NHL Atlantic Division Betting Preview: Stanley Cup Odds, Division Odds, Props, Projections

In the 2024-25 regular season, the Atlantic Division’s combatants combined for a total of 743 points, which was the highest total of any of the NHL’s four divisions. It will likely be a comparably strenuous bracket this season and could prove to be the toughest division in hockey once again.

In this article I’ll outline the Atlantic Division betting odds, notable roster moves, and detail one best bet for each team, in descending order from most to least likely to win the Stanley Cup.

Remember, you can check out our top NHL betting sites here! All odds referenced in this article are from bet365.

Odds to win Stanley Cup, Conference, Division, to Make Playoffs, O/U Points Total:

Team	Stanley Cup odds	Conference Odds	Division Odds	To Make Playoffs	Regular Season Point Total o/u
Boston Bruins	+12500	+6000	+8000	+400	80.5
Buffalo Sabres	+12500	+6000	+3300	+270	84.5
Detroit Red Wings	+10000	+3500	+4000	+250	84.5
Florida Panthers	+600	+300	+160	-900	105.5
Montreal Canadiens	+4000	+2800	+1200	-105	90.5
Ottawa Senators	+3000	+1500	+800	-200	95.5
Tampa Bay Lightning	+1600	+800	+250	-500	102.5
Toronto Maple Leafs	+1800	+800	+400	-330	99.5

Florida Panthers

Stanley Cup Odds: +600
To Win Conference Odds: +300
To Win Division Odds: +160
To Make the Playoffs Odds: -900
Regular Season Points Total: 105.5

Key roster additions: Jeff Petry (D), Luke Kunin (RW), Daniil Tarasov (G)

Key roster subtractions: Nate Schmidt (D), Nico Sturm (C), Vitek Vanecek (G), Jaycob Megna (D)

Best Bets: Under 105.5 Points -110, Division Finishing Position (Third Position +500) bet365

After winning a second consecutive Stanley Cup in even more convincing fashion than in 2024, GM Bill Zito managed to retain the services of Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand, a feat that was considered highly unlikely entering the offseason. With Bennett, Ekblad, and Marchand still onboard and all of the team’s top skaters remaining in their true primes, it’s a safe bet that Florida will enter the 2026 postseason as the team to beat if healthy. 

While the Panthers feel worthy of being the outright Cup favorites, banking on them to once again have a relatively lethargic regular season and come in under their high regular season point total seems to be a sharp angle, as I outlined earlier on in the offseason.

Florida finished with 98 points in the 2024-25 season, as it dealt with a lengthy absence from Matthew Tkachuk following the 4-Nations Face-Off, while Paul Maurice also used his key skaters cautiously down the stretch. It received what was perceived to be a very difficult first-round matchup versus the Tampa Bay Lightning as a result but cruised to a fairly easy series win in five games.

It seems logical to believe that the Panthers will be on autopilot to some extent in the regular season once again, after waiting for the postseason to click into high gear proved so effective last season. 

Matthew Tkachuk will miss an extended period of time to start the season as he recovers from a torn adductor and sports hernia, which obviously downgrades the team’s chances of racking up points out of the gates. 

Backup goaltenders aren’t typically relevant come the postseason, but they are highly relevant in terms of regular season success, and Daniil Tarasov could prove to be a huge downgrade over Spencer Knight, who was an important piece for the Panthers during the first two-thirds of last season. Knight played to a +6.9 GSAx rating last season, while Tarasov posted a -4.4 GSAx rating.

It’s also realistic that the Atlantic Division could prove to be slightly more difficult than it was a year ago, which would also hurt the Panthers’ chances of pushing past a total of 105.5 points. 

At -110, there looks to be plenty of value in betting the Panthers to record under 105.5 regular season points, and I also see value in a small wager backing them to finish exactly third in the division once again.

Tampa Bay Lightning

Stanley Cup Odds: +1600
To Win Conference Odds: +800
To Win Division Odds: +250
To Make the Playoffs Odds: -500
Regular Season Points Total: 102.5

Key roster additions: Jakub Pelletier (LW), Pontus Holmberg (C)

Key roster subtractions: Nick Perbix (D), Mikey Eyssimont (C)

Best Bet: To Win Atlantic Division +250

Betting the Lightning to win the division works hand-in-hand with our Panthers’ best bet, as obviously if Florida disappoints in the regular season as the division favorite, Tampa’s chances of winning the Atlantic would improve dramatically. 

Tampa Bay held the Eastern Conference’s best goal differential (+75) by a wide margin finishing with 102 points in 2024-25, and should remain comparably effective in the upcoming regular season. 

Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, Jake Guentzel, Anthony Cirelli, and Brandon Hagel should provide the Lightning with one of the best top-sixes in the NHL once again, and the depth of the offensive core could be improved relative to last season. A full season of Oliver Bjorkstrand could prove to be significant and could stabilize the third spot on the second line. 

The Lightning did not make any highly significant offseason additions, but bringing in Pontus Holmberg and Jakub Pelletier will likely still prove to upgrade the bottom-six significantly, as Luke Glendening was a drastically below average skater last season. A full season from Yanni Gourde should also help the bottom-six achieve better results.

Victor Hedman’s play potentially declining at the age of 34 is one concern, but Tampa’s defensive core is still likely to remain rock-solid once again this season. 

While the Toronto Maple Leafs will hope Mitch Marner’s departure helps lead to different results come the postseason, it seems unlikely to believe their roster shakeup will lead to greater regular season success. 

With the Panthers and Leafs looking to be overvalued in the regular season, there looks to be value in betting the Lightning to win the Atlantic at +250. 

Toronto Maple Leafs

Stanley Cup Odds: +1800
To Win Conference Odds: +800
To Win Division Odds: +400
To Make the Playoffs Odds: -330
Regular Season Points Total: 99.5

Key roster additions: Nic Roy (C), Matias Maccelli (LW), Dakota Joshua (C), Michael Pezzeta (LW), Henry Thrun (D)

Key roster subtractions: Mitch Marner (RW), Max Pacioretty (LW), Pontus Holmberg (C)

Best Bet: Auston Matthews to Win Rocket Richard Trophy +375 (bet365)

Marner’s departure certainly hurts the Leafs’ offensive upside, and Joseph Woll requiring a leave of absence has the team’s goaltending situation currently looking a little less convincing. Even still, they appear highly likely to return to the playoffs for a 10th consecutive season, though at this point I am slightly lower on the Leafs’ chances of regular season success than the betting market, but do not quite see value in fading them with any specific bet.

One major cause for optimism regarding the Leafs entering this season is a potential return to top form from captain Auston Matthews, who had a down year last season while continually dealing with a nagging upper-body injury. Matthews was still able to record 78 points in 67 games with strong defensive results last season, though he clearly struggled to score from distance in the same fashion we have seen throughout the rest of his career and was not as dominant at both ends of the ice as we have typically seen.

We hear it a lot this time of year, but Matthews has reportedly looked excellent throughout camp and appears to be entering the season in a great place. While Matthews’ ability to stay healthy will remain a concern this season, a price of +375 looks quite appealing for a skater in his prime that has won this award in three of the past five seasons.

Matthews led all NHL skaters with 1.8 expected goals per 60 in the 2024-25 regular season (minimum 300 minutes played). While Matthews had finished chances at a considerably higher rate than expected in each of his previous NHL campaigns, he scored just 33 goals from 41.1 expected goals last season.

Marner’s loss will likely mean fewer high-quality scoring chances for Matthews, but is a livable concern considering the +375 price tag given Matthews’ historic production and the fact that he appears to be entering the season fully healthy.

Ottawa Senators

Stanley Cup Odds: +3000
To Win Conference Odds: +1500
To Win Division Odds: +800
To Make the Playoffs Odds: -200
Regular Season Points Total: 95.5

Key roster additions: Lars Eller (C), Jordan Spence (D) Arthur Kaliyev (RW)

Key roster subtractions: Adam Gaudette (RW), Travis Hamonic (D), Matthew Highmore (LW), Anton Forsberg (G)

Best Bet: Team to Record 100+ Points +230 (bet365)

For years we’ve been waiting for one of the Senators’ lengthy rebuilds to pay dividends with a return to the postseason, and Ottawa’s strong young core finally broke through last season, earning a playoff spot with 97 points. Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, Jake Sanderson, and Thomas Chabot should combine to offer at least similar results to last season, which provides the team with a solid floor. 

While the top skaters in the Senators lineup should remain comparably effective, there are several pieces that could help solidify the team’s depth. Dylan Cozens was effective in his time with the Senators after being dealt away from the lowly Buffalo Sabres, while Shane Pinto could also be poised to bounce back with a better campaign, potentially leaving the Senators with a strong trio down the middle at the critical center-ice position.

Jordan Spence achieved tremendous results in a sheltered role with the Los Angeles Kings, and should prove to be a massive upgrade over Travis Hamonic, who was one of the worst regulars in the NHL last season.

While it is slightly contradictory to back the Senators to record 100 or more points while also believing in a position on the Lightning winning the division, Ottawa is one of only three Atlantic Division teams that I’m high on relative to the betting market, which makes me believe it is reasonable to tap into both positions. 

Montreal Canadiens

Stanley Cup Odds: +4000
To Win Conference Odds: +2800
To Win Division Odds: +1200
To Make the Playoffs Odds: -105
Regular Season Points Total: 90.5

Key roster additions: Zachary Bolduc (LW) Samuel Blais (LW), Alex Belzile (RW) Joe Veleno (C) Noah Dobson (D) Marc Del Gaizo (D) 

Key roster subtractions: Emil Heineman (RW) , Christian Dvorak (C), Michael Pezzetta (RW), Joel Armia (LW), Rafaël Harvey-Pinard (LW), Alex Barre-Boulet (LW) Logan Mailloux (D) David Savard (D) Cayden Primeau (G) 

Best Bet: Ivan Demidov to Win Calder Trophy +200 (bet365)

The Canadiens took significant steps forward last season, sneaking into the playoffs with 91 points after a poor start to the campaign. Like the rival Senators, it seems logical to believe that Montreal’s core of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson, and Samuel Montembeault will be similarly effective this season and should be carrying less dead weight among the rest of the roster.

While there are some flaws in Noah Dobson’s game, he still has to be viewed as a strong buy-low candidate at age 25, after struggling to find his footing under head coach Patrick Roy. Combining Dobson’s addition with likely progression from young defenders such as Hutson, and Kaiden Guhle, and potentially even David Reinbacher could leave the team with a more stable defensive core.

While he was not a factor during the Canadiens’ series versus the Washington Capitals, Ivan Demidov showed well during his brief tenure with the team at the end of last season, and appears ready for a top-six role this season. 

Earlier in the summer I outlined why backing the Canadiens to make the playoffs at +130 appeared to provide plenty of value. That price has now ticked down to -105, and while I would still lean towards backing them to return to the postseason, it’s no longer my favorite bet involving the team. 

While there are a number of high-profile prospects that will be competing for the Calder Trophy this season, it still seems quite reasonable to back Demidov at a seemingly modest price of +200 when you really dive into it.

Demidov should be a safe bet to receive top-six minutes and be a mainstay on the top power play this season. It also would not be remotely surprising if he ultimately spends more time on the top unit with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield than on the second unit with Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach, as it seems reasonable to believe he is already a better player than Juraj Slafkovsky.

Often rookies contending for the Calder Trophy either have a significant role with weak linemates on a cellar-dwelling team (which hurt Macklin Celebrini last season), or are behind more established players on the lineup card.

Neither of those factors should work against Demidov this season, as he’s already proven himself at the professional level with 49 points in 65 games in the KHL last season, despite often receiving unfair usage, likely due to his inevitable departure. 

Considering his likely role on the Canadiens and development relative to other meaningful candidates, I’m happy to back Demidov as the favorite in the Calder Trophy market at +200. 

Detroit Red Wings

Stanley Cup Odds: +10000
To Win Conference Odds: +3500
To Win Division Odds: +4000
To Make the Playoffs Odds: +250
Regular Season Points Total: 84.5

Key roster additions: John Gibson (G) James van Riemsdyk (LW), Mason Appleton (RW), Jacob Bernard-Docker (D) Travis Hamonic (D)

Key roster subtractions: Alex Lyon (G) Jeff Petry (D), Petr Mrazek (G), Tyler Motte (C), Craig Smith (RW)

Best Bet: John Gibson Vezina Trophy Winner +250000

The Red Wings finished the 2024-25 regular season in respectable form after bringing in Todd McLellan as head coach, playing to a record of 26-18-4 after relieving Derek Lalonde of his duties. That’s certainly one positive notion towards the idea that Detroit could snap its nine-year playoff drought this season, but its overall depth remains somewhat concerning, while its top offensive stars are still slightly less convincing than what other teams in the division are offering. 

Young defenders Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson both figure to offer a high level of play once again this season, but the rest of the defensive core is unconvincing. Ben Chiarot will likely still garner a spot on the top two pairings, which is a significant concern, and the additions of Travis Hamonic and Jacob Bernard-Docker do not offer much hope for improvement on the third unit.

A betting total of 84.5 points and price of +250 to make the playoffs look fair to me, and I don’t see much value in betting the Red Wings from a team perspective. 

There is no disputing that the Red Wings were a shaky defensive team last season, but they were more mediocre than awful after McLellan took over as head coach. In the final 20 games, they played to a 17th-ranked xGA/60 of 2.59 and ranked 10th in actual goals against per 60.

If the Red Wings can continue to take steps forward defensively, it will give John Gibson a sliver of hope to steal the Vezina in his first season with the team, and 250-1 looks to be a long enough number to take a small stab. Gibson ranked seventh in the NHL last season in goals saved above expected per 60 (minimum 15 games played), and it could be worth tapping into his upside on a Detroit team trying desperately to finally turn the corner.

Buffalo Sabres

Stanley Cup Odds: +12500
To Win Conference Odds: +6000
To Win Division Odds: +3300
To Make the Playoffs Odds: +270
Regular Season Points Total: 84.5

Key roster additions: Michael Kesselring (D), Alex Lyon (G), Justin Danforth (RW), Connor Timmins (D), Zac Jones (D), Josh Doan (RW)

Key roster subtractions: JJ Peterka (LW), Connor Clifton (D), Sam Lafferty (C) James Reimer (G), Jacob Bernard-Docker (D)

Best Bet: Tage Thompson to Score 40 Goals +135 (bet365)

The Sabres failed to live up to expectations once again last season, missing the playoffs for a 14th consecutive season with a total of 79 points.

To the dismay of much of the fanbase, management decided to trade away another exciting young talent in J.J. Peterka this offseason, despite him finishing second on the team with 27 goals and 67 points. While Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring appears to be a fairly modest return, Kesselring was a highly underrated defender last season, while Doan was more effective defensively than Peterka. 

If I were forced to pick one of the Red Wings, Sabres, or Bruins to steal a playoff berth, it would be the Sabres, but I’m still not quite interested in betting this to be the season Buffalo finally figures it out. 

There does appear to be strong value in backing Tage Thompson to score 40 goals, however, after the 27 year-old tallied 44 goals in 76 games last season. While Thompson scored on 18.6% of shots last season and generated just 24.5 expected goals, his elite shooting abilities and excellent hands at the net don’t seem to be getting enough credit.

Thompson has scored at a 40-goal pace in three of the past four seasons, and it was well documented during his down year in 2023-24 that he was playing through a significant wrist injury. He’s also shot 15% or higher in three of the last four seasons, and his ability to finish chances at a much higher than expected rate seems to be underrated once again entering this campaign.

Boston Bruins

Stanley Cup Odds: +12500
To Win Conference Odds: +6000
To Win Division Odds: +8000
To Make the Playoffs Odds: +400
Regular Season Points Total: 80.5

Key roster additions: Viktor Arvidsson (RW) Tanner Jeannot (LW), Sean Kuraly (C), Mikey Eyssimont (RW), Jordan Harris (D), Alex Steeves (LW) Matej Blumel (RW)

Key roster subtractions: Parker Wotherspoon (D), Cole Koepke (LW) Vinni Lettieri (RW) Jakub Lauko (LW)

Best Bet: Charlie McAvoy to Score 50 Points: +200

The Bruins were one of the NHL’s most significant underachievers last season, finishing with a total of just 76 points after being heavily favored to make the playoffs. Jeremy Swayman struggled mightily early on, free-agent acquisitions Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov were ineffective, and they dealt with long-term injuries to top defenders Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm.

Boston’s lack of offensive depth was a significant concern last season, and while it did acquire plenty of experienced NHLers this offseason, none are likely to make an overly notable impact. Elias Lindholm and Zadorov both seemed to be questionable signings, and I’m not sold on either offering a significant bounce-back this season. 

Those concerns may make it difficult for the Bruins to be overly competitive once again this season, and having McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm healthy appears to be the most likely path to a more successful campaign. 

McAvoy did not return to the lineup following the 4 Nations Face-Off after dealing with a shoulder infection following an AC joint sprain, but would reportedly have been prepared to play at the end of the season had the Bruins been competitive. As a result, McAvoy has had the longest offseason of his career to prepare for this season, and could be poised for a strong campaign.

McAvoy has recorded 50 points in two of the last four seasons and played at a 50-point pace in three of those years. While the Bruins’ lack of offensive upside will make it tougher for him to hit that plateau this season, +200 still projects as a great price considering the way he produced in the three seasons previous to what was a disastrous 2024-25 campaign for McAvoy the Bruins.