The Metropolitan could be the most competitive division in hockey as the Rangers, Hurricanes and the Devils vye for top spot. New York and Carolina finished 1-2 last season while New Jersey was near the bottom because of a rash of injuries. The Devils are now healthy, and make it a trifecta in the Metro.
New Jersey Devils +230
Hype has been the key word in New Jersey over the last couple of seasons but injuries have derailed their season each time. But the Devils head into 2025 with lofty expectations and a healthy roster. They also made a big splash acquiring goaltender Jacob Markstrom and added pieces in front of him, defensemen Brenden Dillon and Brett Pesce. This roster is bursting with youth and talent and a healthy squad makes them a major player in the Metro.
Carolina Hurricanes +250
The Hurricanes have been considered the team that was on the cusp of a breakthrough but never broke through. They lost several regulars including Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, and Brady Skjei. But management did bring in reinforcements on defense signing Sean Walker and Shayne Gostisbehere. All the pieces to the puzzle are there, now they just have to go and execute and reach the summit again.
New York Rangers +260
The Rangers are the defending Presidents Trophy winners and didn’t tinker with the lineup much over the summer. New York signed Sam Carrick and traded for Reilly Smith to add some depth. They are up against the cap so there wasn’t much wiggle room for management. When you look at the roster they have a high-quality top-six group, tough blueline unit, and a superstar in goal, Igor Shesterkin.
Pittsburgh Penguins +1400
This is a bit of a stretch but when Sidney Crosby re-signs to stick around, maybe there’s hope despite missing the playoffs the past two seasons. They are long odds to win the division but shouldn’t be written off entirely. If their top players, Crosby, Malkin, and Letang can stay healthy and Erik Karlsson can add some punch from the blueline, who knows, maybe the Pens could shock the Metropolitan. But the biggest issue will be goaltending, which remains a question mark. Tristan Jarry needs to stay healthy and consistent for the Penguins to have a shot.
Metropolitan Division Odds
New Jersey Devils +230
Carolina Hurricanes +250
New York Rangers +260
New York Islanders +1200
Pittsburgh Penguins +1400
Philadelphia Flyers +1800
Washington Capitals +1800
Columbus Blue Jackets +10000
