The Pittsburgh Penguins have parted ways with a number of key veterans since successfully defending their Stanley Cup crown last month, but despite the roster changes the Penguins remain +750 favourites to win a third straight Stanley Cup at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
As expected, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in last month’s NHL expansion draft, while forward Chris Kunitz and defenseman Trevor Daley signed as free agents with Tampa Bay and Detroit, respectively. The veteran exodus opens the door for Matt Murray to take over as the team’s undisputed No. 1 goaltender, and for emerging stars like winger Jake Guentzel to take on bigger roles.
While the Stanley Cup champions have remained relatively quiet since the start of this summer’s free agent frenzy, the Edmonton Oilers captured headlines by signing superstar Connor McDavid to an eight-year, $100 million contact to solidify their position alongside the Chicago Blackhawks in second at +1200 on the 2018 Stanley Cup odds.
The McDavid signing cements a franchise cornerstone for the Oilers, but the club must still come to terms with restricted free agent Leon Draisaitl, who potted 77 points in 82 games last season.
The Blackhawks have improved slightly on the NHL futures since pulling the trigger on a blockbuster deal that sent winger Artemi Panarin to Columbus for Brandon Saad, who won the Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in both 2013 and 2015.
Five teams trail the favourites with +1400 odds, including the Lightning, Washington Capitals, Anaheim Ducks, Nashville Predators, and New York Rangers, while the Toronto Maple Leafs are joined by three clubs at +1600, including the Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens.
The Lightning made a splash by sending forward Jonathan Drouin to Montreal for blue chip defensive prospect Mikhail Sergachev, setting the stage for former Canadiens forward Alex Radulov to sign with Dallas.
Montreal also opened the vault for superstar goaltender Carey Price, who inked an eight-year, $84 million contract, while the Maple Leafs raised eyebrows by locking up veteran forward Patrick Marleau to a three-year deal worth $18.75 million.
The Blue Jackets lead the middle of the pack at +2000, ahead of the Boston Bruins and the Los Angeles Kings at +2200, and the San Jose Sharks at +2500.
The center of the hockey universe temporarily moved to the Nevada desert last month while Vegas wheeled and dealed with the existing 30 NHL clubs. The Golden Knights amassed a wealth of draft picks in the process, but join the Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, and Colorado Avalanche as +7500 Stanley Cup longshots.
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