Contemporary off securing their first Stanley Cup in franchise historical past, the Florida Panthers had been put in because the betting favourite to win all of it once more subsequent yr. Florida fended off the Edmonton Oilers’ fierce comeback from down 3-0 and took the Stanley Cup in an exciting Recreation 7 final week.
The Panthers opened because the +900 supply favorites to defend their championship in 2024-25, tied for the perfect odds with the Dallas Stars, who fell to the Oilers within the Western Convention finals. Just like the Carolina Hurricanes, the Oilers are +1000 to win the Cup subsequent season. The Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils, and New York Rangers are all +1200, and the Toronto Maple Leafs spherical out the elite eight at +1600.
Florida Panthers (+900)
The reigning Stanley Cup champions are poised for an additional sturdy season in 2024-25. Led by their dynamic duo of Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, the Panthers boast a well-rounded roster with depth at each place. Their stingy protection and stellar goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky had been key elements of their championship run. Regardless of dropping slick skating defenseman Brandon Montour, with Sam Reinhart signing an 8-year, 69-million greenback extension and most of their core gamers below contract, Florida seems to be primed to make one other deep playoff push.
Dallas Stars (+900)
The Stars’ look as co-favorites stems from their constant excellence over the previous few seasons. Jake Oettinger has established himself as one of many NHL’s premier goaltenders. On the identical time, the ahead group led by Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz offers loads of offensive firepower. Matt Duchene will return for an additional yr at a team-friendly $3 million wage. Dallas’s balanced assault and strong defensive construction make them a formidable contender within the Western Convention.
Carolina Hurricanes (+1000)
The Hurricanes have been knocking on the door of a championship for a number of years now. Their possession-dominant fashion of play and deep roster make them perennial contenders. With younger stars like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov persevering with to enhance, Carolina has the expertise to make a critical run on the Cup. That’s to not say there haven’t been adjustments. Brady Skjei, Stefan Noesen, Teuvo Teravainen, Brett Pesce, and deadline addition Jake Guentzel are gone from this previous season’s squad. The staff added William Service, Eric Robinson, Tyson Jost, Sean Walker, and Shayne Gostisbehere and prolonged Jaccob Slavin and Jordan Martinook. They’re engaged on contracts for Jarvis, Drury, and Necas.
Edmonton Oilers (+1000)
Regardless of falling brief within the Stanley Cup Remaining, the Oilers stay among the many favorites for subsequent season. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl kind arguably essentially the most harmful offensive duo within the NHL. If Edmonton can shore up their protection and get extra constant goaltending, they’ll be proper again within the combine for the championship.
Colorado Avalanche (+1200)
The Avalanche’s core of Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar ensures they’ll stay contenders for years. Colorado’s high-powered offense and cellular protection make them a risk to go all the way in which in any given season, and with staff captain Gabriel Landeskog set to return after lacking the complete season, the Avalanche needs to be a lot improved.
New Jersey Devils (+1200)
The Devils took a major step ahead this season and are actually thought-about critical Cup contenders. Jack Hughes has blossomed right into a famous person, whereas the acquisition of Jacob Markstrom from Calgary addresses their goaltending wants. With a younger, gifted roster, New Jersey is poised to compete for championships this season and within the coming years.
New York Rangers (+1200)
The Rangers have assembled a potent mixture of veteran management and younger expertise. Artemi Panarin leads a talented ahead group, whereas Adam Fox anchors the blue line. With Igor Shesterkin within the web, New York has the items to make a deep playoff run.
Toronto Maple Leafs (+1600)
Regardless of their playoff struggles in recent times, the Maple Leafs stay a gifted staff able to contending. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner kind one of many league’s most harmful offensive duos. If Toronto can overcome its postseason demons, it has the talent to compete for the Cup.