Written by Graeme on Thursday, October 5th, 2023
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Welcome to the return of yet another NHL Season!
As per tradition, Scott and myself will do division futures betting analysis and tips for each division, prior to the beginning of the NHL season.
We do this less for the purpose of betting tips, and more for our own benefit to recap the off-season, and get prepared mentally for what to expect from each team going into the new season.
Futures bets should be nothing more than casual bets as you can never predict injuries, trades, or completely insane people involved such as Mike Babcock.
Quick note – I’m actually going away for a week. Scott will be handling NHL tips until I believe the 19th of October. However that works out as a lot of my betting tips rely on advanced metric data analysis, and that gives me a few games to start collating data.
However it also means the write-up for this is going to be quite short as I am in a bit of a rush. I’ve did my usual amount of research, but I left the write-ups until last minute and now I really gotta get it done.
Atlantic Division Betting Odds:
- Maple Leafs: 3.00
- Bruins: 4.75
- Lightning 5.75
- Panthers 6.00
- Sabres 9.50
- Senators 11.00
- Red Wings 16.00
- Canadiens 76.00
My Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs:
The Leafs are favourites to win the Atlantic this season. Last season, they were also favourites at 3.00. Bruins were amazingly 9.00.
Can Boston repeat their magic? As that was really the difference maker there. Although the Leafs faltered at times, they had an overall very good regular season.
I just look at the team and think not much has really changed. I can’t see Reaves being a big factor. They need goaltending to really step up.
But I think they have the quality, and 3.00 odds considering their players and looking at the other teams seem worth it. Especially when I look at Boston and Tampa. If Leafs start well they should be able to get a nice early lead over everyone else in the division.
Ontario: 3.00 Odds at Sports Interaction
Rest of Canada: 3.00 Odds at Sports Interaction
USA: +200 Odds at Intertops.
Everyone Else: 3.00 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2023/10/05 9:15:57 PM EST but are subject to change.)
Boston Bruins:
Boston were just exceptional in the regular season last year. They played above and beyond and while they will be in contention, I don’t think they can do it again.
Krejci will be a big loss of course. Bergeron as well. Two massive holes to fill. There is just no way they can repeat last season or come close. They are still an excellent team but that was lighting in a bottle.
I think they will be a bit slow out the blocks to be honest. They need quite a few players to step up. To be honest I think they will come 3rd in the division unless Tampa struggle big – which is also a possibility.
Ontario: 4.75 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Rest of Canada: 4.75 Odds at Bovada
USA: +375 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: 4.75 Odds at Bovada
(Odds correct as of 2023/10/05 9:15:57 PM EST but are subject to change.)
Tampa Bay Lightning:
It feels like this era of Tampa is coming to an end. And now they are missing Vasy to injury. Brutal.
They will still produce for sure and Kucherovs projections for this season are fantastic. Looking forward to seeing Raddysh for them this season though and what he can do.
I think they are going to have an up and down season, but ultimately will make the playoffs.
Ontario: 6.00 Odds at Sports Interaction
Rest of Canada: 7.00 Odds at Bovada
USA: +600 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: 5.75 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2023/10/05 9:15:57 PM EST but are subject to change.)
Florida Panthers:
Panthers were such a frustrating team in the playoff run at the tail end of last season. They made it in but man they didn’t deserve to and blew so many opportunities.
They are still not a team to mess with. Having a few injuries to kickstart the season isn’t fun. A lot of metrics and analysis out there is mixed in regard to whether they will make the playoffs or not. Honestly other than the Leafs, I feel this is a weak division.
The lack of depth on the Panthers is a concern for sure especially offensively.
The first couple weeks will be good times bet the overs on them I expect as I see some real high scoring goals.
Ontario: 6.00 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
Rest of Canada: 6.00 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
USA: +500 Odds at Intertops.
Everyone Else: 6.00 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2023/10/05 9:15:57 PM EST but are subject to change.)
Buffalo Sabres:
Buffalo ended up on 91pts last season. They were fun to watch and could randomly show up and really give teams a go. Hope they add to that this season.
This is a team I think can make the playoffs. As I’ve said, other than Toronto I just don’t think the competition is here in this division.
If they could just get goaltending sorted, I’d feel more confident. There’s some hope about Levi but who knows.
Either way I’d be looking to back this mob to make the playoffs.
Ontario: 10.00 Odds at Sports Interaction
Rest of Canada: 11.00 Odds at Bovada
USA: +1000 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: 9.50 Odds at Sports Interaction
(Odds correct as of 2023/10/05 9:15:57 PM EST but are subject to change.)
Ottawa Senators:
Will THIS be the big season for Ottawa? They’ve made quite a few additions, and in what I deem to be a weak division, they might actually contend
I actually feel quite optimistic about Ottawa this season. They need more offensive production from the D, and goaltending is a concern.
This is one of those teams that I go back and forth on, and will be watching with great anticipation early in the season. Hoping they are able to produce while the bookies undervalue them.
Ontario: 12.00 Odds at Sports Interaction
Rest of Canada: 13.00 Odds at Bovada
USA: +1200 Odds at Bovada
Everyone Else: 11.00 Odds at Bet365 (Americans: We recommend http://www.bovada.lv
(Odds correct as of 2023/10/05 9:15:57 PM EST but are subject to change.)
Not even gonna bother with odds for the next two due to the time constraints.
Detroit Red Wings:
Very busy off-season and will be interesting to see where the cards fall. Really what is there to say? They just seem like they are going to be an absurdly average at best team
Montreal Canadiens:
Last year was bad, and this year looks to be bad too. The young guys improved but not at a rate you’d want.
This looks like a team destined for a lottery pick.
