Underdog Fantasy NHL Picks October 11: The Show Goes On In Edmonton
Welcome into NHL player prop central for the season on Underdog Fantasy! Player props 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 tonight's slate we have 6 games on tap around the NHL and plenty of options for player props! I have highlighted a pair that I will be following tonight that include two top tier players for the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers. With so little data to start a new season let's lean on the backs of the tried and true stars of the game and win some cash tonight!
NHL Underdog Fantasy Top Picks October 11
David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins - HIGHER than 5.0 Shots On Goal
I liked the Bruins in the NHL Best Bets today so obviously I am tied to them and their offense today and why not as the Blackhawks defense is going to be horrible this season and are already playing a back to back on the road. Enter the Pasta man who will be the shining star of this Bruins offense this season with his sniper mentality. His numbers last year were fantastic as the Boston winger totaled 61 goals and 113 points overall in what was a historic season for his career and the team in general. The all-star played all 82 games last season too and totaled 407 shots on goal and that number was the highest in the NHL and it wasn't even close. That is why his props for shots in always so high and tonight is no different as it sits at 5 shots on goal. Its a great matchup for him though tonight as the Blackhawks allowed 40 shots on goal to the Penguins last night and the Bruins ought to get close to that number in this game. Pastrnak is a stud let's ride with him tonight.
Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers - HIGHER than 0.5 Power Play Points
Power play points can be a bit of a tough prop to hit sometimes and its a very niche prop at that, but when its the Edmonton Oilers things become much more clear with hitting props. The Oilers powerplay unit last season was the most dominant in recent memory as they scored 32.4% of the time which was the highest over the past 15 years by a wide margin. Could they take a dip in production perhaps but even still if they go on the man advantage I expect them to score. Connor McDavid makes the unit go but his prop is 1.5 PP points tonight and that's just too much so I am looking at his sidekick in Draisaitl who scored 62 powerplay points last season, the 2nd most in the NHL. The opponent in the Canucks are also not a stout defensive team either so expect a higher scoring game either way regardless of special teams. We're going to need the Oilers to draw penalties and I believe they will with the speed and skill they play with so this prop makes a ton of sense to me.
NHL Best Bets
If you are looking for some NHL Best Bets today in addition to these props, check out our NHL betting picks for today's slate of games!
Player News
Alex Bregman (quad) will be re-evaluated this weekend.
Bregman has expressed optimism that he’ll be able to return before the All-Star break in mid-July. However, Red Sox manager Alex Cora has told reporters that would be unlikely. There should be a definitive timetable once he’s re-assessed this weekend.
Austin Wells is dealing with a circulation issue in one of the fingers on his left hand.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters Wells underwent testing that ruled out any potential blood clots, which is the positive news. He added that the 25-year-old backstop will remain on the bench through Tuesday’s game against the Blue Jays, but could potentially return on Wednesday. It’ll be J.C. Escarra and Ben Rice handling the catching duties in his absence. There’s always a risk Wells could require a trip to the injured list if the issue persists, but it sounds like there’s optimism he’ll be ready to return at some point later this week. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now.
Red Sox activated RHP Jordan Hicks from the 15-day injured list.
Hicks joins Boston’s relief mix ahead of Monday’s series opener against the Reds. The hard-throwing 28-year-old figures to operate in high-leverage relief spots after coming over earlier this month from the Giants as one of the pieces in the stunning Rafael Devers trade. He’s been tinkering with a new slider during recent rehab outings so it’ll be interesting to see how he incorporates the wrinkle into his existing arsenal.
Red Sox optioned RHP Zack Kelly to Triple-A Worcester.
Kelly left Sunday’s relief appearance against Toronto with right oblique tightness, but checked out fine after some precautionary imaging. The 30-year-old righty heads to the minors with Jordan Hicks coming off the injured list to join Boston’s relief mix.
Orioles recalled RHP Brandon Young from Triple-A Norfolk.
Young gets the nod to replace an injured Zach Eflin (back) in Baltimore’s rotation and figures to take the ball at some point later this week, most likely on Friday against Atlanta. The 26-year-old righty has pitched well at the Triple-A level, but has struggled to an inflated 7.11 ERA and 11/9 K/BB ratio across 12 2/3 innings (three starts) this season in the big leagues. He’s a risky streaming option despite his prospect pedigree.
Jalen Williams (wrist) will undergo surgery but is expected to be healthy in time for the start of the 2025-26 season.
Williams suffered a torn ligament in his right (shooting) wrist late in the regular season. That injury makes his performances during Oklahoma City’s run to the NBA title more impressive. The good news is that, according to Thunder lead executive Sam Presti, Williams is expected to be a full go when the 2025-26 season begins. JDub was a top-25 fantasy player last season, exceeding his Yahoo! ADP by a round in 12-team formats. At worst, he should be a third-round pick in 12-team leagues next fall.