Betting on the NHL? Here’s a breakdown of the current landscape and some teams to watch as we approach Opening Night in October.
Buyer Beware: The Nashville Predators (19/1, FanDuel) made some big moves in the offseason, signing Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei. While they are unquestionably more dangerous now, their odds have been slashed in half in a short time. However, they face tough competition in the deep Central Division, including the likes of Colorado, Dallas, Winnipeg, and the emerging Utah HC.
Fade: The Carolina Hurricanes (11/1, Caesars) signed effective players in free agency but have major issues. They lost scoring punch with Jake Guentzel joining Tampa Bay and Martin Necas wanting out. Goaltending is also a concern, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them drift towards 20/1 odds.
Trendy Sleeper: The Utah HC (60/1, DraftKings) has been getting a lot of attention as pundits predict they will make the playoffs in their first season after moving from Arizona. While their aggressive trades made them better, trendy offseason teams often get overhyped in the summer betting market. It’s worth being cautious before jumping on the bandwagon.
Long Shot to Watch: The Washington Capitals (100/1, Fanatics) surprised many by taking big swings this offseason. They made measured moves to strengthen their roster, including acquiring Pierre-Luc Dubois, Andrew Mangiapane, Jakob Chychrun, and shutdown defenseman Matt Roy. While their scoring upside is still in question, grabbing them at 100/1 odds is intriguing.
The Locals: The New York Rangers (14/1, BetRivers), New Jersey Devils (13/1, DraftKings), and New York Islanders (50/1, BetMGM) all have their own storylines. The Devils addressed their biggest flaw by acquiring goaltender Jacob Markstrom and shored up their defense. The Islanders made some shrewd moves to add speed and skill, but their cap situation may hinder further additions. The Metropolitan Division looks weaker than in previous years, making a 50/1 bet on the Islanders enticing. The Rangers have a roster with potential but are dealing with some unresolved issues, so it may be best to wait and see how things play out before betting on them.
In conclusion, while there are several intriguing teams to watch in the NHL this season, it’s important to consider the challenges each team faces and the odds they are given. The offseason moves have certainly shaken things up, but it’s crucial to analyze the overall strength of each division and the potential pitfalls before placing any bets.
