Top 5 NHL Rookies to Watch Heading Into the 2024-2025 Season

Rookies can often be the X-factor when it comes to sports betting or even DFS in some instances.

These players are unpredictable, their potential is often not fully baked into betting lines, which can lead to massive value opportunities. 

Whether you’re placing player prop bets, betting on Calder Trophy odds, or including them in daily fantasy lineups, knowing which rookies are set to make an impact for the team is essential.

Here’s a look at five NHL rookies to watch in 2024-25, each with unique betting angles that we think make them worth your attention.

Logan Stankoven

• Position: Center/Right Wing
• Team: Dallas Stars
• Nationality: Canadien
• Calder Trophy Odds: +600

If you’re looking for a rookie to give you some immediate value in both betting and DFS hockey, Logan Stankoven should be near the top of your list.

Stankoven is already turning heads with his quick transition from the AHL to the NHL. After being recalled by the Dallas Stars late last season, he put up an impressive 14 points in 24 games, including six goals. That’s not too shabby for a rookie at this level.

Why does that matter for bettors? Stankoven’s role is already a big deal. His aggressive offensive play makes him a nice pick for goal and point prop bets.

The fact that Dallas is a contender in the West also means he’ll be surrounded by talent like Matt Duchene and Jason Robertson, which only increases his production potential. This makes him a solid option not just for single-game prop bets but also for season-long bets like rookie scoring leader or even the Calder Trophy.

A bet on Stankoven might not carry the longest odds, but his consistency and high floor make him a safer option when you’re looking for returns over the course of a season.

Macklin Celebrini

• Position: Center
• Team: San Jose Sharks
• Nationality: Canadien
• Calder Trophy Odds: +400

When a rookie is drafted first overall, expectations run high. No doubt. Macklin Celebrini is no exception. Coming off a record-breaking season at Boston University where he scored 64 points in 38 games, he’s not only a Calder Trophy favorite but also a potential cornerstone for the San Jose Sharks over the coming seasons.

For those betting on rookie props, Celebrini is an interesting play because his team situation may inflate his production.

The Sharks are in a rebuilding phase, meaning Celebrini will likely see significant ice time and power-play opportunities. This will undoubtedly boost his counting stats.

While betting lines will reflect his high potential, there’s a good chance he could outperform those expectations, especially in a weaker lineup where he’s relied upon to produce.

However, we also recommend that bettors be cautious. The Sharks’ overall struggles could hinder Celebrini’s plus/minus. This is a stat that is sometimes factored into player performance bets. If you’re targeting prop bets, focus more on his goals and points totals, which should shine even on a struggling team.

Matvei Michkov

• Position: Right Wing
• Team: Philadelphia Flyers
• Nationality: Russian
• Calder Trophy Odds: +400

Matvei Michkov is one of the most intriguing players in this year’s rookie class. Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers as #7 overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Michkov brings an electrifying offensive skillset to a team that could use a bit of a boost on that side of the ice.

His creativity to make something out of nothing makes him a threat every time he’s on the ice.

For sports bettors, Michkov is a bit of a boom-or-bust opportunity. His high-risk, high-reward playing style means he’s capable of putting up multi-point games, which makes him an appealing option for any time goalscorer bets or over/under prop bets on points.

The challenge? His unpredictability. Bettors love reliability and he’s just not that. He’s a player who could go through stretches of high production followed by quieter games, making him less consistent for season-long bets but a potential jackpot for single-game props.

The Flyers are also in a bit of a rebuild. So his overall numbers may not reach the heights of rookies on better teams. But if you’re someone who enjoys betting on value, Michkov’s less-than-optimal situation might mean softer betting lines which ultimately makes him a great under-the-radar pick.

Will Smith

• Position: Center
• Team: San Jose Sharks
• Nationality: American
• Calder Trophy Odds: +1000

The San Jose Sharks could have two potential stars on their hands with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. Smith, drafted 4th overall in the 2023 draft, has the potential to thrive as a top-six forward, and that kind of role early in his career makes him a player to watch for prop betting.

Smith’s strength really lies in his versatility. He can both set up plays and finish them. This makes him an excellent target for assists, points, and goal-scoring props.

What makes him really interesting from a betting perspective is that he won’t carry the same hype as Celebrini, meaning you might find better odds on his point or goal totals. We’re always looking for value in players like this.

As the Sharks continue to develop their younger players, Smith is set to benefit from the increased ice time and power-play opportunities a lot like Celebrini.

If you’re looking to bet on rookies but don’t want to bet on the obvious favorites, maybe find a bit of value in the lower-tier rookies, Smith is a great sleeper pick for prop bets and futures.

Cutter Gauthier

• Position: Left Wing
• Team: Anaheim Ducks
• Nationality: Swede
• Calder Trophy Odds: +750

Cutter Gauthier has been highly anticipated ever since he was drafted 5th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2022. But a recent trade to the Anaheim Ducks gives him a fresh start. He’s expected to play a significant role in their lineup.

Gauthier is already showing signs of becoming a top offensive threat as he’s posted 65 points in 41 games with Boston College. Obviously, this kid knows how to get the job done.

For bettors, Gauthier offers an interesting case because he’s stepping into a team that’s on the rise.

The Ducks have several young stars such as Leo Carlsson and Sam Colangelo, and Gauthier is likely to slot right into a top-six role. He’ll have plenty of scoring chances with the Ducks front half.

His versatility and ability to score clutch goals (he led the NCAA in game-winning goals last season) make him a solid pick for goal-scoring props and even game-winner bets.

Given his high average draft position in fantasy hockey, Gauthier is also a strong contender for Calder Trophy futures. While betting on him for the Calder might not have the longest odds, his upside and role in Anaheim make him a half-decent pick for those looking for value in season-long bets.

Watch These NHL Rookies for your Bets!

The 2024-25 NHL rookie class offers a lot of nice options for sports bettors.

Whether you’re betting on rookies to win the Calder Trophy, looking for value in some upcoming prop bets, or playing DFS, there are numerous ways to capitalize on the potential of these young stars.

Logan Stankoven offers steady, consistent production, while players like Matvei Michkov and Macklin Celebrini bring higher ceilings but slightly more risk.

As always, betting on rookies comes with some uncertainty you tend not to get anywhere else. But that’s part of the excitement. The potential for breakout games and season-long value makes them a fun and potentially profitable part of your NHL betting strategy.