Reviewing the Updated 2023 Stanley Cup Odds for Every NHL Team
It's beginning to look a lot like December. Or at least close to it.
What that means in hockey terms is simple: A quarter of the NHL's 2022-23 regular season is in the books, and it's getting a bit easier to separate the haves from the have-nots.
The defending champs from Colorado have hit their stride. The two-time defending champs before them are off to a strong start. And things have gone well enough in New Jersey to make fans forget it's been a decade since their postseason lasted more than 10 days.
This means it's time for the B/R staff to look at the set of Stanley Cup odds from DraftKings as an update to the list initially put together in July.
Scroll through to see how the numbers shake out, and feel free to drop a thought or two of your own in the comments.
Nos. 32-26: Coyotes, Ducks, Blue Jackets, Blackhawks, Sharks, Canadiens, Flyers
32. Arizona Coyotes (+100000)
Let's face it, folks: The odds could just as easily be 1,000,000-to-1, and it wouldn't matter. The Cup isn't coming to Arizona.
31. Anaheim Ducks (+25000)
Trevor Zegras and Co. will continue to provide highlight-reel goals, but it's nowhere near title time at Mickey West.
30. Columbus Blue Jackets (+25000)
Johnny Gaudreau knew his Cup chances went down when he chose central Ohio, but he might not have expected to be 30th in a 32-team league through Sunday.
29. Chicago Blackhawks (+25000)
The payout on a Blackhawks Cup win has been cut in half thanks to a .400 points percentage through 20 games. But don't assume it's any more likely to happen.
28. San Jose Sharks (+25000)
Another team whose potential championship payout has increased by quite a bit with zero additional reasons to make a wager on their behalf.
27. Montréal Canadiens (+20000)
The Canadiens were +20000 at the start, and they're +20000 now. They've hung near the playoff perimeter, but let's not get too optimistic.
26. Philadelphia Flyers (+20000)
Seventh in an eight-team division through Sunday. Zero wins in 10 games to begin the week. The odds should really focus on when John Tortorella bursts into flames behind the bench.
Nos. 25-21: Senators, Canucks, Sabres, Red Wings, Predators
25. Ottawa Senators (+18000)
The Senators were the talk of the league during the offseason and remain among the hot topics, but for different reasons. Few teams, if any, have disappointed more.
24. Vancouver Canucks (+15000)
The Canucks were awful to start last season before recovering under Bruce Boudreau. This year, they're awful under Boudreau, and that's not good in a top-heavy conference.
23. Buffalo Sabres (+13000)
OK, about that disappointment thing. The Sabres were flying high at 7-3 but began this week at 9-12. Rumors of playoff contention have been greatly exaggerated.
22. Detroit Red Wings (+12000)
The Red Wings have started the best among teams in the lower tier of this list. A Cup run probably doesn't happen, but GM Steve Yzerman is trending well.
21. Nashville Predators (+8000)
Another year and another middle-of-the-pack run for the Predators seem likely given their .500 record through 20 games. Ranking 29th in goals per game doesn't help.
Nos. 20-16: Capitals, Kraken, Blues, Jets, Islanders
20. Washington Capitals (+7000)
Injuries and a 2-7-2 road record through Sunday haven't helped things in the early going for the Capitals, who have the worst odds out of last year's Eastern playoff participants.
19. Seattle Kraken (+6000)
Seven points secure in a playoff spot through a quarter of the season is a good sophomore jinx for the Kraken. Martin Jones is among the biggest NHL surprises.
18. St. Louis Blues (+6000)
Which Blues team shows up when it comes to bets? St. Louis has had an eight-game losing streak and a seven-game win streak, and it's still November.
17. Winnipeg Jets (+5000)
Maybe they're not a Cup contender, but the Jets are certainly among the Western surprises thanks to a good 2022-23 start to follow last season's playoff miss.
16. New York Islanders (+4500)
The Islanders were consecutive final-four participants before last season's disaster, but they're playing more like a contender these days.
Nos. 15-11: Kings, Wild, Penguins, Oilers, Rangers
15. Los Angeles Kings (+3500)
The Kings have played to form through the first quarter after last season's breakout playoff berth. The Cup's a long shot, but the postseason shouldn't be.
14. Minnesota Wild (+3000)
The Wild's payoff has swelled because they've been a difficult team to read. Kirill Kaprizov is on fire, but Marc-André Fleury needs to stay healthy for Minnesota to have a playoff run.
13. Pittsburgh Penguins (+2500)
If you've read Minnesota's story, then you've gotten the gist of Pittsburgh's, too. When they're good, they're very good. When they're bad, they're awful.
12. Edmonton Oilers (+2000)
The run to the final four was disastrous for Oilers fans and their follow-up heart palpitations. Losing Evander Kane left a huge hole. If he's back by April, who knows?
11. New York Rangers (+2000)
The Rangers are a legitimate contender for as long as their Vezina-winning goalie, Igor Shesterkin, plays to form. This is a team no one will relish seeing come springtime.
Nos. 10-6: Stars, Panthers, Flames, Lightning, Maple Leafs
10. Dallas Stars (+1800)
The Stars have made a big move on the odds board thanks to a potent offense blended with sound goaltending. If you're looking at dark horses, here's a big one.
9. Florida Panthers (+1500)
The Panthers were listed second behind only the defending Cup champs in the preseason list but have dropped a ways. They're good, but probably not 16-playoff-wins good.
8. Calgary Flames (+1400)
The Flames have cooled to a .500 level after a blazing start, but they're still loaded with talent. If they find their stride, they're a legit candidate to win the West.
7. Tampa Bay Lightning (+1400)
Whenever you have the urge to shovel dirt on the Lightning dynasty, they remind you why they've won so much. No one will demand a series with them in the spring.
6. Toronto Maple Leafs (+1200)
Toronto was sixth overall with a .674 points percentage heading into Monday despite a chaotic first quarter. If goaltending holds out, this is a bargain price. They're legit.
Nos. 5-1: Hurricanes, Devils, Golden Knights, Bruins, Avalanche
5. Carolina Hurricanes (+1100)
It's been a weird first quarter for the Hurricanes, who held a .614 points percentage through Sunday but a break-even goal differential. A contender? Sure. A lock? Hardly.
4. New Jersey Devils (+1100)
Seventeen teams promised a higher payout for a Cup than the Devils did in the preseason. These days, it's only three. Winning 18 of 22 games is awfully good to be just a mirage.
3. Vegas Golden Knights (+900)
The Golden Knights were a lofty No. 8 pick coming off the franchise's first playoff miss, but they've rewarded the confidence. Now, only the defending champs are chalkier out West.
2. Boston Bruins (+600)
You could have had the Bruins at +3500 in July, but a two-month run as the NHL's best has trimmed the profit margin. Whether they can sustain an 18-3 start is the $64,000 question.
1. Colorado Avalanche (+450)
If they weren't the reigning champs, you'd look at a 12th overall standing (through Sunday) and wonder what the fuss was about. But Colorado is still loaded. And come the spring and summer grind, they'll know the route to a parade better than any team in the field.
Wager elsewhere at your own peril.
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