Stanley Cup odds update: Teams to buy or sell post-deadline

There was no shortage of activity at the 2022 NHL trade deadline. Where do things stand following all the movement?

Here, we'll look at a few teams to buy or sell post-deadline.

Colorado Avalanche (+400)

The Avalanche, who were the best team heading into the deadline, made meaningful improvements to further increase their chances. Josh Manson isn't the player he once was, but he should bolster the top four and work nicely with Sam Girard on the second pairing. Artturi Lehkonen is an excellent middle-six forward who fits perfectly with the team's style of play. He also brings real playoff experience, having made it to the dance with the Montreal Canadiens last season. Additionally, Andrew Cogliano is a nice, speedy role player who improves the team's depth. The Avalanche didn't add any marquee names, but they didn't need to.

Tampa Bay Lightning (+850)

Since the last odds update, the Lightning added Brandon Hagel and Nick Paul, only losing Mathieu Joseph. Hagel is a speedy, forechecking fiend who's on pace for well over 25 goals; Paul is a responsible, versatile, two-way forward. They provide another impressive layer of depth to an already loaded team. Yet Tampa Bay's odds to win the Stanley Cup decreased. I think that's a mistake. Yes, the Lightning have a nightmarish path through the Atlantic Division. But that didn't stop them last year, or the year before. This team looks just as impressive as recent renditions.

Pittsburgh Penguins (+1600)

The Penguins entered the deadline with only one real weakness: finishing. They're among the league's best chance-generation teams, sitting seventh in expected goals at five-on-five. But their actual output has lagged behind, as 12 teams have netted more goals. It went to the wire, but the Penguins did pluck Rickard Rakell from Anaheim to get Evgeni Malkin some help. Rakell's on pace for 26 goals this season and will no doubt benefit from joining a team as talented as Pittsburgh. I think these odds sell the Pens a little short.

Vegas Golden Knights (+1600)

Things are going from bad to worse for the Golden Knights. They're struggling to stay afloat while losing key player after key player. Vegas technically holds a playoff spot but is behind the Dallas Stars in points percentage. There's still time for the Golden Knights to find their footing, but it feels like health is going to be a severe issue for them whether they sneak into the playoffs or not. If that's the case, they're not going to do much damage.

St. Louis Blues (+2100)

The Blues' record oversells them. They routinely get outshot and outchanced, which isn't a recipe for a sustained playoff run. I like their forwards, but the defense leaves a lot to be desired. I really thought they needed an impact defender who can help suppress chances and get play moving in the right direction. Nick Leddy isn't that.

Dallas Stars (+3500)

What is this team going to do? The Stars would be the final wild-card team if we went by points percentage, though they're currently out of the playoff picture. They have one legitimately good line and one good defensive pairing. Even if Dallas makes it to the playoffs, the team is likely to be pummelled by the Avalanche. And if the Stars grab the top wild-card spot? The end result would be the same against the Calgary Flames. Truth be told, this team would've been better served moving on from a guy like John Klingberg and netting a haul of future assets.

Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.

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