NHL futures: Hottest teams at the All-Star break and our bets to reach the Stanley Cup Final

With the NHL heading on its All-Star break, it seemed like a great opportunity to take a look around both conferences and determine which teams are the hottest, and which may offer us the best betting value on the futures market.

Below are the four hottest teams on both sides and our current favorite betting picks to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

Western Conference

Edmonton Oilers

• Streak: 16 straight wins
• Last 10: 10-0
• Current place in conference standings: 6th
• Odds to win Conference: +330

Vancouver Canucks

• Streak: 1 straight win
• Last 10: 8-2
• Current place in conference standings: 1st
• Odds to win Conference: +650

Colorado Avalanche

• Streak: 3 straight wins
• Last 10: 7-3
• Current place in conference standings: 2nd
• Odds to win Conference: +380

Dallas Stars

• Streak: 3 straight wins
• Last 10: 7-2-1
• Current place in conference standings: 3rd
• Odds to win Conference: +650

Our favorite Western Conference bet right now 

What's more shocking, that Edmonton has won 16 straight games or that they're still only sixth in the West despite the winning streak? This Oilers run has powered them to the top of the futures board in the West, and after coming close the past few seasons, maybe this is the year that Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and this Edmonton squad can reach the Stanley Cup Final.

A big reason for the Oilers' success has been the sudden dominance in net from Stuart Skinner. In January, Skinner topped the NHL with a .953 save percentage and 1.33 GAA, truly superb numbers.

There's also value on Vancouver here at +650. The Canucks own the best record in the West and just acquired Elias Lindholm on Wednesday to further strengthen their forward group. Quinn Hughes leads a talented defense group, and goaltender Thatcher Demko is sixth in the NHL in save percentage. The Canucks are very much for real and a nice value choice. 

It's hard to trust Colorado right now until they get their defense and goaltending under control.

Our pick: Edmonton to win the West (+330)