Account of their surprise run last year has the Vegas Golden Knights as one of the NHL Future lines favorites. But the problem this year is that Vegas won’t be catching anyone off guard. As a matter of fact, the second-year expansion team may find this current NHL season far more difficult. By contrast to last year there will be no surprise factor. Opponents will certainly be ready for the Golden Knights. But beyond that there are teams that are simply better. Tampa Bay, Winnipeg and Toronto all started the 2018-19 season as co-favorites to win the Stanley Cup.
2018-19 Stanley Cup NHL Future Odds
Date and Time: October 2018 through June 2019
Location: Check schedules
NHL Betting Online Odds at SBG:
NHL TV Coverage: Check Listings
Tampa Bay Lighting
On the whole the Tampa Bay Lighting are perennial favorites with the NHL Future lines. Since their appearance in the 2015 Stanley Cup Final the Bolts have proven to be among the most skilled and balanced teams in hockey. Counter to that is their inability to get over the playoff hump since 2015.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto is a justifiable sportsbook co-favorite. Indeed, the Maple Leafs have incredible scoring depth and skill. Of great concern is if the Leafs can tighten up on defense and in goal. By reason of the arrival of John Tavares do the Maple Leafs have legitimate bona fides.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg lost to Vegas in the Western Conference Final last year. Suppose that the two teams would meet again and the Jets would be favored. As a matter of fact, Winnipeg likely should have won last year’s series against Vegas. Consistent with that is the Jets tremendous depth and strong goaltending. Eventually Winnipeg is going to make the Stanley Cup Final. After all no roster is so well put together.
Nashville
Nashville was the 2017 Western Conference champion. But the Predators were eliminated in the second round by the Jets last year. Of major concern is the poor play by goaltender Pekka Rinne in last season’s playoffs. Cause by their consistent excellence the past two years and the Preds are an understandable favorite.
Pittsburgh
At the onset of every season Pittsburgh is among the favorites to hoist the Stanley Cup. After all they were champions in 2016 and 2017. And as long as Sidney Crosby remains on the roster the Pens are a threat to beat anyone they face. Conversely goaltending was not sharp last year and must tighten up for a 2019 Stanley Cup run.
San Jose Sharks
San Jose is the talk of the Western Conference after the Sharks acquired defenseman Erik Karlsson right before the opening of the season. Karlsson is one of the elite offensive defensemen in the game. In like manner the signing of Evander Kane adds to the Sharks scoring depth. Hence the Sharks drawing plenty of betting action to win the Stanley Cup.
Capitals
Meanwhile the defending champion Capitals are not the top chalk. Supplementing that was their surprise run last year. Also worrisome is the departure of head coach Barry Trotz.
2018-19 NHL Future Odds Picks
Starting with their roster depth Winnipeg brings the most potential value for NHL Future lines. To illuminate the Jets have the deepest and most complete roster in the game.
2018-19 NHL Future Odds Pick: Winnipeg Jets
Get NHL news and highlights all season!