The NHL trade deadline is approaching, and the Eastern Conference of the NHL is now engaged in an arms race. Timo Meier was acquired by the New Jersey Devils from the Sharks, Dmitry Orlov was traded to the Bruins, and Ryan O’Reilly was acquired by the Maple Leafs through a player exchange.
In order to position themselves for a Stanley Cup run, practically every contender has made substantial moves, but the New York Rangers made the greatest impact by trading for Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks.
As you can see, the Rangers are still tied for fifth on the odds list at +1200. They are behind the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
While the move for Kane will certainly help them on their upcoming postseason run, the lack of movement in the odds is likely due to the rest of the teams in the Eastern Conference also making significant acquisitions.
The Rangers are still in third place in the Metropolitan Division, and if the playoffs ended today, they’d be taking on the Devils in the first round with New Jersey having home ice advantage.
The Rangers are six points behind the Devils, but are seven points ahead of the New York Islanders for the third spot in the division.
