Central Division betting preview: All eyes on the new kid in town
After looking at the Atlantic and Metropolitan Divisions in the Eastern Conference, it's time to turn our attention to the Western Conference. Let's start with the Central Division.
The Avalanche headline this group of eight and are the second favorites behind the Hurricanes to hoist the Stanley Cup. The betting market made the Stars the clear choice as the second-best team in this division.
Futures odds
| Team | Stanley Cup | Western Conf. | Central Div. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avalanche | +800 | +400 | +150 |
| Stars | +1400 | +700 | +170 |
| Wild | +3500 | +1000 | +650 |
| Jets | +6000 | +1600 | +900 |
| Predators | +7500 | +1800 | +1800 |
| Blues | +7500 | +3000 | +1800 |
| Blackhawks | +15000 | +10000 | +10000 |
| Coyotes | +30000 | +10000 | +10000 |
All odds via theScore Bet and are subject to change.
The Avs are two years removed from winning their franchise's third Stanley Cup, and the core of that championship roster remains intact. However, captain Gabriel Landeskog remains on the shelf and is expected to miss his second straight season as he recovers from knee surgery.
Colorado narrowly won the Central last season without Landeskog, only to be upset by the Kraken in the first round.
The Stars finished a point behind the Avalanche in the division in 2022-23 but managed to advance to the Western Conference Final. Dallas added Matt Duchene in the offseason to a solid offensive attack that includes captain Jamie Benn, Jason Robertson, Joe Pavelski, and Tyler Seguin.
The betting market suggests the Wild are the third-best team in the Central and the only true threat to the Avalanche and Stars. Many expect Kirill Kaprizov to take another step forward and lead Minnesota offensively.
To Make The Playoffs
| Team | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Avalanche | -1000 | +550 |
| Stars | -750 | +450 |
| Wild | -200 | +160 |
| Jets | -140 | +110 |
| Predators | +160 | -200 |
| Blues | +190 | -250 |
| Coyotes | +550 | -1000 |
| Blackhawks | +700 | -1400 |
Despite the Stanley Cup aspirations at the top of this division, perhaps the biggest storyline comes from the team with the worst odds of making the playoffs.
Connor Bedard is the most hyped No. 1 pick since Connor McDavid and will look to single-handedly lift the Blackhawks back to relevancy in the NHL.
Oddsmakers suggest the ask for Bedard will be too much in his first year, giving the Blackhawks only a 12.5% chance of making the playoffs after earning only 59 points last season.
Chicago did its best to surround Bedard with a supporting cast by bringing in veterans Taylor Hall, Nick Foligno, and Corey Perry. However, the club will be without longtime captain Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane for the first time since the 2007-08 season.