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Get ready for an optimistic read on Detroit Red Wings bets that will surely uplift your spirits.
We have two reasons for being selective when discussing things that Wings fans should be excited about. Firstly, we want to carefully choose the most significant aspects. Secondly, the 2021-22 Red Wings season holds enough promise to potentially mirror the progressive campaign enjoyed by the Detroit Tigers this year.
However, the exhibition games this month have provided some insight for betting purposes. It seems that a few Red Wings players have a strong chance of competing for the NHL’s Calder Trophy. In addition to that, we can also assess the team’s point total and consider a few other prop bets before the upcoming 2021-22 Red Wings season.
Everybody loves (Lucas) Raymond
Lucas Raymond has been absolutely incredible in Detroit’s first five preseason games. I am genuinely amazed that this talented youngster is a part of the Red Wing team. At just 19 years old, the Swedish player is tied for second place in preseason points, with six, only trailing behind the legendary Connor McDavid (in case you haven’t heard of him).
Certainly, it’s important to note that we are currently in the preseason. This information is crucial because Brendan Perlini, who is on par with Raymond, was last seen struggling on an NHL ice rink during the 2019-20 season with the struggling Red Wings, achieving only four points in 38 games.
Raymond has quickly proven himself as one of the top power-play facilitators the Wings have seen in years, despite not having played a single game. His undeniable playmaking skills, exceptional spatial awareness, and impressive passing ability are already evident, not to mention his lethal shot. Thanks to Alex Tanguay’s revamped power-play system, the Red Wings are now performing at their best, as evidenced by their outstanding 4-for-5 record against Chicago on Monday.
Assuming Raymond secures a spot on Detroit’s opening-night roster, which is highly likely, he will have numerous opportunities to showcase his skills in impressive plays. These moments hold significant importance for Calder voters, making Raymond’s chances of winning the rookie of the year award quite promising. In fact, placing a bet on Raymond at +2900 (FanDuel Sportsbook) to claim this title is currently the most favorable option among all Red Wings-related bets available.
However, you cannot delay any further. On Monday night, Raymond’s chances of winning rookie of the year were +3400 on FanDuel and approximately +2500 on other platforms. By Tuesday morning, both sets of odds decreased by 500 points.
Raymond’s upcoming preseason game is scheduled for Thursday, and there’s a possibility that he could surpass the ranks of Michael Bunting and Arthur Kaliyev. He rightfully belongs alongside prominent players like Moritz Seider (+1100), Spencer Knight (+900), Trevor Zegras (+550), and others.
Speaking of Moritz Seider …
Seider is definitely a player from the Red Wings that should be closely monitored for Calder bets. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-4, this German defenseman recently had an outstanding season as the ‘D-man of the Year’ in the Swedish Hockey League while only being 19 years old. He was also recognized as the league’s top junior player. Currently, you can find him at +1200 odds in several Michigan sportsbooks, including the popular DraftKings Sportsbook and BetMGM Sportsbook.
Seider silenced doubts about his offensive capabilities by scoring an impressive 28 points in 41 SHL games last season. He earned a consistent spot on Rögle BK’s power-play unit and even scored his first preseason goal on Monday night. However, his playing style resembles that of Vladimir Konstantinov rather than Paul Coffey.
I want to clarify that this is not a criticism. It’s simply difficult to determine how this will impact his chances of winning the Calder award, which takes into account both style points and regular points.
However, let’s consider this scenario: If Seider does make a strong run, which is highly likely considering his exceptional performance at every level of hockey he has played so far, you will regret not taking advantage of these advantageous NHL odds.
You might want to forget about Ned
After finishing as the runner-up for the Calder in 2020-21, goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic, who was one of the highly coveted acquisitions during this year’s offseason, is now prepared to make a strong bid for the Calder in the upcoming 2021-22 season.
(Indeed, you have understood correctly.)
Despite finishing in the top-3 of rookie of the year voting, Nedeljkovic maintained his rookie status last season, as he only played 23 games for the Carolina Hurricanes. Nonetheless, he showcased impressive statistics with a .932 save percentage and a 1.90 goals-against-average.
Isn’t it strange? The voters will likely share the same sentiment, and it’s doubtful that this is a wise wager, regardless of what the odds indicate.
However, if you are interested in financially supporting the new Wings goalie, your highest chances lie with Caesars Sportsbook (+2000).
Red Wings on the rise for over-under bets
As of Wednesday, Caesars listed the Red Wings’ minimum projected point total at 76.5, while FanDuel had the highest projection at 78.5. To provide context, the Red Wings earned 74 points during the 2018-19 season with a 32-40-10 record.
It is crucial to keep in mind that despite the slight improvement in record due to overtime losses, Detroit’s overall performance stands at a disappointing 32-50. As a result, their reward for that season was obtaining the sixth-best lottery odds, which remains the same as what they had in the recent offseason following the last pandemic-shortened season.
Nick Leddy and Seider have strengthened the Red Wings’ defensive line, providing much-needed depth. Pius Suter’s arrival has also added strength to the team’s center position. Additionally, Dylan Larkin and Tyler Bertuzzi are in good health or nearing it, while there is optimism for Filip Zadina, Michael Rasmussen, and other young players to continue progressing in the lineup.
Jakub Vrana, a highly charged forward, will unfortunately be sidelined for the initial four months due to a shoulder injury, which undeniably has a negative impact on the team’s performance. However, despite this setback, it is expected that the team will be stronger compared to last year. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the current playoff odds for Detroit are at their highest.
Jeff Blashill as coach of the year? Hang on …
No, we aren’t seriously considering Jeff Blashill as a viable candidate to win the Jack Adams Trophy.
Or hold on… Perhaps we’re indeed going to discuss precisely that.
Hey, just so you know, the odds are only +10000 at most books. It’s definitely not a moment to bet your house on.
However, occasional dramatic turnarounds do occur in the NHL, and this could be your most overly optimistic chance to see what unfolds with the Red Wings. It is highly unlikely that they will win the division (+5000) in any circumstances, and placing a bet on Detroit to win the Stanley Cup would be as futile as betting on Blashill winning coach of the year.
In 2017, John Tortorella emerged as the recipient of the award, having guided his team to secure a commendable third-place finish in the Metro division. Similarly, in 2015, Bob Hartley earned the accolade by accomplishing the same feat with the Calgary Flames in the Pacific division.
The chances of the Red Wings making the playoffs this year are very slim. However, if they do manage to make it, it’s likely that the national media will start to take notice of Jeff Blashill’s impressive work in Detroit, regardless of personal opinions. Consider skipping the drive-through coffee tomorrow morning if betting on Blashill could potentially earn you a significant amount.
Bonus market: An intriguing Hart Trophy odds scenario
FanDuel currently gives Sidney Crosby lesser chances (+6000) to win the Hart Trophy compared to Nedeljkovic (+5000). Although Crosby, the captain of the Penguins, is anticipated to be out of action until at least the first couple of weeks of the season due to wrist surgery in September, I believe the oddsmakers are exaggerating. The value is simply absurd.
Crosby’s streak of finishing within the top five in Hart voting has extended for nine consecutive years. Including this impressive record, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to hope for some unexpected recognition in the form of a legacy award.
