The 2026-27 NHL season arrives with a familiar pattern: one name is getting the weight of early money for individual hardware, while the championship picture remains splintered enough to keep bookmakers comfortable.
Per ESPN's reporting, a popular Hart Trophy favorite has emerged as bettors' consensus pick heading into the season. The specificity of which player holds that distinction isn't detailed in the available reporting, but the preference is pronounced enough to stand apart from the field.
The Stanley Cup market tells a different story. Rather than a dominant favorite, three contenders are bunched closely together—a structure that suggests genuine uncertainty about which team will hoist the trophy in June. This crowding at the top is exactly the scenario sportsbooks prefer: money split across multiple options keeps liability manageable.
The preseason has already begun to deliver the usual mix of memorable moments and minor oddities. The Utah Mammoth faced the Vegas Golden Knights, while the Chicago Blackhawks played the St. Louis Blues, per game recaps from ESPN. Elsewhere, the Flyers' Trevor Zegras drew attention for an unconventional wardrobe choice—he was penalized for "improperly wearing the equipment" after tucking his jersey into his pants during Thursday's preseason action, per ESPN's reporting. The infraction came after he'd already been warned about the practice.
Off the ice, the Blue Jackets moved to secure their future by re-signing center Adam Fantilli to a six-year, $82.5 million contract, per ESPN. The deal signals Columbus's commitment to building around the young center as the season approaches.
The Hart-Stanley Cup split in early betting reflects a broader theme: star power concentrates around one or two players, but championship rosters remain balanced across multiple organizations. If the early money holds, expect one player to dominate the individual accolade discussion while the Cup race stays contentious throughout the season.
This article synthesizes reporting from ESPN. Top story: "NHL betting storylines: Some usuals -- and some surprises -- getting big money ahead of the season" (ESPN).