The Stanley Cup is less than a month away, and now that the trading deadline is finally behind us, there’s a lot for us to unpack, especially when discussing the favorites to win the 2023 Stanley Cup. This list will discuss which team has the best odds of winning the 2023 Stanley Cup.
Now, we’re pretty sure you already know which teams will be on top this year, but for the bettors out there, the odds are what makes the world go round, and it matters who has the biggest odds out there, especially when we’re talking about Hockey. That said, here are the teams you should look out for in the upcoming 2023 Stanley Cup this April.
Carolina Hurricanes
For NHL fans, the Carolina Hurricanes have been doing great this season, and there are too few reasons why people should start doubting them now. The Carolina Hurricanes have been on fire since the season started in November. They then started shooting up to the top of the Metropolitan Division standings and on the Stanley Cup odds, even with the looming threat of the Devils and the Rangers.
However, they have snagged a few problems along the way. Their offense is a huge concern for them right now, especially because Max Pacioretty will miss the rest of the season due to an injury to his Achilles after just recovering from his ailment recently. Not only that, but General Manager Don Waddell didn’t do great during the trade deadline, acquiring only Jesse Puljujarvi and Shayne Gostisbehere.
Another problem is that their starting goalie, Frederik Andersen, ’s health has been a concern lately. Luckily for them, backup Antti Raanta is there to back him up when he’s not up for it. Take note, however, that the Metro is a minefield. Not to mention that the Rangers would want a shot against them again in a best-of-seven series.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins right now are one of the favorites among NHL fans. The Bruins have dominated most of the season, especially at home, where they didn’t lose in regulation over their first 22 games. The Bruins have taken off in their first season under coach Jim Montgomery. Also, the Bruins have recently made marquee additions during the trading deadline, acquiring Dmitry Orlov and forwards Garnet Hathaway and Tyler Bertuzzi.
But perhaps the most important fact people are very fond of is that the Boston Bruins are playoffs-tested. They have been in the postseason for six straight seasons and even went to the Stanley Cup in 2019. That said, people expect them to do the same and even win the Stanley Cup. It will only be a matter of time until we find out.
Toronto Maple Leafs
It was a huge disappointment for Maple Leafs fans last year when the Toronto Maple Leafs got taken out in the first round of the playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, they seemingly got back to their feet by starting solid this season, increasing the hopes of their fans that they will last longer than they did last year.
Many people believed the Toronto Maple Leafs had all the ingredients they needed to go all the way last season but fell short. However, with this season’s second place in the Atlantic Division and third in the league, the future is bright for the team.
But of course, the threat is still there, not to mention that it has been 55 years since their last championship. If they fall short again this year, they will confirm that the “curse” they have ever since their championship is real. Let’s hope it’s not.
New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils started hot at the start of the season and quickly got into a lull afterward. Thankfully, after New Year's, they are seemingly taking off again. Some people might be confused about why they are ranked high in this year’s favorites. This is because they just made their biggest acquisition with Timo Meier in a huge trade with the San Jose Sharks.
Since then, it seemed like the Devils were in high gear, with Timo Meier being backed up by young talents like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Nico Hischier. Because of this, the New Jersey Devils have become the best road team all season, and it’s not likely that they’re going to stop anytime soon. And with them opening the playoffs with a home-ice advantage, people hope they will make it this season.
Final Words
The playoffs are coming, and it will be a racket this time. With all the hopeful teams and the usual criminals at the helm, this playoffs will be one of the best in recent memory. The odds are pretty much set, but anything can happen, especially in the playoffs. Let’s hope it’s going to live up to its hype.
