With training camp for NHL teams a few weeks away, it is a great time to get in touch with the odds for the upcoming 2009-2010 NHL Season. In terms of odds, prices and returns, there are lots to consider for this year’s hockey season. Below are so noteworthy hockey odds, in which one may be wise to throw some action their way.

Hockey Odds of Winning the Eastern Conference Championship

The defending regular season conference champion Boston Bruins show up with hockey odds of seven to two of repeating as regular season conference champions. Despite possessing the best record in the conference, the Bruins found the exit door in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs thanks to the superior play of the Carolina Hurricanes. Center Steve Begin and defenseman Derek Morris were brought in during the off-season to help further strengthen this stellar Bruins lineup. The services of Marc Recchi were extended, as he was brought in to assist the Bruins in closing out the season last year.

Despite knocking off the Bruins in the second round of the playoffs, the Carolina Hurricanes command longer odds of 11 to 1 to stake claim to the conference’s best record. The Hurricanes failed to achieve 100 points during the regular season, which was surely reflected in the assignment of the 11 to 1 odds.
Coming in at 26 to 1 odds is the New York Rangers. The Rangers were one of four teams from the tough Atlantic Conference, which is home to the New Jersey Devils (9 to 1 odds), the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins (12 to 5 odds to earn the spot of Eastern Conference Champion), and the Philadelphia Flyers (7 to 1 odds of being the best in hockey from the Eastern Conference).

The Southeast Division Champion Washington Capitals show up with 7 to 2 odds to win the Eastern Conference Championship in this upcoming NHL Season. While none of the divisions in the Eastern Conference were a cakewalk by any means, the NHL’s Southeast Division is surely the weakest of the bunch. Such weakness could help pave the way for an easier path than most for the Capitals, especially with their superstar Alexander Ovechken, who was second in the league in scoring only to one of the Penguin’s young guns, Evgeni Malkin.

Through all of the hockey betting odds for the upcoming NHL Season, it appears as if the New Jersey Devils with 9 to 1 odds present the most value. While the Pens and the Bruins each make compelling arguments for the NHL’s best team, the Devils at 9 to 1 for conference champions are a hard offer to pass up. From a value bettor’s standpoint, it is best to dance with the Devils.