Last month, the Florida Panthers secured the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row by defeating the Edmonton Oilers in six games, marking their second consecutive championship matchup against the Oilers. Following their victory, the NHL offseason quickly shifted focus to the 2025 draft and free agency, with many unrestricted free agents already signing with new teams, setting the stage for an exciting 2025-26 season.
With free agency mostly wrapped up, let’s explore which teams have the best chances to contend for the Stanley Cup in 2026 from a betting perspective.
Florida Panthers (+700)
The Panthers are favored to win the Stanley Cup again next season. General manager Bill Jeet successfully re-signed key players like Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad. After Nate Schmidt left for the Utah Mammoth, Jeff Petry joined to fill the defensive gap. The Panthers have consistently shown strong performances in the playoffs, and barring any major injuries, they are expected to make another deep run in 2025-26.
Carolina Hurricanes
Despite past disappointments, the Hurricanes remain a strong contender. They recently signed Nikolaj Ehlers to a six-year contract, adding speed and scoring ability to their top six forwards. If they can match up against the Panthers, their enhanced speed could make a significant difference.
Vegas Golden Knights
Continuing to build a strong team, the Golden Knights signed Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs to an eight-year deal. While Marner’s playoff performance has been questioned, he adds a high-scoring presence. They also strengthened their depth with players like Jeremy Lauzon and Colton Sissons. Vegas is shaping up as a top team, likely second only to the Panthers.
Edmonton Oilers (+850)
The Oilers fell to the Panthers for the second straight year in the finals. They have seen changes with veterans Corey Perry and Victor Arvidsson leaving, while adding Andrew Mangiapane. Their goaltending remains a concern, relying on Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. If the Oilers don’t improve, it could spell the end of Connor McDavid’s tenure as he becomes a free agent next summer.
Dallas Stars
After acquiring Mikko Rantanen at the trade deadline, the Stars were expected to contend but fell in the Western Conference Finals again. With most players returning, including Lantanen for a full season, and new leadership under coach Peter DeBoer, they remain a strong presence. The Western Conference could see a tight race among the Stars, Oilers, Golden Knights, and Avalanche.
Colorado Avalanche (+900)
The Avalanche have maintained a similar roster but added defenseman Brent Burns and moved Brock Nelson forward. Key players like Gabriel Landeskog and Martin Kaut coming back from injuries could boost their chances. However, it’s tough to see them surpassing teams like Vegas or Edmonton in the West.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Once considered potential champions again, the Lightning were swept by the Panthers in the first playoff round. Despite the loss, they remain loaded with talent, led by goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. They may not be top favorites but could surprise with strategic moves.
Toronto Maple Leafs (+2000)
Though they lost Mitch Marner this summer, the Maple Leafs remain intriguing. With core players Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Michael Bunting, plus new additions like Matthias Maccelli, they could compete for the Atlantic Division. While not clear Stanley Cup favorites, their talent depth makes them a team to watch.
Fan Take:
This update is crucial for hockey fans as it sets the competitive landscape for the upcoming NHL season, highlighting key team moves and potential Stanley Cup contenders. It shows how offseason strategies and player changes can dramatically impact team dynamics and playoff outcomes, promising an exciting and unpredictable season ahead.
