7 2024 NHL Playoffs Team Future Bets to Make or Avoid Using DraftKings' Odds

We're halfway through the NHL season, and the playoff picture is getting clearer by the day. This doesn't mean anything is even remotely set in stone, though, and I'll remind you of last season's post All-Star break bubble race in the East to drive that point home.

Often, the best time to place a bet is in this window where we have context, enough data, and a grasp on trends, but the odds are still fluctuating. DraftKings' Team Future odds—particularly to make the playoffs—are super enticing right now for this reason.

Taking the odds, team and conference circumstances, and vibes into consideration, here are seven teams you should or shouldn't make a future bet on right now.

Line: Yes -750, No +550

After the crisis that ensued due to the Leafs losing three in a row (hockey hub of the world gonna hockey hub of the world), the Buds are back on track via Auston Matthews hat trick and a grindy, come-from-behind win over the Flames. This has impacted their playoff odds pretty dramatically, as they've jumped more than one team in the standings and now sit in a more concrete playoff spot at No. 3 in the Atlantic.

Look, the Leafs struggle with getting out of the first few rounds, but you can generally count on them making the playoffs. The odds reflect reality, here, especially after a win. If you're dying to bet on their playoff odds for whatever reason, wait until they lose two or more in a row again and bet on them to still make it. Otherwise, this one isn't really worth it—you don't make a ton of money betting yes, and "No" is extremely unlikely.

Verdict: Leaf—haha—it alone.

Line: Yes -170, No +140

What an unexpected, absolute vibe these Philadelphia Flyers have been. First-year head coach John Tortorella is back in the league and back in the Jack Adams conversation, the young guns are tearing it up offensively a few years ahead of schedule, and there's still room to grow.

There's been a little bit of luck, a few concerning slumps, and threats of regression. There are valid questions about the flukiness of it all, sure. But there comes a time we need to accept the reality and trends in front of us, and the reality and trends suggest that by all accounts, this Flyers team is better than most of us expected—and this Flyers team is genuinely good.

This five-game win streak has Philly comfortably at No. 2 in the Metropolitan Division, and only two points out of the No. 1 Rangers. They are probably going to make the playoffs, especially with the way they're trending. And with the way they're trending, the oddsmakers are going to catch up soon.

Taking the Flyers to make the playoffs at -170 right now is a bet walking the line of fun and risk and safe. I'd take this one if you're enjoying the Flyers' current ride and want to see it through. But get on it now, before the odds fully catch up.

Verdict: Bet yes, and do it sooner

Line: Yes -180, No +145

The oddsmakers have clearly seen this film before. The Penguins might be out of a playoff spot, but they're only two points behind the Capitals, they're getting consistently better as the season trudges on, and it's a tight race in the East. Only one, fateful game separated the Penguins from the playoffs last season, and you get the feeling Sidney Crosby isn't going to let that fly again this year.

The oddsmakers are, of course, familiar with Crosby's game and the trends of this team, and the odds pretty perfectly reflect the situation. If you're a fan of close odds, predictability, and feeling smart, betting "Yes" on the Penguins making the playoffs might be the move. If you're like me and prefer jucier odds to justify a "Yes" bet on a current non-playoff team, avoid it.

Verdict: Whatever floats your boat, but take yes if you bet

Kings: Yes - 900, No +600

The Kings have been on a downward spiral since the New Year that is equal parts baffling and rapid. The West is a more top heavy, weaker bubble field than the East, so there's a good chance L.A. regroups, goes on a hot streak, returns to business as usual and maks the playoffs as expected.

As it currently stands, the Kings are hanging on to the last Wild Card spot in the West at 50 points. The surging Oilers have found their footing and will likely remain in their playoff spot after leap frogging LA, the Flames (47 points) have been interesting lately and could climb up in the rankings, as could the Kraken (47 points), and perhaps the Coyotes (45 points).

If every bet were made equal, I might tell you to leave this one alone because it could go both ways. But the risk is so worth the potential payoff here with these odds.

Verdict: Take No

Line: Yes +180, No -220

This is another enticing "I could see it" bet, but the Predators have openly said they aren't opposed to trading Juuse Saros among other players depending on how the games from now until the trade deadline go. In a vacuum, Nashville has some young exciting talent, older players playing well, and good goaltending. Out of a vacuum, they've been "mid" and approaching a soft rebuild for years.

They currently sit in the No. 1 Wild Card spot in the West with 51 points, but the aforementioned Western bubble teams are catching ground and could pass them. With these kinds of future bets, you obviously have to take where the franchise is at into account, and there's too much of a chance that a trade occurs that changes the trajectory of the team and stability of these odds.

Verdict: Leave it alone

Line: Yes +300, No -400

I understand that this one is enticing. The Capitals have had some weirdly convincing streaks this season despite the equally unconvincing bad streaks. They've been in and out of a playoff spot at times, and they're currently three points out.

But they have a -20 goal differential, and there are plenty of teams in the East that could gain traction and jump them, especially when the Devils get healthy, or the Penguins just keep doing their thing. This feels like one of those bets you make at the time because it could happen, then you look back and you're like, "Of course that didn't actually happen."

Verdict: Leave it alone

Line: Yes -135, No +105

The Devils have had some really fun games filled with goal-scoring and young talent making it happen this season. They've also been riddled with injury, have had below league-average goaltending, and have been generally unpredictable. Again, injuries have contributed, but they aren't the team many of us thought would be sitting atop the Metro Division at this point.

Right now, they're one point behind the tied Islanders and Penguins, three points behind the Capitals, and four points out of the last Wild Card spot in the East. They don't appear to be galvanizing or using the adversity to go on sustainable runs. Will it be too late when the roster gets healthier?

Between the tight Metro race, lack of consistent goaltending, and the current odds, I'm ok with betting against the Devils making the playoffs.

Verdict: Bet No, if you dare

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