them over the top. The Avs have as good a chance to win the Stanley Cup as anyone, and we like them at +225 odds.

Hart Memorial Trophy Winner: Connor McDavid (+1000)

Despite leading the league in scoring, Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid is currently +1000 to win the Hart Memorial Trophy. These betting odds seem way off to me, so we have to pounce and make a play on them. McDavid is the best player in the NHL and a three-time Hart Trophy winner, so to get him at 10-to-1 odds is a must-bet. I understand that Nathan MacKinnon, Macklin Celebrini, and Nikita Kucherov are all having great seasons. But McDavid is currently first in the NHL in points, and if he has a massive second half like he often does, I can absolutely see him surpassing these other superstars and becoming the Hart Trophy favorite.

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James Norris Memorial Trophy Winner: Cale Makar (-110)

Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche is the best defenseman in the NHL. He has already won two James Norris Memorial Trophies, including last year, and we think he will win it again this season. The Avalanche is the best team in the league, and Makar is their top defender. He is also one of the highest-scoring defensemen in the league. At near-even odds, we like this bet.

Jack Adams Award Winner: Lindy Ruff (+195)

Lindy Ruff of the Buffalo Sabres has to be one of the frontrunners to win the Jack Adams Award as the league’s top coach. Ruff currently has the Sabres in a playoff position, something this team hasn’t been in for 14 years. If the Sabres make the playoffs, we expect Ruff to get serious consideration for the Jack Adams Award. Voters love it when teams come out of nowhere to have a big season and create a feel-good story, making Ruff one of the top picks for this award.

Art Ross Trophy Winner: Connor McDavid (+155)

Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers currently leads the NHL in points, and we think he will still lead the league in points by the time the season is over, winning his sixth Art Ross Trophy in the process. You can get +155 odds on McDavid to win the Art Ross, and we like it for a wager.

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Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See http://BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

About the Author

Adam Martin

More About Adam

A writer based out of Toronto, Adam Martin has covered professional sports, with an emphasis on sports gambling, for more than a decade, writing for such outlets as The Toronto Star and Sportsnet. He is an expert in UFC, while also covering NHL betting and the Stanley Cup.

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