The NHL slate on October 7 is loaded with shot-happy forwards who make shots-on-goal props one of the easiest markets to find an edge in. Three names stand out above the rest: Kyle Connor, Bryan Rust, and Leon Draisaitl are all averaging heavy shot volume early this season, and each one lines up against a matchup that should let them keep piling pucks on net.

These aren’t speculative plays. All three are top-line players who see power-play time, heavy offensive-zone starts, and enough ice time to comfortably clear their shots-on-goal lines more often than not. Here’s why each one is worth backing tonight.

Kyle Connor Is Shooting at a Historic Clip

Kyle Connor (#81, LW) has been nothing short of dominant to start the Winnipeg Jets’ season. Through his first three games, Connor is averaging 6.7 shots on goal per night — more than double the typical shots-on-goal prop line of 3.5 that books have posted for him. He’s also riding an 8-goal, 12-point start, which tells you he’s not just shooting from the perimeter — he’s getting to dangerous areas and letting pucks fly from there.

Tonight’s matchup against the Colorado Avalanche only helps his case. The Avs are starting Scott Wedgewood, who enters with a modest .886 save percentage and 2.81 goals-against average this season. Connor logs heavy minutes on Winnipeg’s top power-play unit, and Colorado has already shown it can be had defensively, having allowed a combined 10+ goals across its first two games this year. With Connor hitting the over on his shots prop in every game so far this season, the volume here is about as close to a sure thing as the NHL props market offers.

Bryan Rust’s Return Sets Up a Shot-Hungry Night

Bryan Rust (#17, RW) is in line to make his season debut Wednesday night against the Washington Capitals after missing Pittsburgh’s first three games with an upper-body injury. He was a full practice participant Tuesday, skating on the third line and second power-play unit, and the Penguins’ own reporting has him trending toward being activated off injured reserve in time for puck drop.

A player coming back from a maintenance-style absence — not a long-term structural injury — often comes out aggressive in his first game back, looking to shake off the rust (pun intended) and re-establish his role. Rust is a career high-volume shooter for Pittsburgh, and Washington’s blue line has been shaky early, already conceding 6.5 combined goals per game in the first two contests of the young season. If Rust is confirmed in the lineup, expect him to get his shots up quickly to make an impression in his return. Always confirm his active status on your sportsbook’s lineup card before tonight’s puck drop, since his activation depends on final medical clearance.

Leon Draisaitl Remains an Elite Volume Shooter

Leon Draisaitl (#29, C) is averaging shots at a rate that’s made him one of the most reliable shots-on-goal plays in the league through the season’s first week, hitting the over on his shots prop in 19 of his last 20 outings dating back to last year. Tonight’s line sits at 3.5 shots on goal at +106, and Draisaitl’s role on Edmonton’s top power-play unit alone usually generates enough looks to clear that number comfortably.

The Oilers travel to Anaheim to face a Ducks team starting Devon Levi, who has a 4.02 goals-against average and a .810 save percentage through his first two appearances this season — clear signs of a goaltender still finding his footing. Edmonton’s top line sees heavy ice time regardless of score state, and Draisaitl in particular is the engine of that unit’s shot generation. Against a Ducks defense that’s already shown cracks, this is a spot where the Oilers’ star center should keep firing all night. For anyone still shopping lines across different books, our live NHL odds page is a quick way to compare before locking anything in.

Lock These In

All three of these plays come down to the same formula: high-volume shooters in good roles, facing goaltenders who haven’t given hockey fans much reason for confidence yet this season. Here’s the recap.

Shots-on-goal props reward volume and opportunity, and all three of these players have both working in their favor tonight. Check your preferred sportsbook for final lines before puck drop.