The NHL franchise, Colorado Avalanche, chose to remain inactive during this year’s trade deadline. Consequently, the prospects of Avalanche players at future legitimate casinos in Colorado remained unaffected.
Colorado remained in the second tier of 2020 Stanley Cup contenders before Monday’s cutoff. Despite this, Avalanche fans may be disappointed to learn that their chances of winning the Cup this year have not increased.
Future of Avalanche at upcoming Colorado legitimate sportsbooks
On Monday evening, the odds of the Avalanche winning this year’s NHL playoff competition remained consistent across all casino brands that have obtained marketplace access for Colorado. For instance, at 3 p.m. ET on Monday, DraftKings offered odds of +1000 for Colorado to win the Stanley Cup.
After the passing of 3 p.m. ET on Monday, the odds at that particular book remained at +1000. DraftKings has intentions to establish a presence in Colorado by partnering with Twin River Entertainment.
Although the Avalanche did not alter those probabilities, it would be misleading to claim that they did nothing. Colorado did make a move by acquiring the Ottawa Senators’ fourth-round pick in 2021 in exchange for center Vlad Namestnikov.
The acquisition of Namestnikov wasn’t a groundbreaking move, considering the Avs only had to give up a single fourth-round pick. For Colorado, it was more of a strategic move.
Why didn’t the Avalanche & ’s trade move the needle?
In the current season, Namestnikov has gathered a total of 25 points across 56 games, resulting in a net rating of -7. However, due to injuries affecting his team’s forward line, he might receive increased playing time that might not align with his actual performance.
Currently, Matt Calvert, Nazem Kadri, Mikko Rantanen, and Colin Wilson, who are forwards for the Avalanche, are grappling with injuries of different levels of seriousness. Although Namestnikov could potentially be valuable when Colorado is at full strength, it is doubtful that he alone will provide the Avalanche with the necessary offensive firepower while the aforementioned quartet focuses on their recovery.
Colorado is facing problems with their goalkeeping as Philipp Grubauer is currently on injured reserve. The Avalanche’s failure to provide adequate backup in that position likely contributed to their unmet expectations.
However, the league’s rival team did not find satisfaction in the conflict, which disappointed Avs fans.
Vegas is a bigger issue now than it was before.
The acquisition of goalie Robin Lehner by the Vegas Golden Knights has positioned them as the leading contender in the Western Conference, at least according to some. Lehner joins a team that had already amassed an impressive 76 points in 64 games.
Despite Chicago’s disappointing season, the Chicago Blackhawks’ goalie managed to achieve an impressive save percentage of .918. This not only strengthens Vegas’ position in the Pacific Division but also sets them up to face the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the St. Louis Blues, in the Western Conference.
Moreover, it presents a greater challenge for the Avalanche’s journey to Colorado. During the playoffs, it is highly likely that they will have to face either one or both of these formidable teams.
The odds of Vegas winning the Stanley Cup are already the lowest in the Western Conference at +800. This highlights how a significant change in the date can greatly affect future betting lines.
If Colorado manages to maintain their health and keep warm during the playoffs, there is a chance that the Avalanche could overcome Vegas and St. Louis. However, if they are unable to do so, it is likely that the Avalanche’s prospects remained unchanged by the deadline.
