NHL Player Props & Best Bets for Today, January 1: Rantanen Starts New Year on Right Foot

Key Highlights

• He just posted 14 points in December, and I’m eyeing him to carry that brilliance into the New Year. The Belarus native has cashed the Over in points in six of his last seven appearances.
• In fact, he’s finished with two points or more in three of those games. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementProtas is doing his part offensively, and he’s collected 14 points in 19 road contests.
• The Caps visit the Ottawa Senators this afternoon. While he failed to secure a point earlier this season against the Sens, I’ll ride Protas’s hot hand to get in on the action in one way or another. Time: 1:00 p. m.
• ETWhere to watch: RDS, TSN5Prop #2: Lane Hutson Over 0.5 assists-155 at BET99He’s the reigning Calder Trophy winner for a reason, right?Lane Hutson continues to prove why he’s already one of the best defensemen in the NHL, and the youngster is just 21.
• He’s already tallied 33 helpers in 2025-26, which is on track to surpass his 60 assists from last season. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHutson is playmaking at a high level lately.