In the SBNation NHL email chain, we occasionally get updates from Bovada with the odds that they are giving for various award races and standings results. The odds set by bookmakers are somewhat grounded in sports expertise, but are also reflective of how they think people will bet. At the beginning of the season, few experts thought Columbus would have a winning season, and few gamblers would put money on the contrary.
On the eve of the season, October 11, Columbus was given 66/1 odds to win the 2017 Stanley Cup. This was tied for the worst odds in the league, along with Arizona, Carolina, and Vancouver.