NHL drops 2024-25 Stanley Cup odds and the Leafs' position may surprise you

The Leafs suffered another early playoff exit as they lost in the first round to the Boston Bruins in 7 games this year.

For several seasons running, the biggest knock on the Leafs' roster has been on defense and in goal. Well, after addressing both of those issues this summer, you'd assume that the Leafs would rank a little higher on the list of Stanley Cup favourites. According to FanDuel, that's simply not the case.

According to NHL.com and FanDuel Sportsbook on X, the Leafs have the 8th best odds to capture the Stanley Cup - a step back from last year.

The Leafs' new-look blueline features defensive wizard and PK guru Chris Tanev and veteran offensive defenseman and power play specialist Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

While the Leafs have lost some fire power on offense, losing the likes of Tyler Bertuzzi to the Chicago Blackhawks, the defense-first mentality that Treliving is trying to capture with this new-look Leafs team is better suited for playoff-style hockey.

Any year a Leafs team that features a superstar talent like Auston Matthews, who, barring any injuries, is a lock at 50 goals, is a season where the Leafs should be able to make some noise in the playoffs. The fact that they haven't is concerning, and FanDuel viewing them as moving backward this summer is concerning as well.

The Source: NHL.com
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