2018-19 Stanley Cup Odds: John Tavares Makes Maple Leafs New Favorite
Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports. Pictured: John Tavares
The Highlights:
- John Tavares announced on Sunday that he'd be signing a seven-year deal with the Maple Leafs.
- Toronto had been listed at +550 to sign him.
- Since the signing, the Leafs have become the favorite to win next year's Stanley Cup.
John Tavares broke the hearts of Long Islanders Sunday afternoon when he announced he'd be signing a seven-year deal with the Maple Leafs.
I’m thrilled to be starting a new chapter of my career and life in Toronto with the @MapleLeafs. I feel very fortunate to come join a team with a great young core and play where I grew up learning and loving the game. I can’t wait to get started!
— John Tavares (@91Tavares) July 1, 2018
Even though the Leafs were one of only six teams in the running for Tavares, they were not the favorites to land him as of last week. One book had Toronto listed at +550 to sign the center, behind both the Islanders (+115) and Sharks (+275).
Nonetheless, since Tavares was the biggest asset on the 2018 free agent market, his announcement had a bit of an impact on next year's Stanley Cup odds.
Before the signing, the Leafs were listed between 10-1 and 14-1. Now they're the lone favorites at two books, and have joined Tampa in the top spot at Westgate.
Here's how next season's Cup odds now look across the market.
How would you rate this article?