Contemporary off successful their first Stanley Cup in franchise historical past, the Florida Panthers had been the favorites to win all of it once more subsequent 12 months. Florida held off the Edmonton Oilers’ fierce comeback from a 3-0 deficit to win the Stanley Cup in an exciting Sport 7 final week.
The Panthers opened as +900 supply favorites to defend their championship in 2024-25, tied for the perfect odds with the Dallas Stars, who misplaced 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, with the Toronto Maple Leafs rounding out the elite eight at +1600.
Florida Panthers (+900)
The reigning Stanley Cup champions are poised for one more robust season in 2024-25. Led by their dynamic duo of Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, the Panthers characteristic a flexible roster with depth at each place. Their frugal protection and stellar goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky had been key elements of their championship run. Regardless of shedding slick-skating defenseman Brandon Montour, with Sam Reinhart signing an eight-year, $69 million extension and most of their core gamers below contract, Florida seems poised to make one other deep playoff push.
Dallas Stars (+900)
The Stars’ emergence as co-favorites comes on the again of their constant excellence over the previous few seasons. Jake Oettinger has established himself as one of many NHL’s greatest goaltenders. On the similar time, the ahead group led by Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz offers loads of offensive firepower. Matt Duchene returns for one more 12 months on a team-friendly $3 million wage. Dallas’ balanced offense and strong defensive construction make them a formidable contender within the Western Convention.
Carolina Hurricanes (+1000)
The Hurricanes have been knocking on the championship door for a number of years now. Their possession-dominant fashion and deep roster have made 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 acquisition Jake Guentzel are off the roster this season. The workforce added William Service, Eric Robinson, Tyson Jost, Sean Walker and Shayne Gostisbehere and signed extensions 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 Last, the Oilers stay favorites for subsequent season. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are arguably essentially the most harmful offensive duo within the NHL. If Edmonton can shore up their protection and supply extra constant goaltending, they might be proper again in competition for a championship.
Colorado Avalanche (+1200)
The Avalanche’s core of Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar ensures they’re going to be contenders for years to return. Colorado’s potent offense and cellular protection make them a risk to go all the way in which each season, and with workforce captain Gabriel Landeskog returning after lacking all the season, the Avalanche needs to be a lot better.
New Jersey Devils (+1200)
The Devils have taken a serious step ahead this season and are actually thought of 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 years to return.
New York Rangers (+1200)
The Rangers have assembled a potent mixture of veteran management and younger expertise. Artemi Panarin leads a succesful group of forwards, whereas Adam Fox anchors the blue line. With Igor Shesterkin in 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 workforce that may compete. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner kind one of many league’s most harmful attacking duos. If Toronto can overcome its postseason demons, it has the flexibility to compete for the Cup.