Having just received their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, the Florida Panthers were listed as the betting favorite to win it all again next year. Florida fended off the Edmonton Oilers 3-0 comeback and captured the Stanley Cup in a thrilling Game 7 last week.
The Panthers have opened as +900 seed favorites to defend their championship in 2024-25, tied at the top with the Dallas Stars, who fell to the Oilers in the Western Conference finals. Like the Carolina Hurricanes, the Oilers are +1000 to win the Cup next season. The Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils, and New York Rangers are all +1200, and the Toronto Maple Leafs round out the eighth at +1600.
Florida Panthers (+900)
The reigning Stanley Cup champions look for another strong season in 2024-25. Led by their duo of Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, the Panthers boast a deep roster at all positions. Their strong defense and solid goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky were key factors in their run to the championship. Despite losing smart skating defenseman Brandon Montour, with Sam Reinhart signing an 8-year, $69 million extension and most key players under contract, Florida looks poised to make another deep playoff run.
Dallas Stars (+900)
The Stars’ appearance as favorites is due to their consistent performance over the past few seasons. Jake Oettinger has established himself as one of the NHL’s best forwards. At the same time, the forward group led by Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz provides plenty of offensive firepower. Matt Duchene will return for another year at a team-friendly salary of $3 million. Dallas’ limited offense and strong defensive structure make them a formidable opponent in the Western Conference.
Carolina Hurricanes (+1000)
The Hurricanes have been knocking on the championship door for years. Their multi-possession style of play and deep system make them perennial contenders. With young stars like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov continuing to develop, Carolina has the talent to make a strong run at the Cup. That doesn’t mean there aren’t changes. Brady Skjei, Stefan Noesen, Teuvo Teravainen, Brett Pesce, and deadline addition Jake Guentzel are no longer from last season’s team. The team added William Carrier, Eric Robinson, Tyson Jost, Sean Walker, and Shayne Gostisbehere and extended Jaccob Slavin and Jordan Martinook. They work on the contracts of Jarvis, Drury, and Necas.
Edmonton Oilers (+1000)
Despite falling short in the Stanley Cup Final, the Oilers remain among the favorites for next season. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl form the most dangerous duo in the NHL. If Edmonton can hold their defense together and get consistent scoring, they’ll be back in contention for a win.
Colorado Avalanche (+1200)
The Avalanche core of Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar ensures they will remain contenders for years. Colorado’s powerful offense and mobile defense make them a threat to go all the way in any season, and with team captain Gabriel Landeskog set to return after missing the entire season, the Avalanche should be much improved.
New Jersey Devils (+1200)
The Devils have taken a significant step forward this season and are now regarded as serious contenders for the Cup. Jack Hughes has emerged as a star, and the acquisition of Jacob Markstrom from Calgary addresses their goaltending needs. With a young, talented roster, New Jersey is poised to compete for championships this season and for years to come.
New York Rangers (+1200)
The Rangers have put together a powerful combination of veteran leadership and young talent. Artemi Panarin leads a talented group going forward, while Adam Fox anchors the blue line. With Igor Shesterkin in net, New York has the pieces to make a deep playoff run.
Toronto Maple Leafs (+1600)
Despite their playoff struggles in recent years, the Maple Leafs are still a talented team that can make a run. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner are one of the two most dangerous players in the league. If Toronto can overcome their demons from last season, they have the ability to compete for the Cup.
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