NHL futures: Is it time to start betting on the Oilers?
It was only a couple of months ago that the Edmonton Oilers were looking like a lost cause this season. Fast forward to the start of 2024, and Connor McDavid's team is on a hot streak and in a position to take over the Pacific Division. But does that make them worth betting on?
An 11-game winning streak has propelled Edmonton from the Western Conference cellar to fourth place in their division. That stretch has, of course, made them more appealing to oddsmakers, with DraftKings listing them at 10-1 odds to win the Stanley Cup.
Is it time to start putting some money down on the Oilers, or is it safer to keep that money in your wallet?
While their winning streak may not last forever, the Oilers do have room to keep climbing the standings before the NHL All-Star break. Edmonton closes out the first month of the year with games against teams close to them in the standings — the Nashville Predators and the Seattle Kraken, just to name a couple — as well as struggling squads like the Anaheim Ducks and the Bedard-less Chicago Blackhawks. If Edmonton can string together a few more wins ahead of the break in February, there is no doubt their betting odds will shorten.
Of course, there is another factor that could impact the Oilers' odds for better or worse: The trade deadline. While Edmonton has played much better over the last two months, there are still pieces of their lineup that could be tweaked so they can get to the next level. Edmonton is expected to be in the market for a goaltender since neither Stuart Skinner nor Calvin Pickard are built for an arduous playoff run. They will also be on the lookout for help on defense since it is customary for playoff-bound teams to beef up their blue line. If the Oilers can't make those big moves, they may not be the safest bet to make it far in the postseason.
Edmonton's inability to make it deep into the playoffs in recent years is certainly a reason to shy away from betting on them. While they have made the playoffs in four straight seasons, they haven't gotten to the Stanley Cup Final since 2006 and they haven't won the Cup since 1990. While history isn't guaranteed to repeat itself, the Oilers' inability to go that extra mile could be enough to make bettors shy away from them.
Still not sure whether the Oilers are a good bet? That 11-game winning streak certainly makes them an appealing team to bet on. However, it may be worth it to see how their odds are impacted heading into the league break in February. Their upcoming schedule and moves ahead of the trade deadline could greatly impact their worth come playoff time.
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