We didn’t think the Ottawa Senators would have any value left on the Stanley Cup futures market after going to last year’s finals. Silly us. The Sens were still the third favorites at press time, tied with Detroit at 7-1. They’re staring up at the defending champions from Anaheim and the reloaded Rangers, each at 6-1.

Apparently it’s too early in the regular season to make any judgments based on Ottawa’s 8-1 start, or Anaheim’s 4-5-1 stumble out of the gate. Otherwise, we’d have to give serious consideration to betting on 7-0-1 Minnesota at 10-1 odds. Or how about 6-1 Philadelphia at 15-1 odds?

It’s a long season, and Anaheim showed us yet again last year that it takes a combination of good health and savvy moves at the trade deadline before an NHL team’s Stanley Cup chances can be put into perspective. But Ottawa’s depth and sharp front office portend well for Sens supporters.