2025-2026 NHL Stanley Cup Betting
When Mike Sullivan was hired by the New York Rangers this past summer for their Centennial season, Stanley Cup visions were dancing in the heads of Broadway Blueshirts fans everywhere. Instead, New York’s patrons are being gifted with the white flag of surrender.
In a blockbuster deal completed on February 4, 2026, the New York Rangers traded superstar winger Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings.
The trade occurred just before the NHL's Olympic roster freeze and includes an immediate two-year, $22 million contract extension for Panarin that runs through the 2027–28 season. The Rangers received a package centered on a high-end prospect and conditional draft capital, while retaining 50% of Panarin's current salary.
The trade marks the start of a "retool" for the Rangers, who informed Panarin in January that they would not be offering him an extension. Panarin, who held a full no-movement clause with New York, reportedly identified Los Angeles as his preferred destination, limiting the Rangers' leverage in negotiations.
Panarin is expected to join the Kings' lineup for practice on February 18, 2026, following the Olympic break.
For the Kings and head coach Jim Hiller, it is a second lease on life for the current season and a push to the playoffs. The Rangers have torched a lot of future market tickets.
NHL Betting Lines
Drop the Puck on NHL Action
From the opening faceoff to the final horn, the ice heats up fast. Bet on every NHL game at BookMaker—moneylines, puck lines, totals, player props, and live odds all season long.
* Trusted by sharp bettors for over 30 years
* Early odds, fast payouts, and Bitcoin betting
* Live betting and mobile-optimized sportsbook
* Don’t just watch the action — bet on it!
* Sign Up Now and wing into action with your NHL picks today!
NHL Future Market Update and Teams to Watch
Rangers, Kings, and Panarin
Following the trade of Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings on February 4, 2026, the New York Rangers are in the midst of a significant roster retool while sitting in last place in the Eastern Conference. The team entered the NHL Olympic roster freeze on a four-game losing streak, punctuated by a 2–0 shutout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on February 5.
The Rangers' season has reached a low point, with the team officially holding the fewest points in the Eastern Conference as they head into the mid-February break.
Panarin's loss adds to the Rangers' offensive struggles. The team has been shut out nine times this season, seven of which occurred at home.
Including the games where Panarin was held out for "roster management" prior to the trade, the Rangers have lost four straight and have won only three of their last 18 games since Christmas.
The Los Angeles Kings entered the 2026 NHL Olympic break on a three-game losing streak, currently sitting in 5th place in the Pacific Division with 60 points. Despite the blockbuster acquisition of Artemi Panarin on February 4, the team lost both games immediately following the trade before the league-wide hiatus began.
The Kings (23–19–14) are struggling offensively, ranking 31st in the league in goals scored (2.5 GF/G). They currently trail the first-place Vegas Golden Knights by eight points in a tightly contested Pacific Division. The Kings are just four points out of second place, but their 41.1% win percentage has them fighting for a Wild Card spot.
Panarin did not play in the Kings' final games before the break to allow for a smoother transition. Upon joining, he signed a two-year, $22 million extension ($11M AAV) through the 2027–28 season. Panarin is scheduled to join the team for practice on February 18, 2026. His first game in a Kings jersey is expected to be February 25 against the Vegas Golden Knights.
He is expected to take over as the primary offensive driver on the top line, likely alongside Adrian Kempe and Alex Laferriere, to address the team's scoring drought.
The trade cost the Kings' top prospect, Liam Greentree, and two conditional draft picks. The roster is now locked due to the Olympic Roster Freeze, which remains in effect until February 22.
Overall, the blockbuster acquisition of Artemi Panarin on February 4 is widely seen as the move that could solidify their playoff berth.
Major models and sportsbooks remain bullish on their chances. Most models recently gave the Kings a 90% chance of reaching the postseason, the highest of any team in the Pacific Division at that time.
As for Mike Sullivan, it is doubtful that he signed up for this.
Did You Know?
At BookMaker, we go beyond just providing top-notch sports betting options! Take advantage of these exclusive features and rewards:
BookMaker ATM Card for seamless transactions: Easily access your funds with the BookMaker ATM card, providing instant access to your winnings and secure transactions wherever you go.
Loyalty Levels & BetPoints Programs for additional rewards: Earn BetPoints as you bet, and unlock exciting perks at higher loyalty levels. The more you play, the more you earn!
Seasonal and Reload Bonuses to maximize your earnings: Stay ahead with seasonal promotions and reload bonuses, boosting your bankroll throughout the year.
Early Cashout Option for added flexibility: Cash out your bet early and lock in profits or limit losses—putting you in control of your wagers.
Free Crypto Payouts for fast and secure withdrawals: Enjoy fast, secure withdrawals with zero fees when you choose crypto payouts.
Open Play Option for unique parlay betting: Get creative with your parlays using the Open Play option, offering more ways to win.
Casino Promotions & Contests for extra fun and wins: Join in on exclusive casino promotions and contests, adding excitement to your betting experience.
8% Cash Back on all your horse racing bets: Place horse racing bets and get 8% cash back on your losses, making it easier to bounce back.
Explore all these benefits and more at BookMaker!
Betting Rules & Policies
Free Play Rules
- Free plays cannot be used on proposition bets.
- Free Plays do not earn any BetPoints™
- Bets made using Free Plays do not count towards completing any rollovers. (Free Plays are always subject to a rollover of their own. You must complete the required rollover prior to making a withdrawal).
- The maximum payout for any Free Play is $5,000.
- Free Plays that are left unused for 180 days will be removed from your account.
ROLLOVER
- Did you know that on all deposits made at BookMaker, there is a rollover requirement: an amount of betting action you must fulfill before you are eligible to make a withdrawal.
- Did you know that rollovers are calculated by multiplying the amount initially credited to your account a certain number of times? Yes! If you deposit without claiming any bonus, the rollover will always be 1x (one-time) your deposit amount. If you do claim a deposit bonus, the rollover will be higher and is based on the deposit plus bonus amount.
Wager disputes (claims)
If you disagree with any aspect of a wager you’ve placed, you are welcome to log an official dispute (commonly known as a “claim”). Claims must be reported no later than 15 (fifteen) calendar days following the settlement of the wager.
If following an initial review of the case there remains any doubt regarding the wager type, line, market, amount, or any other detail, the claim will be escalated to the BookMaker management team. All decisions made by them are final.
Wager Cash Out - How it works
With the Cash Out feature you can choose to eliminate a wager that's already been placed, and receive back either a portion, or your full stake amount.
Cash Out is selectively available on certain events, fixtures, and markets.
In order to see if a wager is eligible to be cashed out, simply navigate to your Bet Slip and check the 'My Open Bets' tab. If eligible, the Cash Out button will be displayed.
It’s also important to note that Cash Out is not contributing to any bonus or promotion including Bet Point accumulation and Rollover for releasing bonus cash.
