With the NHL offseason over, we have a pretty good idea of what the October opener will look like.
Before the hockey world departs for its summer homes, let’s take a quick look at the betting landscape…
Buyer beware
Predators (19/1, FanDuel)
Initially, Barry Trotz preached patience in Nashville and wanted to focus on the future, but things changed after the Predators had a great final stretch and the franchise decided to give it their all.
Nashville signed Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skey on July 1 and also signed extensions with goaltender Juuse Saros and defenseman Alexandre Carrier.
It’s a bold move by the Predators and they’re arguably more dangerous than they were a week ago, but that number has been cut in half in a matter of days and considering they’re in a strong Central Division that includes Colorado, Dallas, Winnipeg and an emerging Utah HC, this is just too much.
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Hurricanes (11/1, Caesars)
The Hurricanes did what they always do in free agency.
They made smart contracts with talented players (Shayne Gostisbehere, Shawn Walker, William Carrier).
But they also have major problems.
They lost some much-needed scoring power with the departure of Jake Guenzel to Tampa Bay and Martin Necas is also looking to leave.
Goalkeeping is also a concern.
Don’t be surprised if Carolina approaches the 20/1 range for the first time in years.
Trendy Sleepers
Utah HC (60/1, DraftKings)
You will hear plenty of experts predicting Utah will make the playoffs in its first season after relocating from Arizona.
The aggressive trades for Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino undoubtedly strengthened the team, but teams that are trendy in the offseason often become overly popular in the summer betting market (see Buffalo and Ottawa last summer).
A noteworthy long shot
Capitals (100/1, Fanatics)
The Capitals weren’t expected to make any big bets this offseason, but they defied expectations.
More importantly, they did so with a measured approach.
The Caps acquired Pierre-Luc Dubois, Andrew Mangiapane and Jakob Chychrun for cheap, along with impressive shutdown defenseman Matt Roy.
Washington’s scoring potential is still in doubt but they are a very intriguing team to pick up at 100/1.
Locals
Rangers (14/1, BetRivers), Devils (13/1, DraftKings), Islanders (50/1, BetMGM)
The Devils addressed their biggest weakness by acquiring goaltender Jacob Markstrom and are likely to be the favorites (obviously) to win the Eastern Conference in the opening round.
The Devils also bolstered their defense with the acquisitions of Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon.
While Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello made some smart decisions on July 1 to add speed and skill to the lineup by signing Anthony Duclair and signing Mike Reilly to a contract extension, the Islanders will face cap restrictions and will need to free up some funds for other additions before they can be fairly evaluated.
The Metropolitan Division has looked weak for a while now so betting the Isles at 50/1 doesn’t seem too crazy, but that figure will almost certainly remain the case for some time to come.
Meanwhile, the Rangers have to rebuild their team.
Do you bet on the NHL?
I know this lineup has the potential to win the Presidents Trophy, but there are significant questions surrounding the team (especially Jacob Trouba’s situation).
Until that is resolved, there is no reason to get involved with short prices.
