How Quickly Do NHL Betting Odds React to Blockbuster Trades?

Published:Oct 26, 2026Oct 26, 20262 min read

Updated:Oct 26, 2026Oct 26, 2026

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Devils Goaltender Futures Odds Surge - image

The Connor Hellebuyck trade saga has finally ended, and the one-time Winnipeg Jets goalie will now be the starting netminder for the New Jersey Devils. Below, we detail how the betting market reacted to the blockbuster trade announcement.

Hellebuyck Trade Saga Timeline

Early summer, 2026 – Connor Hellebuyck privately tells the Winnipeg Jets he wants to be traded
August, 2026 – After two months with no trade, Hellebuyck goes public with his trade request
September, 2026 – The 2020, 2024, 2025 Vezina Trophy Winner does not report to training camp and is suspended without pay by the team
October, 2026 – Hellebuyck tells the Jets he will now report to the team, meaning the Jets will once again have to pay him
October 23, 2026 – The Jets deal Connor Hellebuyck to the New Jersey Devils for four players and two draft picks.

New Jersey Devils Betting Odds Drop Quickly

Connor Hellebuyck has won three Vezina Trophies (Best Goalie), a Hart Trophy (League MVP), and an Olympic Gold Medal. When the trade was announced, the market reacted quickly. Devils Futures Odds Before and After - image

Devils Futures Odds Before and After - image

NHL Odds on New Jersey to win the Stanley Cup dropped from +2500 to +1400 within hours, if not sooner, after the trade was completed.
The Devils saw a similar drop in their odds to win the Eastern Conference.
Sportsbooks believe in Hellebuyck enough that they no longer offer odds on New Jersey to make the playoffs.

New Jersey Devils Betting Odds Comparables

Before the trade, the Devils were +2500. For comparison, bet365 currently has Ottawa and Montreal both at +2500 to win the Stanley Cup.
New Jersey is now +1400 to win the Cup. The Minnesota Wild (+1200), Washington Capitals (+1600), and Dallas Stars (+1600) are now comparable teams in betting odds.

Minnesota and Dallas are two highly skilled teams, and sportsbooks clearly see New Jersey as significantly improved since the trade. Understanding how quickly and how much sportsbooks react after blockbuster trades is important.

What Impact Will Dylan Larkin Have

If you want to beat the market and predict where Dylan Larkin will eventually be traded, below are the top four potential trade partners, according to my Google AI Overview. Dylan Larkin Trade Destinations Odds 1 - image