NHL Player Props & Picks: Saturday (10/17)

The NHL is back with a sprawling 14-game slate on tap for Saturday’s board. As a result, ample opportunities abound in the player prop betting markets.

I’ll be fading select players currently in slumps or facing a stout opponent. During last Saturday’s edition, we went 2-1 for a profitable outing, cashing Under 0.5 Points on Filip Hronek and Rickard Rakell.

Let’s keep cashing tickets. Follow me on X @Matt_MacKay for more betting analysis and free picks.

Saturday’s Best NHL Player Prop Bets

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Gabriel Vilardi Under 0.5 Points (-120)

The Jets’ second-line forward and top powerplay contributor has been quiet lately. Vilardi has 1 point in his past 5 starts for Winnipeg.

Now, Vilardi faces Pyotr Kochetkov in the net for Carolina. The Hurricanes’ netminder has held every opponent he’s faced to 2 or fewer goals.

This matchup creates difficult scoring conditions for a player like Vilardi, who is in a bit of a drought right now. Bet on Vilardi’s Under 0.5 Points at -120 odds.

Gage Goncalves Under 0.5 Points (-145)

Gage Goncalves has not been productive for the Lightning in 2026. He’s still searching for his first point of the season, while Goncalves has logged just 3 SOG in his previous 5 starts.

Tonight, Goncalves and the Lightning face a porous Canucks defense. While it’s likely going to result in a flurry of Tampa Bay goals, Goncalves’ play has been lackluster at best.

Vancouver is expected to start Leevi Meriläinen in net, who has been playing better than Kevin Lankinen, posting a 2.51 GAA and a .926 save percentage. This

Chris Kreider Under 0.5 Points (-125)

Chris Kreider is still settling into his new role with the Canadiens. The veteran forward arrived this offseason, after a 50-point season in Anaheim.

So far, it’s been a slow start for Kreider. He has 4 points, including 1 goal, all of which came in a 2-game stretch on October 3rd and October 6th.

Since then, Kreider has been held without a point in 4 straight starts. Montreal features him on their second attack line and first powerplay unit, so he’s getting solid ATOI exposure.

Buffalo netminder Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has also been bad to start 2026. However, this has created value on Kreider’s Under 0.5 Points player prop at -125 odds.