Hurricanes' Stanley Cup odds shorten following Mikko Rantanen trade deal
The Carolina Hurricanes have made a significant move in the National Hockey League (NHL) landscape, as their Stanley Cup odds have shifted to +675, according to the latest BetMGM odds. This change comes after the Hurricanes acquired Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche, who later traded Rantanen to the Dallas Stars.
Rantanen, who had the second-most points on the Avalanche with 64 during the 2022-2023 season, joins a Hurricanes team that already boasts players like Martin Necas and Taylor Hall, who was also acquired by the team from the Chicago Blackhawks. Additionally, the Hurricanes secured Nils Juntorp in a separate trade.
Despite the Hurricanes' improved odds, the defending champion Florida Panthers remain the favourites in the Eastern Conference, with odds of +270 to win the conference and pursue their fourth straight conference crown and third straight Stanley Cup. The Hurricanes are the No. 2 choice at +400.
Other Eastern teams have longer odds, such as the Tampa Bay Lightning at +700, the New Jersey Devils at +875, and the Toronto Maple Leafs at +950. Doc's Sports has listed the Hurricanes at +700 for the Stanley Cup outright, noting that after a botched trade for Rantanen, Carolina managed to turn the situation around by acquiring future assets and Logan Stankoven. They retain a strong core and have about $26 million in cap space to pursue a top star in free agency, which could further boost their chances.
With the addition of Rantanen and the potential for further improvements in the offseason, the Hurricanes stand as the second most favoured Eastern Conference team for the Stanley Cup. The Florida Panthers remain the clear favourites, while other Eastern teams like Tampa Bay, New Jersey, and Toronto follow behind Carolina in current Stanley Cup odds.
The Hurricanes' acquisition of Mikko Rantanen has significantly impacted sports betting sites, with the team now second-favourite for the Eastern Conference Stanley Cup at +400, according to BetMGM. This move has caused a shift in the NHL landscape, as the Hurricanes now boast a strong roster including players like Martin Necas, Taylor Hall, and the recently traded Rantanen.
Despite the Hurricanes' improved odds, the defending champion Florida Panthers remain the favourites for the Eastern Conference Stanley Cup, with odds of +270 to win the conference. The Hurricanes, with their revamped roster, are now listed at +700 for the Stanley Cup outright by Doc's Sports.
Other Eastern teams, such as the Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, and Toronto Maple Leafs, have longer odds, with the Lightning at +700, the Devils at +875, and the Maple Leafs at +950.
With the addition of Rantanen and the potential for further improvements in the offseason, the Hurricanes' Stanley Cup odds in sports betting sites might continue to drop, making them a competitive force in the Eastern Conference and the NHL.
