How the Calgary Flames' Odds Change After Signing Nazem Kadri
When Johnny Gaudreau signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, it was one massive jolt for fans of the Calgary Flames. Then Matthew Tkachuk wanted out of Calgary, which felt like a gut punch. General Manager Brad Treliving faced his darkest hour with the Flames.
While arguments can be made about whether Calgary ends up better off, the Flames certainly had an eventful summer. The acquisition of Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar, plus picks and prospects, was one thing. Then, on Thursday, Treliving pulled off a coup signing Nazem Kadri to a long-term deal.
Nazem Kadri Signs With The Calgary Flames
Canadian sports bettors must understand that this appeared to be far from happening. The New York Islanders seemingly all but had a deal in place with Nazem Kadri. Maybe, we might never honestly know. Either way, Kadri had helped lead the Colorado Avalanche to a Stanley Cup. He was easily the second-best free agent on the NHL market.
Treliving signed Kadri to a seven-year, $49 million deal and it was huge. Yes, the forward will be 32 when the season starts, but Calgary hopes it leads to deeper playoff runs.
Odds suggested Calgary was around 9.00 to 10.00 to land Kadri before his free-agent numbers went off the board. The Islanders, Red Wings, Avalanche, and even Devils were ahead of the Flames.
The particulars of the contract do not matter. What matters for bettors is the viability of the Calgary Flames.
What Odds Impact Does This Carry?
That’s a great question. The Flames were at 20.00 before the Kadri move. Calgary has seen those numbers shorten to 16.46. That is a fraction shorter than the Edmonton Oilers, now at 16.51.
Calgary is now cap compliant after unloading oft-injured Sean Monahan to the Montreal Canadiens. For Ontario sports bettors, the Flames’ Western Conference odds have moved. They were at 10.00 and now stand at 8.61. Division numbers dropped from 5.00 to 3.71.
Edmonton is not too far away at 8.05 and 3.52, respectively. Few would be surprised if Edmonton and Calgary even swapped places come October. The Pacific Division will be highly competitive all season, and the numbers will move frequently. That is excellent news for all bettors.
Battle Of Alberta Ramifications
The only shame is that Edmonton and Calgary only play each other three times this season.
It feels like the “Battle Of Alberta” deserves more.
Perhaps, hockey fans will be blessed with another Edmonton-Calgary clash. Stay tuned.
