Betting on the NHL season is heating up, with familiar contenders and unexpected underdogs drawing heavy wagers as the league prepares for the new campaign. Traditional powerhouses remain top picks, but lesser-known teams and individual players are also attracting significant odds money, signaling shifting expectations. Analysts note that both team performance and player injuries could play outsized roles in shaping early betting trends. The mix of veteran reliability and rising talent is creating a dynamic market ahead of the first puck drop.

NHL betting storylines: Some usuals -- and some surprises -- getting big money ahead of the season  ESPN