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Best NHL player prop bets for Thursday 2/26/26
Hunter Skoczylas shares his favorite NHL player prop bets on DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday's 12-game slate.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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Hunter Skoczylas, a writer for DraftKings.com, has shared his top NHL player prop bets for Thursday's 12-game slate. The article highlights three players - Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers, Adam Fox of the New York Rangers, and Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche - and provides analysis on why their prop bets are worth considering.
Why it matters
With a full slate of NHL games on Thursday, player prop bets can provide an additional way for fans and bettors to engage with the action. Skoczylas' insights on high-profile players like Marchand, Fox, and MacKinnon could help readers make more informed wagers and potentially profit from their knowledge of the league.
The details
Skoczylas highlights Marchand's strong home performance and favorable matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs as reasons to consider betting on his shots on goal prop. For Fox, the writer notes the defenseman's playmaking ability and the Rangers' need for offense with the absence of Artemi Panarin. Finally, Skoczylas expects an "angry" version of MacKinnon to take the ice against the Minnesota Wild, who have struggled in net lately.
- The NHL returns with a 12-game slate on Thursday night, with first puck drop scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.
The players
Brad Marchand
A 37-year-old forward for the Florida Panthers who has been productive this season, especially at home, and faces a favorable matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Adam Fox
A 28-year-old defenseman for the New York Rangers who is known for his playmaking ability and will look to contribute offensively with the absence of Artemi Panarin.
Nathan MacKinnon
A star forward for the Colorado Avalanche who is the league's leading goal scorer and will face off against the Minnesota Wild, whose goaltender has struggled lately.
What they’re saying
“Among all skaters with 175+ minutes of ice time, Marchand ranks 32nd in 5v5 shot attempts per 60 and 30th in 5v5 shots per 60. The 37-year-old has had an impressive campaign, and he draws an elite matchup against the Maple Leafs tonight. Toronto ranks first in shots allowed per game, and Marchand has been much more consistent when playing at home. He has averaged 3.1 shots per game at home this season, and he has cleared 3+ shots in seven of his last 10 home games.”
— Hunter Skoczylas, Writer (draftkings.com)
“Fox will return to the lineup after last playing on Jan. 5. The 28-year-old was productive when in the lineup, totaling four goals and 24 assists across 30 appearances, and his playmaking ability will be key for the club as it navigates its new life without Artemi Panarin. Among defensemen with 175+ minutes of ice time, Fox ranks fourth in assists per 60 and sixth in 5v5 assists per 60.”
— Hunter Skoczylas, Writer (draftkings.com)
“I have a feeling we're going to see an angry version of MacKinnon for the rest of the season, and it begins tonight against the Wild. He cooled off a bit in the goalscoring department prior to the Olympic break, but he has scored three goals across two meetings against Minnesota this season.”
— Hunter Skoczylas, Writer (draftkings.com)
The takeaway
With a full slate of NHL games on Thursday, player prop bets can provide an additional way for fans and bettors to engage with the action. Skoczylas' insights on high-profile players like Marchand, Fox, and MacKinnon could help readers make more informed wagers and potentially profit from their knowledge of the league.
