How Did the Trade Deadline Affect Stanley Cup Odds?

The NHL trade deadline has come and gone, which means the road to the playoffs officially begins. Rosters are set and teams will be fighting to reach the postseason this April.

The trade deadline can change a team’s outlook for the remainder of the season. Whether you’re the Boston Bruins trying to stack up or the Ottawa Senators trying to gain draft picks, the deadline is important for many reasons. With the trade deadline passing by, is there a new favorite to win the Stanley Cup?

Current Odds Date & Time: February 25th, 2:30 P.M. (EST)

Online bookmaker 10Bet has Tampa Bay at +525 to win the Stanley Cup.

According to 10Bet, the Tampa Bay Lightning own the best odds to win the Stanley Cup. Tampa Bay comes in at +525, but do not own the best record in the NHL or have the most points. Lightning fans last saw their team win the Cup in 2004. Will 2020 be the year Tampa Bay rises again?

The Boston Bruins made moves at the deadline, looking to increase their strength. The Bruins are one of the most feared teams in the NHL and analysts believe they became stronger during the deadline. Boston is listed at +725 to win it all. For a region that is rich in championship history, the Bruins are making a strong case to be Stanley Cup champion once again.

Colorado is the first Western Conference team to be featured, coming in at +900. The Avalanche are the favorite to come out of the West, but teams like the St. Louis Blues and Vegas Golden Knights could give them a run for their money. Colorado last won the Stanley Cup in 2001 so fans are dying to see their Avalanche atop the hockey world once again.

There are many strong candidates this season, but the Bruins and Lightning seem to be the teams to beat. Hockey playoffs are unpredictable which means any team that punches their ticket to the postseason has a chance to win it all.