The 2013-2014 NHL season will get underway in October and the odds are in at Top Bet’s NHL Futures section. We’ve broken them down for you right here.
Odds to Win the 2014 Stanley Cup:
Pittsburgh Penguins (+500)
After a disappointing exit from the playoffs, these perennial cup favorites will hit the ice in 2013-2014 with their eye on the prize once again. Whether Sidney Crosby stays healthy or not, look for Pittsburgh to compete for top seed in the Metropolitan Division.
Chicago Blackhawks (+550)
After the Blackhawks won the cup in 2010, much of their supporting cast and a portion of their core were lost due to cap troubles. This time around, despite minor subtractions, the Stanley Cup Champions remain mostly intact.
St. Louis Blues (+800)
The Blues have improved their depth down the middle and will be looking at Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko to keep trending upwards. Ken Hitchcock’s squad enters the season primed for a solid playoff run.
Boston Bruins (+850)
Tyler Seguin was dealt to Dallas when rumors of his bad behaviour began to surface, and Nathan Horton signed a big seven year deal with Columbus in the offseason. Even so, much of the team that pushed hard for a Stanley Cup in 2013 remains, and they’ll look to do it all over again this season.
Detroit Red Wings (+1,000)
This Red Wings team is a ghost of the group that dominated the last two decades, but stars Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg still wear the red and white, now joined by former Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson. If the three find some chemistry, these Red Wings could return to elite form.
Vancouver Canucks (+1,200)
This Canucks team isn’t all that far removed from the squad that played for the cup in 2010—as far as we’re concerned, they’re still contenders.
Los Angeles Kings (+1,200)
Much like the Canucks, these LA Kings are still as strong as they were in 2012 when they hoisted Stanley.
New York Rangers (+1,400)
Henrik Lundqvist is still the king, and if Rick Nash and Brad Richards can play to their full potential, the Rangers will be playing hockey late into the spring.
San Jose Sharks (+1,500)
Patrick Marleau and company were red hot out of the gate last season. If the Sharks stars can sustain that offense in 2013-2014, then they’ll feast on their new Pacific Division.
Anaheim Ducks (+2,000)
It’s still unknown if Finnish Flash Teemu Selanne will be returning for one more NHL season, but Anaheim’s top line remains as dynamic and powerful as ever.
Montreal Canadians (+2,000)
Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban proved his worth last season when his start was delayed due to contract negotiations. He’ll continue to trend upwards, and with new addition Daniel Briere, the Habs have plenty of punch to help them move up in the standings.
Edmonton Oilers (+2,500)
If Nail Yakupov, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Justin Schultz can break out like Taylor Hall did last season, then the sky is the limit for this loaded group of young stars. The Penguins did it, the Blackhawks did it, and now everyone is looking at the Oilers, who have amassed one of the most impressive young forward groups in recent memory.
Toronto Maple Leafs (+3,000)
This is a team that fell ten minutes short of knocking out the Eastern Conference Champion Bruins in the playoffs. As with Edmonton, there is cup-contender potential in this young core.
New York Islanders (+3,000)
Completing our trio of young teams in the middle of the pack, the Islanders are another wildcard blessed with elite talent in John Tavares.
Washington Capitals (+3,000)
When it comes to the best player in the game, Alex Ovechkin is among a select few in the conversation. Last season’s league MVP will look to propel his squad to the top of their new division.
Ottawa Senators (+3,000)
While the loss of captain Daniel Alfredsson could demoralize the team, newcomer Bobby Ryan will look to fill the void. Erik Karlsson is the best in the game at moving the puck from the back end.
Philadelphia Flyers (+3,000)
Elite forward Claude Giroux will miss training camp after suffering a freak golfing accident, but don’t expect that to slow down this young, skilled team. If Schenn, Voracek, and Couturier improve, so will the Flyers’ shot at a cup.
Minnesota Wild (+3,500)
Ryan Suter is one of the best defenseman in the game, and Zach Parise is one of the best all-around centres. They continue to look strong at two of the game’s most important positions.
Winnipeg Jets (+4,000)
Like so many teams sitting in the middle of our NHL Futures rankings, the Jets’ fortunes are tied to the development of their young players—Zach Bogosian and Evander Kane, in particular.
Tampa Bay Lightning (+4,000)
Steven Stamkos is the most dynamic scorer in the NHL. Goals win hockey games, and if Jonathan Drouin can help Stammer to score enough of them, look for this bet to pay off in a big way.
New Jersey Devils (+4,000)
Ilya Kovalchuk made headlines when he bolted this offseason for the KHL. The Devils have done their best to patch the hole in their lineup with the legendary Jaromir Jagr.
Columbus Blue Jackets (+4,000)
They made bold moves, adding power forward Nathan Horton over the summer and Marian Gaborik late last season. If goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky can prove last season was no fluke, Columbus could surprise in a big way.
Carolina Hurricanes (+4,000)
Staal brothers Jordan and Eric will look to goaltender Cam Ward for support as the Hurricanes look to find chemistry in 2013-2014.
Dallas Stars (+5,000)
The additions of Tyler Seguin, Shawn Horcoff, and Rich Peverley give the Stars great depth down the middle, while draft pick Valeri Nichushkin could come in and contribute right away. This is not the same team that finished 11th in the West last season.
Colorado Avalanche (+5,000)
The Avs turned some heads when they paid captain Gabriel Landeskog big time after only two seasons in the NHL. He’ll be joined by first overall pick Nathan Mackinnon in what should be an exciting season for these young guns.
Nashville Predators (+5,000)
The Preds were ecstatic to grab Seth Jones fourth overall at the NHL entry draft. He’ll join Shea Weber on a blue line that can shut down any of the game’s top stars.
Phoenix Coyotes (+6,000)
With ownership issues finally resolved in Glendale, the Coyotes should be able to come in and play strong hockey with little distraction. This is a team that won their division just two seasons ago.
Buffalo Sabres (+8,000)
If goaltender Ryan Miller can return to form, so will the Buffalo Sabres.
Florida Panthers (+10,000)
Like Phoenix, this is a team that won their division in 2012. Look for big Finnish center Alexander Barkov to come right in and have some success in the NHL.
Calgary Flames (+10,000)
The Flames unofficially announced a rebuild when they dealt Jarome Iginla to the Penguins last season. College free-agent signing Corban Knight and first round draft pick Sean Monahan will be given every opportunity to assume a significant role on this struggling team.
Who do you think will win the Stanley Cup in 2014? Visit the Top Bet Sportsbook NHL Futures section to view 2014 Stanley Cup odds and place your bet today.
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