The 2025 Stanley Cup Final ended with the Florida Panthers defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6. The game was played on June 17 in Florida, and it sealed back-to-back championships for the Panthers. Just like in 2024, the Oilers made it to the final but came up short again.
This marks the third straight year that the Panthers reached the Cup Final. Florida now heads into the 2025 offseason with a chance to become a three-peat champion. Despite winning it all, early betting odds for next season favor the Oilers over the Panthers. You can check out more futures and betting tools at WagerHome, where you can run your own book with full Pay Per Head support.
Panthers Preview – Cup Run Ends in Another Win
Florida closed out the 2025 season with a dominant 5-1 win in Game 6. They won the series over Edmonton 4-2 and lifted the Cup for the second year in a row. Their offense was efficient throughout the playoffs, and the defense stayed tight in key moments.
Florida will try to win a third straight Cup in 2026. They are currently listed at +750 to win next year. Some sportsbooks list them as co-favorites with the Oilers and Avalanche, while others have them slightly behind due to expected roster changes.
With free agency approaching, the Panthers could lose a few key players. They’ve also played more games than most teams over the last three years. That adds up to more wear and tear, which could make repeating difficult. Still, with a strong core and a winning system, they remain a top contender.
Oilers Preview – Can Edmonton Finally Finish the Job?
The Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Final for the second straight year. Just like in 2024, they lost to the Panthers. Game 6 ended in a 5-1 loss, and the Oilers again had to watch the other team celebrate.
Oddsmakers still have high hopes for Edmonton in 2026. At BetMGM, they opened as the favorites to win the Cup at +650. DraftKings also placed them at the top of the board, while ESPN BET had them tied with Florida and Colorado at +700.
Edmonton’s odds suggest confidence in their top-end talent. But losing in the final two years in a row creates questions about how they’ll respond. The Oilers are expected to keep most of their core together, and that gives them one more strong chance to break through next season.
Colorado and Carolina Right in the Mix
The Colorado Avalanche are listed at +700 to +800 across major sportsbooks. ESPN BET pointed to their healthy roster and 19 players under contract as a reason to like their chances. With Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and a healthy Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado could jump ahead of Florida and Edmonton if they stay healthy.
The Carolina Hurricanes are also in the top five across most odds boards. They are listed around +800 or +900. Carolina has been a playoff regular in recent seasons and is expected to return with a strong group led by top defenders and a solid goaltending tandem.
The Dallas Stars round out the top five at most sportsbooks with odds near +900 or +1000. They had a strong regular season and deep playoff run in 2025. They return most of their core and are expected to compete again in the Western Conference.
Longshots and Surprise Teams in the Odds
At the bottom of the odds board, the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks are listed at 500-1. These teams are deep in rebuilding mode and not expected to contend anytime soon. They may be more focused on the NHL Draft than a playoff run.
Other longshots include the Seattle Kraken (+31000), Pittsburgh Penguins (+28000), and Buffalo Sabres (+14000). These teams have talent but are not seen as real threats to win the Cup in 2026. Their current rosters need more depth and experience.
Interestingly, the Philadelphia Flyers have better odds than some playoff teams from last year. Despite finishing with the fourth-worst record, the Flyers are listed at +8000. Oddsmakers see some upside, especially with new head coach Rick Tocchet and young forward Matvei Michkov.
PPH Betting Prediction
Based on early futures odds, the Oilers are the top pick at +650. They are expected to keep their core intact and remain one of the best teams in the West. The Panthers are right behind at +750, but their playoff mileage and potential roster moves push them slightly below Edmonton in the market.
Colorado is the third option with +800 odds. If they stay healthy, they may be the safest choice. Carolina and Dallas also have value near the top. For bettors and bookies, futures markets offer a good chance to build long-term action. Sign up with WagerHome.com to run your own sportsbook with full control and support.
Pick: Oilers +650 (2026 Stanley Cup futures)
