NHL Stanley Cup Odds: Vladimir Tarasenko Trade Triggers Boost for Rangers' Stanley Cup Odds

NHL Stanley Cup Odds: Vladimir Tarasenko Trade Triggers Boost for Rangers' Stanley Cup Odds

The New York Rangers made a huge splash in NHL trade market news yesterday by acquiring four-time All-Star Vladimir Tarasenko from the St. Louis Blues. This was a major shock to all as the NHL trade deadline doesn't hit until March 3rd.

New York also traded for the Blues' defenseman, Niko Mikkola, without giving up any top young players. This was an A+ move made by General Manager, Chris Drury.

Will these two players really make that much of a difference to New York's roster and chances of winning the cup? Sportsbooks think so.

Let's break down the Stanley Cup odds for the New York Rangers after the Vladimir Tarasenko Trade.

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New York Rangers Stanley Cup Odds

The Rangers Stanley Cup odds jumped from +2000 to +1200 after the moves were made. This makes New York a top-three team for chances of winning the Cup.

Tarasenko, a six-time 30-goal scorer, is coming off of a 33-goal season last year, giving the Rangers the additional offensive boost they've been needing. Adding the 31-year-old to the first line with Panarin and Zibanejad should provide instant help. Tarasenko has had quite the off-year so far though, scoring ten goals and 19 assists through 29 games. 

A number of reasons factor into why this number is so low for Tarasenko, but it's important to look at what the NHL star has done outside of this year. After playing in St. Louis for ten years, Tarasenko has 154 career powerplay points. New York currently ranks 17th for powerplay and is in desperate need of special teams help to keep up with the strong Metropolitan Division.

On the other side of the ice, Niko Mikkola will be a major asset to the Rangers' defensive depth. The Finnish player was averaging 16:39 of ice time with St. Louis and should replicate a similar number in New York.

As impressive as these moves were, the Rangers still have work to do. They've struggled through a handful of games this year and have missed opportunities to put the puck in the back of the net.

One thing that's been consistent and positive for New York is their all-world goalie Igor Shesterkin.

Click here for Stanley Cup odds

NHL Stanley Cup Odds

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