NHL Conference Winners: Analyzing BetMGM Odds and Early Betting Trends

The NHL season is officially underway, making it the perfect time to dive into the futures markets. One of the most popular betting markets at this stage of the year is predicting the winners of the Eastern and Western Conferences. To win these markets, a team must ultimately reach the Stanley Cup Final.

Here is a breakdown of the Eastern and Western Conference winner odds at BetMGM, as of September 30.

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NHL Eastern Conference Betting at BetMGM

While the Florida Panthers hold the shortest odds in the Eastern Conference at +340, they are not the betting public’s favorite. That distinction belongs to the Washington Capitals, who sit at +700.

Despite having the fourth-shortest odds, the Capitals are commanding a significant portion of the action, attracting 31.7% of the total money bet. After missing the playoffs last season with a 43-30-9 record, Washington has undergone a major roster revamp, adding forwards Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, and Boone Jenner. This heightened talent has raised expectations for the upcoming season.

The Montreal Canadiens are another highly popular bet in this market. At +1000 odds, the Habs are drawing the highest volume of bets at 19.2% and the second-highest amount of money at 29.5%. Last year, Montreal finished third in the Atlantic Division with a strong 48-24-10 record and 106 points.

In contrast, the Florida Panthers are taking in 10.9% of the bets and 6.6% of the money. Meanwhile, the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes (+400), who possess the second-shortest odds, have received a more conservative 6% of the bets and just 3.1% of the money.

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NHL Western Conference Betting at BetMGM

In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars and the Utah Mammoth are capturing the majority of the public’s attention, accounting for just under half of all money wagered.

The Dallas Stars (+750) are taking in 23.3% of the money. After finishing second in the Central Division last year, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Wild. Meanwhile, the Utah Mammoth are taking in 22.2% of the money. The team made the playoffs for the first time since relocating to Utah, finishing fourth in the Central Division.

The Colorado Avalanche (+340) hold the shortest odds in the conference and are taking in 15.8% of the bets and 7.4% of the money. The Edmonton Oilers (+450) and the Vegas Golden Knights (+475) follow with the second and third-shortest odds, respectively.

The Oilers are accounting for 11.4% of the bets and 9.8% of the money, while the Golden Knights are taking in 11.1% of the bets and 8.8% of the money.

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