The Metropolitan has perennially been one of the most tightly contested divisions in the NHL, and the 2022-23 campaign proved to be another example.
Just six points separated the top three teams, with the Carolina Hurricanes (113 pts) edging the New Jersey Devils (112 pts) and New York Rangers (107 pts) to their second straight division title.
While we’re still a while from the opening puck drop of the 2023-24 campaign, it’s never too early to examine the latest Metropolitan Division odds and make our best bets for the coming season.
Metropolitan Division Winner Odds 2023-24
NHL odds used for these best bets are from Thursday, July 27, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Carolina Hurricanes (+175)
- New Jersey Devils (+210)
- New York Rangers (+380)
- Pittsburgh Penguins (+800)
- New York Islanders (+1400)
- Washington Capitals (+2500)
- Philadelphia Flyers (+13000)
- Columbus Blue Jackets (+18000)
After winning back-to-back division titles, the Hurricanes (+175) have the shortest odds of winning the Metropolitan Division. They are closely followed by the Devils (+210), Rangers (+380), and the Pittsburgh Penguins (+800), all of whom offer excellent value.
Further down the board, we find potential playoff hopefuls in the New York Islanders (+1400) and Washington Capitals (+2500), while the rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers (+13000) and Columbus Blue Jackets (+18000) round out our list.
Metropolitan Division Winner Best Bet
New Jersey Devils (+210)
The Devils were the NHL’s most improved team last season, finishing 49 points better off than they did in the 2021-22 campaign.
And while replicating that leap is next to impossible, it certainly feels like New Jersey got even better this offseason.
After succumbing to a second-round playoff exit against Carolina, the Devils traded for Stanley Cup winner Tyler Toffoli and extended midseason acquisition Timo Meier, solidifying a top-six that already features young stars Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.
- See where the Devils rank in our NHL Eastern Conference winner odds.
New Jersey’s most significant concern lies between the pipes, where postseason breakout star Akira Schmid and veteran Vitek Vanecek will compete for playing time.
However, the Devils still have the cap space to add another goaltender to the mix, either later this offseason or before the NHL trade deadline.
This team is young, well-rounded, and fast. At +210, the Devils are a good bet to end the Canes’ reign atop the Metro.
Metropolitan Division Winner Sleeper Pick
New York Rangers (+380)
The Rangers have produced back-to-back 100-plus point seasons and could be poised to take another step forward this season under new head coach Peter Laviolette.
The journeyman coach has a solid track record of making an immediate impact, having led four of his five NHL franchises to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Year 1.
- Get the latest Stanley Cup betting odds.
New York has the talent to join that group, especially up front. Veterans Artemi Panarin (92 points), Mika Zibanejad (91 points), and Chris Kreider (36 goals) are more than capable of carrying the load offensively.
Still, the Rangers could use some more production from their bottom-six. The 2023-24 season will be pivotal for the team’s so-called “Kid Line,” consisting of Filip Chytil, Kaapo Kakko, and Alexis Lafreniere.
At the back, New York is anchored by standout goaltender Igor Shesterkin (37-13 2.48 GAA last season) and perennial Norris trophy candidate Adam Fox.
While the Rangers are more cap strung than the Devils, they can certainly give their cross-river rivals a run at the division title next season.