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It’s not that long ago since the Florida Panthers hoisted their first-ever Stanley Cup, and this offseason hasn’t been devoid of news around the league. Many teams were (hopefully) able to improve their rosters at the draft or through free-agent acquisitions (starting with Steven Stamkos to the Nashville Predators).
Trades also keep things interesting.
Here’s a look at some of the latest NHL moves that may move the needle, and how those transactions could impact the odds to win the 2025 Stanley Cup.
Sharks ‘Bite’ Celebrini The San Jose Sharks went with the obvious, selecting Macklin Celebrini No. 1 overall in the
draft last month. They’ve now reached an agreement with their new star on an entry-level pact.
Celebrini putting his John Hancock on that pro contract closes his collegiate career at Boston University. There was a chance Celebrini would return to BU as a sophomore, though the decision was made to begin his career in the NHL.
With the Terriers, Celebrini and his team reached the Frozen Four’s national semifinal, but lost to the eventual-champion Denver Pioneers.
It’s a long rebuild in San Jose. Celebrini isn’t going to make the Sharks a contender. At least they’ll be worthy of your attention.
Tarasenko to Wings
The Detroit Red Wings have not made the playoffs since 2016. What long-suffering fans.
However, the Men of Motown made a big splash when they re-signed winger Patrick Kane, who was quite productive during his ‘audition’ last season. Detroit also added the newest Stanley Cup champion in another veteran, Vladimir Tarasenko. It’s a two-season, $9.5 million contract as the Red Wings had considerable cap space with which to operate.
Tarasenko, after starring in St. Louis with the Blues, has also played with the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators before his abbreviated (14 points in 19 games) south Florida stint. Tarasenko also scored five goals in the playoffs.
Kane and Tarasenko briefly played together with the Rangers in 2022-23.
McLeod Crossing Swords
The Edmonton Oilers nearly completed what would’ve been an historic comeback in the Final of the Cup. Now, the team is tweaking its roster.
Ryan McLeod, who’s been dependable if not spectacular, was sent to the Buffalo Sabres. Edmonton received Matthew Savoie in the exchange, making the Oilers a younger squad in the process. Buffalo has a longer postseason drought (baker’s dozen 13 seasons) than the aforementioned Detroit Wings, so it added veteran depth.
Savoie was the ninth overall selection by the Sabres in ‘22, playing just one game with the club.
Winning the Cup
Odds to win the next Cup have been out since the conclusion of the Final, with the favorites quite logical. The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are 9-1 (+900) co-choices, according to NHL Stanley Cup odds. Next, the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars both sit at 10-1 (+1000).
Hockey is also full of ‘one-off’ and prop wagers, as per NHL specials.
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