Best NHL Player Props & Parlay Picks Today Jan. 16
Friday’s NHL slate is the kind of board that’s perfect for attacking NHL betting odds in a few different ways. You’ve got a couple underdogs that are live at plus money, a reliable favorite that makes sense as a straight bet or as a parlay anchor, and several NHL player props where usage and matchup point in the same direction.
If you’re building a card across sports betting apps and taking advantage of sportsbook promotions, this is also a slate where mixing in a few plus-money angles can help balance out the chalkier props. We're roughly halfway through the season, so there's a vast amount of data that can help shape opinions on teams and players as it relates to their betting odds and projections each night.
Below are my best NHL bets for Friday, January 16, including game lines, player props and a three-leg parlay to close it out.
Game Lines
San Jose Sharks ML (+180) vs Detroit Red Wings
🏒 Odds via BetMGM 🥅
Detroit has been inconsistent at home, and San Jose has quietly been more competitive than the market gives them credit for. At plus money, this is a classic value spot against a Red Wings team that can struggle defensively if the game opens up.
Florida Panthers ML (+135) vs Carolina Hurricanes
🏒 Odds via Caesars Sportsbook 🥅
Florida’s physical style travels well, and this matchup profiles as tighter than the odds suggest. The Panthers generate consistent offensive pressure and can hang around long enough to make this number attractive in a battle between two of the best teams in the NHL.
Tampa Bay Lightning ML (-190) vs St. Louis Blues
🏒 Odds via bet365 🥅
Tampa Bay continues to be one of the more reliable road teams in the league, especially when it comes to puck possession and special teams. This is a steep price, but the Lightning have the matchup edge in multiple areas.
Player Props
Macklin Celebrini over 3.5 shots on goal (-120)
🏒 Odds via Caesars Sportsbook 🥅
Celebrini has become a volume shooter for San Jose, especially when the Sharks are chasing games. Against a Detroit team that allows opportunities off the rush, his shot volume should stay elevated.
Sebastian Aho over 0.5 points (-210)
🏒 Odds via BetMGM 🥅
Aho remains the engine of Carolina’s offense and is consistently involved whether goals come at even strength or on the power play. This is a low-value line, but one of the safer point props on the slate.
Valeri Nichushkin anytime goal scorer (+190)
🏒 Odds via Caesars Sportsbook 🥅
Nichushkin thrives in high-danger areas and has been rewarded with strong net-front usage. Against Nashville, his physical presence around the crease makes this a strong plus-money look.
Adrian Kempe over 0.5 assists (+135)
🏒 Odds via bet365 🥅
Kempe continues to log heavy minutes in scoring situations, and his playmaking role can pay off even if he doesn’t score himself. One helper is well within reach here.
Today’s Best NHL Parlay
Combined Parlay Odds: +346 (via BetMGM)
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Leg 1: Mikael Granlund over 0.5 points (-110)
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Leg 2: Brandon Hagel over 0.5 points (-170)
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Leg 3: Sam Reinhart over 0.5 points (-215)
This parlay is built around players with consistent roles and steady involvement in offense. Granlund is in a spot to contribute on the scoresheet in a matchup where his line should generate looks, Hagel’s motor and usage keeps him in the mix every night for Tampa Bay, and Reinhart remains one of Florida’s most reliable point producers because he’s constantly around the net and involved in finishing plays. It’s a clean three-leg build when you’re looking for NHL parlays with a realistic path to cashing.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win Friday’s slate sets up well for anyone hunting NHL bets today, whether you prefer game lines, NHL player props, or building a compact NHL parlay with three dependable legs. The key is staying disciplined with pricing, shopping around for the best number, and treating plus-money angles as value-based shots rather than must-hit locks. If you’re looking for the best NHL bets on a slate that offers multiple paths to profit, this is a strong card to build from.
All Odds as of 6:00 a.m. ET on Jan. 16