NHL Preseason Early Odds: Hockey is Back Too, You Know?

Football is back. But it’s not as cool as ice hockey. Literally. The NHL returns on September 22 via the preseason. In fact, there are already NHL preseason early odds available for betting. Fans can find these all over the sportsbook and use it to gauge where all 32 teams are. And, of course, players like Connor McDavid are atop the odds boards.

2023-24 Preseason NHL Odds

Another Avalanche? Colorado Favored to Win Stanley Cup

A familiar favorite sits atop the NHL preseason early odds: the Colorado Avalanche. Despite getting upset early in the playoffs last season, Colorado is the consensus most likely cup winner. It would be the franchise’s second win in three seasons if this is accurate. But the race for “Lord Stanley’s Mug” is as close as it typically is, so good luck with everyone’s NHL predictions.

2023-24 Stanley Cup Winner:

• Colorado Avalanche +800
• Edmonton Oilers +1000
• Carolina Hurricanes +1000
•   New Jersey Devils +1000
• Vegas Golden Knights +1100
• Toronto Maple Leafs +1100
• Boston Bruins +1400
• Tampa Bay Lightning +1400

The next Stanley Cup champion most likely comes from this shortlist. The Golden Knights are at 11-1 to defend their cup, while Boston, the President’s Trophy winner, is at 14-1 tied with the 2020 and 2021 champions, Tampa Bay.

Connor McDavid’s squad, the Oilers, remains one of the favorites to win despite consistent shortcomings. This is a sentiment shared by the Maple Leafs and Hurricanes. Their fans keep chanting “This is our year!” and one could finally get it right.

The Presidents’ Trophy Race: Who Curses Themselves This Time?

Hockey fans are a superstitious bunch. Why else would they claim that the President’s Trophy winner, the team with the most points in the regular season, is “cursed”? The last eight winners did not even make it past the second round. In fact, Boston set an NHL record with 135 points last season, then blew a 3-1 series lead to lose in the first round.

2023-24 President’s Trophy Winner:

• Carolina Hurricanes +450
• New Jersey Devils +550
• Colorado Avalanche +750
• Toronto Maple Leafs +750
• Edmonton Oilers +800
• Vegas Golden Knights +1200
• Dallas Stars +1200

Carolina leads the NHL preseason early odds just a bit over New Jersey, its division rival. Both had significant upgrades over the offseason and have a young and talented core of players. The Hurricanes have also consistently been in the top five on the NHL standings for the past three seasons.

The Connor of Money: McDavid and Bedard Lead Their Odds

Move over, Connor McDavid. There is a new “Connor” in town: Connor Bedard. The first overall pick debuts in Chicago as the next greatest prospect since McDavid. As such, fans can find both atop their respective awards.

2023-24 Hart Trophy Winner (Most Valuable Player):

• Connor McDavid Ev (+100)
• Nathan McKinnon +900
• Leon Draisaitl +1000
• Matthew Tkachuk +1200

2023-24 Calder Trophy Winner (Rookie of the Year):

• Connor Bedard -175
• Luke Hughes +450
• Devon Levi +800
• Adam Fantilli +1000

Both could be worth betting on now, as you can expect them to put up sexy NHL scores all the time. And if voters love anything, it’s a lot of scoring.

For NHL betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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