Maple Leafs on the Rise with Bettors

Maple Leafs increase from +1800 from preseason odds to +700 now, as the season skates onto thin ice

Toronto is now the second favourite to win the 2021-22 Stanley Cup, right behind the Colorado Avalanche.  Could the Maple Leafs eventually enter the playoffs as the top pick?

It's been a rocky season already, and things are about to get even more dicey -- given the protocols and restrictions of the league and authorities, but that hasn't stopped lots of speculation as to which teams are favourites to win the 2021-22 Stanley Cup.

Let's assume we get though this mess, the season is completed on schedule, and the playoffs are a breeze as things return to normal in warmer weather.  Here's the lasted futures odd to win the NHL championship, according to SPREADS.CA:

The Maple Leafs have gone from +1800 when the season started in October to +800 as of early January.  With a few more victories, they won't be far away from sitting alone in the top spot, currently held by the perpetually popular Avalanche, always a darling with hockey bettors.

Note that these odds might look very different by this time next week and could be really shaken up as the season continues.  Let's also note the Tampa Bay Lightning still don't seem to be getting enough respect, despite winning back-to-back championships and being the reigning cup holders.

A Toronto-Tampa Bay conference final in the East would satisfy many bettors. We'll also take a Colorado-Las Vegas series in the West.  But for now, Toronto has joined the ranks with the NHL's elite, at least according to bettors and the odds.