The new NHL season is here, and Stanley Cup betting is right around the corner. The Florida Panthers, fresh off back-to-back championships, enter as favorites to win it all again. But they’re not alone, with the Oilers, Avalanche, Hurricanes, and Golden Knights all sitting near the top of the board.
Sportsbooks have set clear tiers in the odds, with elite contenders, second-tier hopefuls, and longshots that could surprise. Bettors at WagerHome can find value across the market. Here’s a breakdown of the top contenders and some dark horse picks for the 2025-26 Stanley Cup.
Top Contenders
Florida Panthers (+600)
The Panthers are chasing a third straight Stanley Cup. They kept their core intact, including Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Matthew Tkachuk. Depth across all four lines makes them a safe futures bet. Oddsmakers expect Florida to make another deep playoff run.
Colorado Avalanche (+700)
Colorado remains loaded with stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. The addition of Brent Burns and a healthy Gabriel Landeskog add to an already strong group. They have the speed and scoring depth to handle the West. If goaltending holds up, they’re a prime Cup threat.
Edmonton Oilers (+800)
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl lead an offense that can beat anyone. But goaltending continues to be the main concern with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard back in net. Edmonton has reached the Cup Final in two straight seasons but fallen short against Florida. This year could be make-or-break for their core.
Carolina Hurricanes (+800)
Carolina added Nikolaj Ehlers to boost scoring on the wing. The Hurricanes have been strong in the regular season but have struggled to break through in the playoffs. With speed and depth, they remain a strong Eastern Conference contender. Oddsmakers keep them close to Florida at the top of the East.
Vegas Golden Knights (+850)
Vegas traded for Mitch Marner, adding another 100-point forward to their lineup. With Jack Eichel and Mark Stone already in place, the Golden Knights have one of the most dangerous attacks in the league. They also have playoff-tested depth. Their futures price makes them one of the most attractive betting options.
Dallas Stars (+1000)
Dallas has made the Western Conference Final three years in a row but has not broken through. Mikko Rantanen joins a roster that already has depth across all lines. Their defense and goaltending give them a strong chance to finally get over the hump. Bettors looking for value in the West will circle Dallas.
Dark Horses
Tampa Bay Lightning (+1400)
The Lightning core of Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Andrei Vasilevskiy remains intact. They were knocked out early last year but still have the experience to make a run. At 14-1, they offer better payout potential than the top tier. A strong start would shorten their price quickly.
New Jersey Devils (+1600)
Jack Hughes leads a young, fast Devils team. With depth scoring and improved defense, they are poised to take another step. Goaltending will decide their ceiling. At 16-1, they’re one of the East’s most appealing dark horse bets.
Toronto Maple Leafs (+2000)
The Leafs lost Mitch Marner but still feature Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Depth moves give them more balance in the lineup. Toronto has not advanced past the second round in decades, but the roster has enough firepower. At 20-1, they carry risk but offer upside.
Los Angeles Kings (+2000)
The Kings continue to climb in the Western Conference. With strong two-way play and new veterans added, they have depth to compete. Their playoff path will be tough, but they have value at 20-1. Los Angeles could be a team that surprises bettors this season.
Longshot Value
St. Louis Blues (+5000)
The Blues are not seen as top contenders, but longshot bettors may take a shot. They’ve got a mix of veterans and young talent. If goaltending stabilizes, they could push for a playoff spot. Futures price makes them a value play for deep sleepers.
Vancouver Canucks (+6000)
Vancouver’s roster has talent led by Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson. Thatcher Demko’s health in net is critical. If things click, they could surprise in the West. At 60-1, they’re a risky but interesting ticket.
PPH Betting Prediction
The Panthers deserve to be favorites after winning two straight, but repeating is rare in the NHL. Colorado and Vegas have the depth and scoring to challenge. The Oilers remain a wild card due to goaltending questions.
Value sits with Dallas at +1000 and New Jersey at +1600. Dallas has been close for years, and New Jersey could break out with their young roster. Bettors at WagerHome should consider one safe pick from the top tier and one dark horse for balance.
Pick: Dallas Stars (+1000) and New Jersey Devils (+1600)
