The 2024-25 NHL betting season got underway last week, with two games in Prague featuring the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres. Despite two teams already playing in the NHL Global Series, let’s break down our 2025 Stanley Cup Picks.
As the season begins in North America, the Florida Panthers aim to defend their Stanley Cup title.
Following a busy offseason, the reigning champion Panthers have seen some talent depart, while the Edmonton Oilers have bolstered their roster, making them the favorites in the Stanley Cup odds.
Before we get to our picks, you should check out our NHL Stanley Cup Betting page, which answers any questions you may have about it.
 |  |  |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | +750 | +900 | +725 |
| Florida Panthers | +900 | +1000 | +900 |
| New Jersey Devils | +1000 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Dallas Stars | +1100 | +1100 | +1100 |
| Colorado Avalanche | +1200 | +1100 | +1400 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +1400 | +1400 | +1300 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +1400 | +1500 | +1100 |
| Las Vegas Golden Knights | +1400 | +1800 | +1800 |
| Nashville Predators | +1600 | +1600 | +1400 |
| Boston Bruins | +2000 | +1800 | +1800 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +2000 | +2200 | +2200 |
We will examine some of the top contenders for the NHL Stanley Cup this season, along with a few dark horses. The first team we will discuss are the Edmonton Oilers, the runners-up from last year’s Stanley Cup Final.
The Edmonton Oilers, led by Connor McDavid, are considered favorites for the Stanley Cup. This is similar to how the Pittsburgh Penguins were always Stanley Cup contenders when Sidney Crosby was leading the team.
Despite losing in the Cup final, McDavid won the Conn Smythe Trophy. The Oilers made a strong push in the Stanley Cup Final but couldn’t complete the comeback. They trailed 3-0 and ultimately lost in the seventh game.
The team has made significant moves in the offseason, including signing 13 players and appointing Stan Bowman as the new general manager.
Some notable departures have occurred, and the team is under pressure to win with McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their prime.
Draisaitl also signed a record-breaking contract extension, allowing him to focus on hockey during the season.
The best odds to back the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup are at BetUS at +900 odds.
After winning their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, the Panthers are favored to once again represent the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Final.
The core of the team remains intact, but there are a few key departures from the blue line. Dmitry Kulikov’s re-signing is offset by the losses of Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brandon Montour.
Additionally, the team will be without Vladimir Tarasenko, Anthony Stolarz, Ryan Lomberg, Kevin Stenlund, and Casey Fitzgerald, who have all moved on to new teams.
Despite these changes, the Panthers core is mostly unchanged, offering the team an excellent chance to make another deep playoff run.
The best odds for the Panther to lift the Stanley Cup again are +1000 at BetUS.
The Dallas Stars were among the top four teams in the 2023-24 NHL playoffs. They should be strong contenders for the upcoming season.
They reached the Western Conference Final two seasons ago but were defeated by the eventual cup champions, the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023. Last year they lost to the Western Conference Champion Edmonton Oilers.
The Stars have a well-rounded and balanced team with a mix of young talent and experienced veterans. Goalkeeper Jake Oettinger is still considered one of the best in the NHL.
The team’s young players include Logan Stankoven, Wyatt Johnston, and Jason Robertson, and Miro Heiskanen. Heiskanen is one to watch for the Norris Trophy.
The Stars re-signed Matt Duchene and added defenseman Matt Dumba to strengthen their defense. However, they lost Chris Tanev and Jani HakanpÀÀ to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
After 18 seasons, Joe Pavelski retired, and Ryan Suter signed with the St. Louis Blues. If you want to back the Stars to win the Stanley Cup, the most favorable odds will be +1100 at Bovada.
Before deciding where you want to bet, you should check outΒ our list of the best online sportsbooksΒ so that you can choose the best one for you.
The Colorado Avalanche are entering the 2025 season with renewed determination and high hopes. After a disappointing end to last season, they are focused on pursuing another Stanley Cup victory.
Led by the talented duo of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, the team possesses a formidable combination of skill and leadership.
The decision to re-sign Casey Mittelstadt reflects the team’s commitment to maintaining a strong core and ensuring stability in its lineup.
However, the uncertain situations surrounding Valeri Nichushkin and Gabriel Landeskog have undeniably created challenges for the team.
Nichushkin’s suspension and Landeskog’s prolonged injury could hinder the Avalanche’s ambitions. Despite these obstacles, the team’s depth and talent make it a strong contender for a deep playoff run.
The most favorable odds for betting the Avs to win the Stanley Cup will also be at Bovada. The Avs are +1400 to win it all.
The Nashville Predators chances of winning the Stanley Cup in the 2024-25 season improved after they acquired forwards Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and defenseman Brady Skjei.
Additionally, the Predators signed goalie Juuse Saros to a long-term deal, further strengthening their roster.
Saros, a Vezina Trophy finalist in 2021-22, is considered a top contender for the award in the upcoming season and is only 29 years old.
Even before these acquisitions, the Predators were already a formidable team in the NHL, finishing the 2023-24 season strongly.
Finally, if you’d like to take bet on a dark horse, the Nashville Predators are +1600 to win the Stanley Cup at BetOnline.
Make sure to check out our sportsbook reviews so you can ensureΒ which ones are safe. We will ensure we provide trustworthy information to make your betting choices.
About the Author
Tony is a pro sports journalist who dedicates most of his free time to watching the latest matches and games on TV. Tony enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and basketball when he's not participating in sports-related activities or seeing his friends. In addition to being a sports expert, Tony has extensive knowledge of finances and accounting. He leverages this expertise to provide insightful betting analysis for all sports, identifying value based on overlooked factors.
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