Draft Odds and Playoff Odds: What To Expect From The Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have already played almost 70 percent of their scheduled games this season, giving us ample insight as to what we should expect down the stretch.

Playoff Odds

Different outlets will come up with slightly different playoffs odds, but as it stands, the Canadiens’ have less than a five percent chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

Thanks to the NHL’s forced parity, the Habs are only six points out of the final Wild Card spot, which may lead some to believe their playoff odds are too low, but we also have to recognize Montreal is just three points up on the Seattle Kraken, the team that’s currently 28th in the NHL.

It could be interpreted as a disappointing situation, especially since we know the Habs can play well due to their fantastic stretch in January, but I’d push back on the idea that the Canadiens had a realistic chance of qualifying for the playoffs this season. This is the third full season of the rebuild. Historically speaking, it takes a little longer to construct a roster that’s playoff worthy.

The famous ‘next step’ will be taken once Montreal outplays eight Eastern Conference teams throughout the entirety of the season, but at the very least, Canadiens fans were treated to a fun, if not brief glimpse into the future when the team found its rhythm after the holidays.

Strength Of Schedule

If you’re hoping the Habs will manage to improve their draft odds down the final stretch of the year, avoid taking a look at their current strength of schedule.

The Canadiens have the third-easiest schedule in the final 26 games of the year, connoting that they’re at risk of landing in no man’s land when the season wraps up.

However, we also have to keep in mind the Canadiens have a tendency to play up or down to their opponents, suggesting that they may not be able to capitalize on their relatively easy schedule.

There’s also the matter of the NHL Trade Deadline, which is scheduled for March 7. If the Canadiens decide to sell off their expiring assets, the talent level in the roster will likely drop, requiring reinforcements from the Laval Rocket.

Seeing as the Rocket are currently in the midst of one of the best seasons in franchise history, Montreal would be well-served by keeping as much talent as possible on the farm, rather than plugging holes with prospects who require as much ice time as possible.

ON TOPIC: Canadiens Must Keep A Close Eye On The Surging Laval Rocket

Montreal Canadiens Draft Odds

A lot can change between now and April 16, especially if the Habs do end up taking advantage of their easy schedule, but for now, the team is likely to draft either ninth or 10th overall.

They have a 64 percent chance of drafting ninth, and a 23.5 percent chance of drafting 10th. The lottery also gives the Canadiens a five percent chance of landing the first overall pick, and a 5.2 percent chance of receiving the second-overall pick.

The remaining odds give the Canadiens a very slim chance of drafting third (0.2 percent), as well as a 1.7 percent chance of dropping out of the top 10.

If you want to run a few NHL mock drafts, make sure to check out Tankathon’s lottery simulator.

Again, some may see this as an underwhelming result, but realistically speaking, adding another top 10 prospect is far from the worst outcome for a team like the Montreal Canadiens. There’s also an additional first-round pick in play, which originally belonged to the Calgary Flames. As of Thursday, that pick is set for 16th overall.

The NHL’s salary cap is set to increase significantly in the next few years, which, in turn, should give the Canadiens a lot more options when it comes to free agency and trades. Having younger players with money-save entry-level contracts on the books would give the team an even bigger advantage when it comes to their financial manoeuvrability in regard to the salary cap.

MUST READ: Impact of NHL Salary Cap Increase On Montreal Canadiens Future

NHL strength of schedule and draft odds via Tankathon.