Last week was a busy week in the NHL, as the Seattle Expansion draft, the NHL Entry Draft and the start of free agency all took place in a span of just a few days. As a result of last week’s shuffling of players and subsequent shift of powers throughout the league, Vegas has released updated odds for the coming 2021-22 season.
The Capitals are currently +2500, which is the fourth best odds in the Metropolitan Division, behind the Carolina Hurricanes (+1600), the New York Islanders (+2000) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (+2200).
The Capitals odds actually improved following last weeks frenzy of player movement. This is likely due to the fact that talent continues to be redistributed to lesser teams during the prolonged flat salary cap period. Many of the teams ahead of the Capitals in odds actually lost key players, which were subsequently signed by lesser teams with room under the salary cap.
For frame of reference, the Capitals +1800 to win the Stanley Cup prior to last season.
The Capitals begin the 2021-22 season on October 13 when they host the New York Rangers at Capitals One Arena.
By Jon Sorensen
