Underdog Fantasy NHL Picks December 22nd: Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks host the Canadiens

Welcome into NHL player projections central for the season on Underdog Fantasy! Player props and projections are becoming one of the hottest growing things in hockey over the past few seasons and I have definitely taken notice as it adds yet another layer to a great game experience. Throughout this season you will find picks offered on the Underdog site that I find the most appealing as there are many to choose from so that's why I'm here to help you sift through the options.
For today's slate, we have 4 games on tap around the NHL and plenty of options for player props! I have highlighted a pair of plays that I will be following tonight that includes 2 players around the league for the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers! Good luck to everyone on the plays tonight, let's win some cheddar!
NHL Underdog Fantasy Top Picks December 22
Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks - HIGHER than 3.5 Shots on Goal
The track record hasn't been amazing for the young prodigy and shots on goal but tonight the matchup against the Montreal Canadiens puts him in play. The Habs are allowing 34.63 shots per game this season, the 3rd most in the NHL and they are playing the second part of back to back games tonight against Bedard. Smells like a higher play to me!
Joel Farabee, Philadelphia Flyers - HIGHER than 1.5 Shots on Goal
This guy has gone higher than 1.5 shots in 23 of 32 games this season for a hit rate of 72%! That's been flying under the radar for me this season but no longer I am all aboard this one tonight. The Detroit Red Wings are slumping and allowing 31.9 shots per game over the last 30 days at home so let's hammer it and hope the trend continues for the Flyers winger!
Player News
Dolphins signed No. 13 overall pick DT Kenneth Grant to a four-year contract.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Grant will sign his contract today. The former Michigan defensive tackle is expected to fill a major void left by Christian Wilkins, who left for the Raiders in the 2024 offseason. Grant totaled 32 tackles, three sacks, and seven TFLs in his final season at Michigan and excelled at stopping the run while also generating 27 pressures in his final season, per PFF.
Daulton Varsho picked up three hits, three RBI and a homer in a win over the Angels on Thursday.
Varsho has only played in seven games this year, but they’ve been seven good ones. He’s homered three times already, and his slugging percentage is a remarkable — and entirely unsustainable — .727 over 22 at-bats. Varsho has been a mediocre offensive player in his two seasons with the Blue Jays, but it’s possible at the age of 28 he’s having a breakout campaign. Far from a guarantee, but possible.
Taylor Ward hit a two-run homer in a loss to the Blue Jays on Thursday.
Ward, 31, gave the Angels a 2-0 lead with a two-run homer off Chris Bassitt in the first inning. He’s now gone deep in two of his last three games, and it ‘improves’ his slash to .181/.224/.391. Ward has been one of the most hot/cold players players in the sport over the last few years, so fantasy managers who can afford to make some roster moves may want to look at Ward while the going is good.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. picked up three hits and scored twice in an 8-5 win over the Angels on Thursday.
Guerrero also drew a walk. It gives the first baseman multiple hits in back-to-back games, and it’s the third time in May that he’s reached that mark. That’s helped raise his average from .268 to .295, and the only thing fantasy managers can be disappointed with is his .432 slugging percentage. That number should continue to climb as the season unfolds, but Vladdy Jr. has had some inconsistent seasons when it comes to power production.
Chad Green picked up his first save of 2025 with a scoreless ninth against the Angels on Thursday.
Green got the save after Jeff Hoffman worked in back-to-back games — and struggled — in the first two contests against the Angels. He struck out two and looked the part while needing just nine pitches to get through the inning. Hoffman should remain the closer, but Green is on his tail if the struggles were to continue.
Chris Bassitt allowed five runs — four earned — while working six-plus innings against the Angels on Thursday while picking up a win.
Bassitt allowed three runs over the first two innings on a pair of homers, but settled down over his next four frames. He came out to work the seventh, but ended up being charged for two more runs after leaving the contest. The 36-year-old veteran has forged a 3.35 ERA and outstanding 49/8 K/BB ratio over the first quarter of the season, but this wasn’t him at his best. He’ll get the Rays next week if the rotation order stays the same for Toronto.