The Toronto Maple Leafs host the New Jersey Devils in a matchup of underachieving Eastern Conference teams.
The pregame narrative: Hockey fans and bettors expected Toronto and New Jersey to be in playoff spots by this point in the season. Neither is, making tonight a crucial opportunity for either side to pick up two points. There are plenty of offensive stars in this contest, but I have my eye on a trio from the visiting side.
Check out my Devils vs. Maple Leafs prop picks for Dec. 30, featuring Timo Meier, Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton.
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Devils vs. Maple Leafs prop picks
Best Bet: Hamilton over 2.5 shots (+110)
This is a great value.
Hamilton is pointless in his last 15 games and 22 of his last 23 contests, but it isn't for a lack of trying. The blueliner is still putting plenty of rubber on goal.
Hamilton has topped this total in two of his last four games, and his shot attempts remain at a very high level.
-> Take Hamilton to clear his shot prop!
He has 75 shot attempts in his last 11 games, an average of 6.8 per contest.
Naturally, as a defenceman, a high percentage of Hamilton's shots don't make it through.
But Hamilton should be able to get some pucks through against the Maple Leafs.
Toronto is allowing the second-most goals per game this season (31.2).
Expect Hamilton to clear through this total on Tuesday.
Key stat: Hamilton is averaging 2.5 shots on goal per game and should exceed this mark in a plus matchup.
Best NHL prop picks
Meier to score 1+ points (-124): Meier is pointless in his last four games, but like Hamilton, he's due for some better puck luck.
Meier is still heavily involved offensively. He has 20 shots during this stretch with 38 total shot attempts.
-> Back Meier vs. the Maple Leafs at NorthStar Bets!
His chances of notching a point on Tuesday are bolstered by Toronto's porous defence and goaltending. The Maple Leafs are surrendering the fifth-most goals per game and the fourth-most scoring chances per 60 (30.3).
Meier's spot in the lineup keeps him involved on a nightly basis. The winger skates on the team's first line alongside Nico Hischier and Dawson Mercer.
Hughes to score 1+ points (+102): Add Hughes to the list of underperforming Devils.
Like the other two guys on my card, Hughes is battling a dry spell. He doesn't have a point in his last three games and is pointless in 11 of his last 15 contests.
But, again, this matchup is too good to ignore on several fronts.
-> Bet on Hughes and the Devils tonight!
I expect a big offensive output, and Hughes should be involved. The rearguard skates on the team's top power play with elite playmakers like Hischier, Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt.
Hughes leads New Jersey in shot attempts (232) and should be able to get plenty of pucks on goal against the Maple Leafs.
Devils vs. Maple Leafs prop picks made at 12:32 p.m. ET Dec. 30, 2025.
