The National Hockey League is enjoying an unprecedented level of NHL betting odds party. Commissioner Gary Bettman is booed wherever he goes. But his hardline stance on a salary cap is the envy of other pro leagues. However, gamblers must pay close attention to the changing dynamics of the game. The Colorado Avalanche are the defending champions. And they will be favored for a repeat at the Stanley Cup. But with that championship comes hard decisions. Role players such as Nazem Kadri had to be sent away for financial reasons. Thus, depth may be an issue.
2022 NHL Futures Stanley Cup Championship Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Colorado Avalanche | +416 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +880 |
| Florida Panthers | +1040 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +1060 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +1120 |
| Edmonton Oilers | +1420 |
| Calgary Flames | +1640 |
| New York Rangers | +1820 |
| Minnesota Wild | +1900 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +2000 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +2000 |
| All Other Clubs | +2680 or higher |
Colorado Avalanche +416
The good news is that the Avalanche will return its start core to the lineup. But the bad news is that they lost Stanley Cup-winning goalie Darcy Kuemper. Colorado is about to learn the facts of life of being a champion. First, they had to sign marquee man Nathan MacKinnon to a massive raise and extension. Second, other key players had to be moved to clear the online betting salary cap.
Toronto Maple Leafs +880
Whenever the Maple Leafs are an NHL betting topic, the value issue must be considered. Cause by the fact that the Maple Leafs are the marquee franchise of the NHL. Toronto has a massive fan base of Kool-Aid drinking fans. And they will bet on the Leafs at the slightest hint of potential success. Last year was more of the same in TO. A playoff flop followed a great regular season. Toronto last won the Stanley Cup in 1967. Consider that it was the last Original Six season. That means BEFORE expansion.
Of course, Toronto is loaded with skill again this season. But where are the grit and the championship goaltending?
Florida Panthers +1040
Last season was the best in Florida Panthers’ history. At least until the playoffs. The Cats bowed out meekly in the second round to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Now taking over as head coach is Paul Maurice. Maurice is a competent coach that knows what he is doing. Although he is yet to win a Stanley Cup, he could turn the trick with a talented Florida team. But goaltending and sandpaper remain a concern.
Carolina Hurricanes +1060
Carolina is a very good team with strong defense and goaltending. But the Canes have lacked a closer offensively. Despite a good offseason, they may not have solved their most pressing need.
Tampa Bay Lighting +1120
Last spring, the Lightning made an impressive bid for their third consecutive Stanley Cup championship. But some of the role players from those championship teams were gone. And it showed when it mattered most. Of major concern for this quality club is age, wear, and tear. But goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy gives the Bolts a chance in every game.
Edmonton Oilers +1420
Finally, the Oilers and Connor McDavid made a serious run to the Western Conference final. But against the Avalanche, the Oilers were exposed. To illuminate, Edmonton lacked defensive depth, goaltending, and secondary scoring. Still, the Oilers are good and should play more confidently in 2022-23.