Stanley Cup Predictions 2025: Reigning Conference Finalists Lead the Way
Last Updated: August 6, 2024 2:30 PM EDT • 5 min 47 sec read.
At least a handful of teams pop off the page as solid Stanley Cup contenders as we delve into our 2025 Stanley Cup predictions based on the NHL odds from our best NHL betting sites.
Even though it's late June and summer has just begun, many of us are already longing for more hockey action with the 2024 NHL season wrapped up. Thankfully, the 2025 Stanley Cup odds are available, giving die-hard fans something to look forward to as we await the start of the 2024-25 season.
Leading the Stanley Cup odds are the four conference finalists from the 2023-24 season: the Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, and New York Rangers.
Chasing them are the Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights, and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Devils in particular have improved their prospects with the recent acquisition of Jacob Markstrom.
Stanley Cups odds 2024-25
(Odds last updated on June 25)
| Team | DraftKings | FanDuel | BetMGM | Caesars | bet365 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers | |||||
| Stars | +900 | +1000 | +1000 | +900 | +900 |
| Oilers | +950 | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 | +700 |
| Rangers | +1200 | +1300 | +1300 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Avalanche | +1200 | +950 | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
| Hurricanes | +1200 | +950 | +1100 | +1000 | +900 |
| Devils | +1300 | +1300 | +1300 | +1500 | +1000 |
| Golden Knights | +1600 | +1100 | +1200 | +1200 | +1600 |
| Maple Leafs | +1600 | +1400 | +1600 | +1500 | +1500 |
| Canucks | +2000 | +1900 | +2000 | +1800 | +1500 |
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Stanley Cup predictions
Panthers
Best odds: +900 | Implied probability: 10%
The Florida Panthers are the lead candidates to win the 2024-25 Stanley Cup and repeat as champions. That would mean returning to the Stanley Cup Final in three straight seasons, which would mirror their Sunshine State rivals' run from 2020-22. The Lightning won back-to-back Cups before losing to the Colorado Avalanche on their three-peat attempt.
The Panthers are one of the NHL's deepest teams. They are exquisite defensively and were tied for the fewest goals against per game (2.41) with the Winnipeg Jets in 2023-24.
While the Panthers are expected to be in contention again in 2024-25, general manager and water-bottle-throwing extraordinaire Bill Zito has a ton of roster work to attend to. In 2024-25, the Panthers roster 11 unrestricted free agents, including Sam Reinhart and Vladimir Tarasenko, and one restricted free agent.
Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett will become unrestricted free agents in 2025-26. Zito faces no shortage of high-priority personnel issues to address, and it's doubtful the team will be able to retain all of its core, most influential players.
2023-24 key season stats
| Panthers | Stats |
|---|---|
| One-goal game win % | 7th (.594) |
| Scoring-first win % | 3rd (.767) |
| Goals per game | 11th (3.23) |
| Goals against per game | tied 1st (2.41) |
| Home points % | tied 10th (.659) |
| Away points % | 2nd (.683) |
| Win % leading after one period | 15th (.781) |
| Corsi % | 2nd (55.68%) |
| PDO | 8th (100.62) |
| Power play | 8th (23.5%) |
| Penalty kill | tied 6th (82.5%) |
Oilers
Best odds: +1000 | Implied probability: 9.09%
How can you not consider the Oilers one of the 2024-25 favorites? They boast the world's best player and a supporting cast who proved their mettle during the dog days of the 2024 NHL playoffs.
The Oilers overcame adversity at either end of the season, almost running the table after a historically abject start. And nobody will ever forget the Stanley Cup Final, in which they won three straight to force an epic Game 7. With their core group of elite players almost certainly remaining in Edmonton, they are equipped to make another run at the Holy Grail.
Stuart Skinner matured like an 18-year top-shelf whisky and will be highly motivated to build on a pleasantly surprising first year as a starting netminder. Yes, he endured more ups and downs than a mountain biker, but that's precisely the hardship that can transform the most resilient and determined into perennial contenders.
However, the Oilers' 2024-25 Cup hopes probably rely on Leon Draisaitl staying put for at least one more season. Given the raise he'll expect, that's far from certain. If Draisatil goes, the Oilers' Stanley Cup hopes might also evaporate into thin air at least temporarily, depending on what they receive in return for the legendary center.
The Oilers opened the 2023-24 campaign with +900 odds, almost mirroring their 2024-25 odds.
2023-24 key season stats
| Oilers | Stats |
|---|---|
| One-goal game win % | 4th (.609) |
| Scoring-first win % | 10th (.721) |
| Goals per game | 4th (3.56) |
| Goals against per game | 10th (2.88) |
| Home points % | T-2 (.732) |
| Away points % | T-11 (.537) |
| Win % leading after one period | T-9 (.818) |
| Corsi % | 3rd (55.17) |
| PDO | 15th (100.28) |
| Power play | 4th (26.3) |
| Penalty kill | 15th (79.5) |
Stars
Best odds: +950 | Implied probability: 9.52%
The Dallas Stars enjoyed deep playoff runs in the last two seasons. They fell in the 2022-23 Western Conference Final to the eventual champion Vegas Golden Knights and endured the same heartbreak in 2023-24, losing to the Oilers in six games.
Those calluses should help the Stars clear the final hurdle. It helps that they boast a perfect blend of wily veterans and youthful exuberance.
Captain Jamie Benn, 34, has another year or two left at a top-tier level, while 24-year-old Jason Robertson and 21-year-old Wyatt Johnston spearhead the team's youth movement, both of whom registered 16 points in 19 playoff games during 2024.
Robertson led the team in scoring over the last two seasons, and there's still room to improve, particularly in the playoffs.
Jake Oettinger, 25, is an all-star netminder with all the attributes to lead his team to glory. He excels in pressure-cooker encounters and has made it to the Western Conference Final in two of his three-and-a-half seasons as a starter.
2023-24 key season stats
| Stars | Stats |
|---|---|
| One-goal game win % | 9th (.575) |
| Scoring-first win % | 9th (.725) |
| Goals per game | 3rd (3.59) |
| Goals against per game | T-8 (2.83) |
| Home points % | T-7 (.683) |
| Away points % | 1st (.695) |
| Win % leading after one period | 11th (.815) |
| Corsi % | 5th (53.17) |
| PDO | 9th (100.59) |
| Power play | 6th (24.2) |
| Penalty kill | 8th (82) |
Rangers
Best odds: +1300 | Implied probability: 7.14%
Like the aforementioned pair, the Rangers have endured their fair share of playoff heartbreak. The Blueshirts advanced to the Eastern Conference Final in two of the previous three seasons, losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021-22 and the Florida Panthers in 2023-24.
While devastating for Rangers fans, especially after Chris Kreider's historic hat trick to oust the Carolina Hurricanes, their team is one of the most well-rounded leaguewide. With Igor Shesterkin leading the way as one of the NHL's best goaltenders, New York boasts enough talent, physicality, depth, and experience to make another run.
I don't see them winning the Presidents' Trophy, which would probably increase their Stanley Cup chances considering the ominous history attached to being the best in the regular season.
Only five players—Jack Roslovic, Alexander Wennberg, Blake Wheeler, Chad Ruhwedel, and Erik Gustafsson—face unrestricted free agency.
Gustafsson and Wheeler are the most influential players on that list, but losing either one wouldn't irreparably damage the team's Cup chances. At BetMGM, the Rangers opened the 2023-24 season with +1400 odds, again almost mirroring their 2024-25 opening odds.
2023-24 key season stats
| Rangers | Stats |
|---|---|
| One-goal game win % | 1st (.742) |
| Scoring-first win % | T-5 (.761) |
| Goals per game | 7th (3.39) |
| Goals against per game | 7th (2.76) |
| Home points % | T-2 (.732) |
| Away points % | T-4 (.659) |
| Win % leading after one period | T-16 (.774) |
| Corsi % | 19th (50.09) |
| PDO | 20th (99.86) |
| Power play | T-3 (26.4) |
| Penalty kill | 3rd (84.5) |
Past Stanley Cup winners
| Year | Team | Preseason odds |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Vegas Golden Knights | +1800 |
| 2022 | Colorado Avalanche | +600 |
| 2021 | Tampa Bay Lightning | +900 |
| 2020 | Tampa Bay Lightning | +675 |
| 2019 | St. Louis Blues | +3000 |
| 2018 | Washington Capitals | +1125 |
| 2017 | Pittsburgh Penguins | +1100 |
| 2016 | Pittsburgh Penguins | +1300 |
| 2015 | Chicago Blackhawks | +700 |
| 2014 | Los Angeles Kings | +1200 |
How to bet on Stanley Cup futures
When making your Stanley Cup futures bets, there are as many things to consider as a general manager looking to lead their team to glory. Ok, maybe not that many, but it's essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the team's ability to win the hardest trophy in sports before locking in your pick.
First, and most obviously, you'll have to be okay with having your money tied up for an extended period.
Examine each team's roster
Second, it's important to examine the rosters of the teams you're considering backing. How many veterans can maintain an elite level throughout a grueling and dogged two months of playoff hockey?
Does the team have a solid balance of experience and youth, and have the younger players experienced playoff hockey? Also, ensure the veteran core has proved they can elevate their level when it matters most.
While it's not as imperative as it once was, having an elite goaltender helps. No matter the year or generation, goaltenders have a pivotal role in any Stanley Cup-winning run.
If it's before the season, look at the roster to see how many potential personnel changes are forthcoming. It's vital to see how many unrestricted free agents the team has and whether instrumental players might be on the move.
It can also be helpful to find out which players are up for a contract extension. Individuals pursuing a contract extension often play better in hopes of signing the most lucrative deal.
Injuries also play a huge role, so make sure the team you're backing has a full bill of health, particularly the most impactful players.
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- FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
- DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review
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