The Columbus Blue Jackets are quietly becoming one of the most interesting teams in the NHL this season. Despite the tragic offseason death of Johnny Gaudreau and shoulder injuries that have sidelined Boone Jenner and Erik Gudbranson, coach Dean Evason’s team has remained competitive in a very tough Metropolitan Division.
If the team remains competitive, it could force first-year general manager Don Waddell to make some hard choices. One tough decision will be whether to trade veteran defenseman Ivan Provorov. A pending unrestricted free agent, Provorov is second on the team in playing time, averaging nearly 24 minutes a game, and is third with 34 blocked shots.
Still, NHLRumors.com ranked Provorov as its No. 5 trade target for this season. So BetOhio.com, your best source for Ohio sports betting analysis, has put together exclusive odds based on teams that might have an interest in shoring up their blueliner corps before the March 7 trade deadline.
Ivan Provorov Trade Odds
Team | Odds | Percent Chance |
Winnipeg Jets | +650 | 13.3% |
Dallas Stars | +650 | 13.3% |
New York Rangers | +700 | 12.5% |
Carolina Hurricanes | +800 | 11.1% |
Vegas Golden Knights | +850 | 10.5% |
Minnesota Wild | +1000 | 9.1% |
Utah Hockey Club | +1150 | 8.0% |
The Field/ Stay With Blue Jackets | +350 | 22.2% |
A reminder, these odds are for infotainment purposes only. You will not find these at any licensed betting operator, such as bet365 Ohio Sportsbook.
Before Tuesday’s 3-0 loss at Calgary, Columbus had won six of its previous eight games. Even after being blanked by the Flames, the Blue Jackets are just outside of a Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference standings with an 11-10-3 record (25 points). They’re currently ahead of the pace oddsmakers at BetMGM expected earlier this year when they set season point totals for NHL teams. At 65.5 points, only San Jose had a lower projected total.
With three months left before the NHL trade deadline, hockey observers at sports betting apps in Ohio can expect some volatility in this market. The Rangers might end up becoming sellers themselves if their struggles continue, and could a team like the Florida Panthers try to bolster its defense? The defending Stanley Cup champs are in second place in the Atlantic Division, but Florida’s 3.27 goals-against average is the seventh-highest in the league this season.
Blue Jackets Still Stanley Cup Playoff Underdogs
Thanks to their recent hot stretch, oddsmakers have shifted their projected total points for the Blue Jackets this season. The current line now at BetMGM Ohio Sportsbook is 76.5 points, with the over a slight favorite (-115) against the under (-105).
However, even though they’re just two points away from being in a Wild Card spot, there’s still a lot of hockey left to play in this regular season before the playoffs begin in April. That’s why oddsmakers at DraftKings Ohio Sportsbook have Columbus’ odds to make the playoffs at +1100.
BetOhio.com is your source for analysis and insights on what’s happening with Ohio’s top teams, such as the Blue Jackets, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns. We also offer the best Ohio sports betting promos and the latest reviews on sportsbooks available in the Buckeye State.
USA Today photo by David Kirouac
