Monday marked this season’s trade deadline in the NHL. This was the last chance for the league’s top contending teams to add that missing piece or two to a potential championship roster. The top online sportsbooks in the game were also paying close attention to the day when it came to updating their NHL futures board to win this year’s Stanley Cup title.
Betting the Favorites
The Colorado Avalanche have the highest number of points (62) in the Western Conference standings behind a 29-9-4 record through 42 games. Following an 8-1-1 record in their last 10 contests, the Avalanche are +450 favorites on the board to win the 2021 Stanley Cup title.
As one of the most balanced teams in the league, Colorado was rather content with its current roster. Yet, it did add goalie Devan Dubnyk and defenseman Patrik Nemeth to gain some depth. The biggest move was the addition of forward Carl Soderberg, who actually played for the team a few years back.
If you are looking to go chalk on one of the favorites, there is plenty of value in these updated odds.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are the defending Stanley Cup champions and +650 second- favorites on the NHL futures board to win again. They are 28-11-1 through 41 games and tied with the Carolina Hurricanes for first place in the Central Division.
Tampa Bay’s biggest move ahead of Monday’s trade deadline was the acquisition of veteran defenseman David Savard. While the price was steep including this year’s first round NHL draft pick, this does add even more value to the Lightnings’ betting odds in their quest to repeat.
A High Value Play
The best value on the betting board coming off Monday’s moves could be the Washington Capitals at +1400. Even though there are seven teams with lower odds to win it all, the Capitals have the veteran experience to add a second league title in the last four seasons.
Washington is tied with the New York Islanders for first place in the East Division at 27-11-4. Both teams have 58 total points in 42 games. The Capitals were also one of the biggest winners ahead of Monday’s deadline with the addition of forward Anthony Mantha in a trade with Detroit.
The team did part ways with forwards’ Richard Panik and Jakub Vrana as well as this year’s first round draft pick. However, this is the kind of all-or-nothing move that could pay off with another Stanley Cup title.
Value in Longer Odds
The best NHL teams from each conference during the regular season do not always end up meeting in the Stanley Cup Finals. Upsets in the early rounds of the playoffs are rather common in the NHL. That is why there is always betting value to be found further down the board.
If you are looking to stretch the odds to win a NHL title this season, the Edmonton Oilers at +2500 are worth a closer look. They are holding down third place in the all-Canadian North Division at 25-15-2 through 42 games.
The Oilers have the two highest scoring players in terms of points with Connor McDavid at the top of the list (69 points) followed by Leon Draisati (61 points). They went out and added some depth to their defense with the addition of Dmitry Kulikov in a trade with New Jersey.
