A Quick Betting Look At NHL Free Agency
The “Free Agent Frenzy” starts at Noon ET tomorrow. Most big signings occur during the first day or two. After that, things calm down as the NHL heads into the wilderness.
Canadian teams have a keen interest, but Ontario sports betting players should have even more to stake their wagers on as free agency is just hours away.
Canadian sports wagerers know that Calgary has one of the most sought-after free agents in Johnny Gaudreau. It appears like he will test free agency. Players like Evgeni Malkin, Claude Giroux, Nazem Kadri, and more have decided to take the plunge.
Let's use some betting analysis mixed with common sense to see where some players might go.
Gaudreau Is Calgary Flames’ Big Fish
The free agent most coveted will undoubtedly be Gaudreau. His career season has set things in motion. The winger arguably has set his price along with 115 points in 82 games and a career-high 40 goals. On Monday, he rejected an eight-year deal worth $9.5 million AAV, according to rumors.
Does Philadelphia (3.49) have the cap space? They would have to make moves. Calgary remains the favourites (2.25), but Gaudreau cannot re-sign for eight years when the clock strikes midnight.
There are many debates about whether New Jersey (2.48) is in the mix. The Devils make a ton of sense, and after missing on Kevin Fiala and Filip Forsberg, it likely means they will try. The Devils have a ton of cap space as well. One longshot team may be the New York Islanders at 8.32.
The three-way battle between Calgary, Philadelphia, and New Jersey is likely. If Gaudreau truly wants to go home, it might just boil down to who is closest to his Cherry Hill roots that can wow him the best. A hedge on Philadelphia or New Jersey cannot hurt until the numbers shift again.
Nazem Kadri The Other Big Prize
The free-agent frenzy could yield unexpected happenings. The silly season for a reason, approaches quickly. There are always the inevitable overpays and “head-scratchers” with a few deals that make actual sense.
Former Toronto Maple Leaf Nazem Kadri figures to cash in on his breakout campaign and playoff success with the Colorado Avalanche. Colorado cannot afford everyone and re-signed Valeri Nichushkin to an eight-year deal ($6.125 million AAV) yesterday.
Colorado, surprisingly, is still a 2.00 favorite to retain Kadri’s services. Most forget that Kadri once scored 30+ goals back-to-back times in Toronto. He has done this before, just not to this level (28 goals, 59 assists in 71 games).
Detroit (3.50) and Seattle (5.02) are next on the radar, but the growing feeling is a long shot from New York (either the Islanders at 11.00 or even the Rangers) might look into this. The Rangers are off the board, but with Andrew Copp testing free agency and losing Ryan Strome, they need a center.
Some will ask if the soon-to-be 32-year-old will drop off anytime soon. Teams have windows and are going for it. Kadri could very well go to Detroit, but one of those New York teams carries intrigue.
Also, Kadri might not get a seven-year deal. Do not be surprised. Explore numbers close to Noon ET on Wednesday.
How About One More For The Road — Evgeni Malkin
There are smaller free agents, but Malkin is significant here. Some argue Claude Giroux, but he appears to be going to either Florida (1.96) or Ottawa (2.96 and shortening)
Malkin looks poised to test the market. Could he be a New York Ranger (9.00)? There are teams with shorter numbers for Canadian bettors, but Washington and Dallas are at 9.00 and could use Malkin’s talents.
The Russian is approaching 36, and health has become an issue. When healthy, Malkin is still a point-a-game player. He wants to win, so that will factor into his decision.
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