The NHL trade deadline is less than two weeks away, meaning time is running out for teams to solidify their Stanley Cup chances or to take steps to help them compete down the road.
One of the teams firmly in the latter category is the Ottawa Senators. Ottawa is next to last in the Atlantic Division with a 25-27-3 record, not a rewarding season for the team, the fans or Senators backers at Ontario betting sites. With just 53 points in 55 games, the Sens are 16 points behind Tampa Bay (32-23-5, 69) for the second and final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
It has been a long season already for the Senators as the team has replaced its coach and general manager since Nov. 1. Given where they stand, the Sens are facing a seventh straight season without reaching the playoffs. There’s little point in betting on Ottawa to win this season’s Stanley Cup, but check out our Stanley Cup odds page to keep track of teams with a more realistic chance to win it all this June.
Before this season, Ottawa started looking toward the future when it traded Alex DeBrincat for a package that included a prospect and two 2024 draft picks. Ottawa management then signed veteran forward Vladimir Tarasenko to a one-year, $5 million contract to replace DeBrincat, who tallied 27 goals and 66 points last season.
Vladimir Tarasenko Season So Far
Tarasenko, a 32-year-old wing, has netted 15 goals and added 22 assists in 53 games this season. His production has tailed off from his 30-goal seasons with the St. Louis Blues, but Tarasenko could still provide value for a contending team that needs a proven leader. He was a major factor in the Blues hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2019.
So, who could benefit from a player like Tarasenko? Our team at OntarioBets.com provides not only reliable Ontario sports betting apps reviews, but also established these odds. These are for entertainment value only. So whose sweater will the two-time All-Star be wearing for the final month of the regular season?
Vladimir Tarasenko Trade Odds
Favorites To Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko
The Edmonton Oilers (33-20-2 record, 68 points) might not look like a team that could use a player like Tarasenko, especially with established superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the offense. But the Oilers, whose 16-game winning streak ended earlier this month, are in third place in the Pacific Division. Edmonton is just two points ahead of the Nashville Predators (32-25-2, 66), who hold the Western Conference’s final wild card spot going into Monday’s games. However, the Oilers have four games in hand on the Preds and have more than the teams behind them in the playoff chase.
The Oilers don’t rank among the league leaders in points, but oddsmakers love the Oilers’ chances to win their sixth Stanley Cup and first since 1990. DraftKings Ontario Sportsbook oddsmakers have the Oilers as their second favorite on the futures board, with odds of winning at +800 (the Florida Panthers are +750).
Other Teams In Contention
If Tarasenko were to join Dallas (35-16-8, 78), he’d join a balanced scoring attack. Eight players have scored at least 14 goals this season for the Stars and 10 players have recorded at least 20 assists. However, both Dallas and Edmonton might face salary cap issues in trying to land Tarasenko. Each has less than $2 million in cap space, according to CapFriendly.com.
Caesars Ontario Sportsbook gives the Stars odds of +1000 to win the franchise’s second Stanley Cup.
A team that could find it easier to add Tarasenko could be the Carolina Hurricanes (34-18-6, 74). The Canes could use the scoring punch Tarasenko provides, as only four players on the team have more than 15 goals and 37 points. On top of that, CapFriendly.com says Carolina is projected to have nearly $6.7 million in cap space at the trade deadline. That would allow general manager Don Waddell to offer draft picks and prospects instead of pricier players to offset Tarasenko’s cap number.
At BetMGM Ontario Sportsbook, the Canes have odds of +1100 to win the Stanley Cup this season.
