Blue Jackets Stanley Cup Odds Listed At +4000 After Acquiring Max Domi From Canadiens

• The Canadiens have acquired Josh Anderson from the Blue Jackets in exchange for Max Domi and a 2020 third-round pick
• The Blue Jackets 2021 Stanley Cup odds are listed at +4000 following the acquisition, while the Habs are at +5000
• How does this trade affect both team’s Stanley Cup chances? See odds and analysis below

The Columbus Blue Jackets are listed as +4000 longshots in the Stanley Cup odds after acquiring Max Domi from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Josh Anderson and a 2020 third-round draft pick. Montreal is an even further longshot at +5000 following the trade.

What does this deal mean for both of these team’s Stanley Cup chances next season? See the latest odds and betting analysis, below.

2021 Stanley Cup Odds

Odds taken Oct. 6 at DraftKings

Pesky Blue Jackets Land Domi 

The never-say-die Blue Jackets have added a top goal-scorer to their arsenal. Columbus has made the playoffs in four straight seasons and took down the talented Toronto Maple Leafs in the play-in round of the 2020 playoffs before being eliminated in the first round by the eventual cup-winning Tampa Bay Lightning.

👀 A sneak peek of what @maxdomi can bring to Columbus 👀#CBJ pic.twitter.com/W7CzUjnDfO

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 6, 2020

Domi is a great acquisition for Columbus and should be a good fit under coach John Tortorella. The speedy forward had a down year in 2019-20 (17G, 27A) after exploding for 28 goals and 72 points the year prior. Torts is known for getting the most out of his players, so there’s a good chance Domi re-discovers his game in a new city.

The Blue Jackets being listed at +4000 following the acquisition tells you oddsmakers still aren’t sold on this team being anywhere close to contention. The Blue Jackets were able to grind out a series win against Toronto, but they were clearly outmatched in talent by the Lightning.

Domi is a solid addition, but he isn’t the type of superstar that can help this team get to the Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.

Habs Add Grit With Anderson Addition

The Habs have been looking to add some size and scoring ability on the wing. They got that in 6’3″, 222 lbs forward Josh Anderson. The Habs made the playoffs for the first time in three years in 2019-20 due to the NHL’s unique return-to-play format. They took down the Penguins in the qualifying round before getting eliminated by the Flyers in Round 1.

Canadiens acquire forward Josh Anderson in return for Max Domi and a third-round pick in 2020 (78th overall).
 #GoHabsGo | @RONAinc pic.twitter.com/oxqHvOGrd6

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) October 6, 2020

Anderson is an effective power forward who plays with a nasty physical edge. He isn’t afraid to drop the gloves and had an impressive 27-goal, 47-point season back in 2018-19. Injuries have become a concern for the 26-year-old, however, as he was limited to just 26 games (1G) in 2019-20 due to a shoulder injury.

Anderson has only played 70-plus games twice in his NHL career, but he’s back to full health and ready for a fresh start. He’s a quality addition, but this isn’t the type of move that makes Montreal an immediate contender. The Habs have been a mediocre team for quite a few years, and losing the speed and skill of Domi in this deal could actually set them back.

Verdict on CBJ’s and Habs’ Cup Chances

There’s a reason both Columbus and Montreal are listed as such heavy cup longshots following this deal. Both teams lack the elite offensive skill of the Eastern Conference powerhouses, and this isn’t the type of swap that is going to change that.

Pour tes jeux spectaculaires, ton travail sur et hors glace, et pour avoir représenté les Canadiens avec fierté chaque jour, merci. 👏

For your highlight-reel plays, the work you put in on and off the ice, and for repping the CH with pride every day: thank you, @maxdomi. pic.twitter.com/9rL8ACd9nJ

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) October 6, 2020

If Anderson continues to get injured, losing Domi could really hurt the Habs. That’s why I’m betting on Columbus if I’m choosing between the two squads. They’ve shown they can stick with the top dogs, sweeping the Bolts in 2019 before upsetting the Leafs in 2020. Adding Domi’s talent should help them take another step forward.

The Blue Jackets are the better bet following this deal, but it’s still not a longshot bet anyone should be rushing to their sportsbook to make.