Apologies to the St. Louis Blues fans, but it seems FanDuel isn’t ready to make any bold predictions for the Blues’ upcoming 2024-25 season.
If these analysts are correct, even the Winnipeg Jets, perhaps underdogs, will fare worse in the upcoming season.
FanDuel has three Central Division teams as top favorites to win the Cup next year.
Central Division favorites from FanDuel
Dallas Stars: +1000
Colorado Avalanche: +1100
Nashville Predators: +1600
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The Edmonton Oilers are the favorites with odds of +850. That makes sense considering how amazing Connor McDavid played in the playoffs and the roster improvements they made in the opening days of free agency.
The Florida Panthers, the Stanley Cup winners, hold the second greatest odds at +850.
No love for the Winnipeg Jets? The Jets finished second in the Central Division with an overall record of 52-24-6, earning 110 points. They also had the best goaltender in the league, Connor Hellebuyck.
Perhaps, the Jets are being overlooked, much like the St. Louis Blues?
Most fans would agree with the high ranking of both the Stars and the talent-heavy Avs.
The Predators had perhaps the busiest offseason, adding to their already impressive roster. However, adding veteran players such as Steven Stamkos doesn’t automatically make you a champion.
Stamkos, 34, could be like Patrick Kane, 35. While he’s a great player, he didn’t immediately make the Detroit Red Wings a contender. In fact, Detroit hasn’t made the playoffs in the last eight years.
These predictions and betting odds are just that; the odds are primarily reflective of free agency.
They give appropriate respect to teams like the Oilers and Panthers but also don’t account for team chemistry, deflating statistics, and, sad to say, season-ending injuries.
But the question remains: Are Blues fans confident enough in their team to place wagers on its current talent level for 2024-25?