The chase for the Stanley Cup never really stops. As soon as one season ends, fans and NHL bettors begin looking ahead to who might lift the trophy next. The 2026 NHL season is no different, with plenty of storylines and surprises already shaping the betting market. Teams that came close last year are once again near the top of the board, while rebuilding clubs are fighting to prove they belong in the mix.

Stanley Cup odds often tell the story of expectations. Favorites like Carolina and Tampa Bay have proven playoff track records, while up-and-coming rosters like New Jersey and Ottawa look to take the next step. Out West, contenders such as Edmonton, Colorado, and Vegas are locked in another arms race, with Dallas and Los Angeles not far behind. Every season brings new wrinkles, whether it’s an unexpected breakout team, a midseason trade, or an injury that changes the balance of power.

For fans looking to follow the latest updates, our NHL section has futures, previews, and NHL picks all year long. With the opening odds set, let’s take a full look at the Stanley Cup betting board, highlight the favorites, and find where the value might be hiding.

NHL Stanley Cup Odds

Check out the latest Stanley Cup odds courtesy of ScoresandStats:

The Hurricanes open as the favorites after another deep playoff run, while the Lightning are close behind despite their aging core. Vegas and Edmonton share short odds as Western Conference powerhouses, with Colorado right in the mix.

Dallas and Florida are viewed as steady contenders, and New Jersey has climbed into the conversation after steady progress over the past two years. Toronto and Los Angeles round out the next tier as potential dark horses, while the rest of the board ranges from longshots to true rebuilds.

Be sure to follow the best handicappers in the industry right here at ScoresandStats. With tons of NHL playoff experience, these cappers will grow your bankroll this NHL postseason.

Trusted NHL Handicapping
for Big Returns

Handicapping Membership

Get Free Trial

Stanley Cup Favorites

The following NHL teams are considered the odds-on favorites to win the 2024-25 NHL Stanley Cup:

Carolina Hurricanes (+750)

The Carolina Hurricanes come into the 2025–26 season as the betting favorite after years of steady playoff success under coach Rod Brind’Amour. They’ve reached the Eastern Conference Final three times since 2019, but the Cup has remained just out of reach. Their system built on aggressive forechecking, puck possession, and depth across four lines continues to make them one of the toughest teams in the NHL to play against. That consistency, combined with their recent additions, makes them a serious threat to finally break through.

The biggest change this offseason came on the blue line, where Carolina reshaped its defense. Veterans Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov departed, but the team added K’Andre Miller in a major trade and signed him to an eight-year deal. With Jaccob Slavin, Shayne Gostisbehere, and new arrival Sean Walker, the Hurricanes still have one of the league’s deepest defensive groups. That mix of veteran stability and young talent like Alexander Nikishin gives them balance few opponents can match.

Carolina also addressed scoring by signing Nikolaj Ehlers, one of the top free agents available. Ehlers brings speed, creativity, and a proven scoring touch, adding another layer to a lineup that already features Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov. His ability to stretch defenses should give Carolina the extra offense they’ve sometimes lacked in playoff battles. Depth forwards such as Jordan Staal and Jesperi Kotkaniemi ensure that the Hurricanes won’t rely on just one line to score.

What makes Carolina such a strong Cup bet is how complete the roster looks. They have two capable goaltenders in Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov, a defensive core that can handle heavy minutes, and multiple scoring options up front. Brind’Amour has kept the team consistently among the league’s best, and with new additions like Miller and Ehlers, the Hurricanes may finally have the pieces to finish the job and capture their first Stanley Cup since 2006.

Tampa Bay Lightning (+800)

The Tampa Bay Lightning enter the new season still viewed as one of the NHL’s most dangerous teams. Their championship window has already produced two Stanley Cups and a trip to the Final in 2022, and the core that carried them there remains in place. Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Jake Guentzel give Tampa Bay one of the best forward groups in the league, while Victor Hedman continues to anchor the blue line. With Andrei Vasilevskiy in net, they have the foundation to compete with anyone.

Tampa Bay didn’t make many big offseason moves, but that might not be a problem. Their lineup is proven, and their biggest need is simply staying healthy. Kucherov led the league in scoring last year, while Point and Guentzel both finished among the NHL’s top goal scorers. Vasilevskiy remained one of the league’s best goaltenders, finishing top five in both goals-against average and save percentage. If their stars are at full strength, Tampa Bay will remain a contender.

The Lightning’s biggest challenge is depth. Years of trading picks and prospects to chase championships have thinned the pipeline. Salary cap pressures have also chipped away at their roster, leaving them more vulnerable if injuries pile up. Still, their top-end talent and experience are strong enough to carry them through stretches where secondary scoring or defensive depth is tested. Few teams can match Tampa’s ability to win tight playoff games when their core is healthy.

This team still has the ingredients of a Cup champion. Kucherov is playing at an MVP level, Point and Guentzel are elite finishers, and Vasilevskiy gives them confidence in net every night. Jon Cooper remains one of the NHL’s most respected coaches, and the core knows what it takes to win four straight series. If the Lightning avoid major injuries, they remain one of the safest bets to contend for the Stanley Cup.

Edmonton Oilers (+900)

The Western Conference has one team at the top and it’s the Edmonton Oilers, who start the new season with unfinished business after losing to the Florida Panthers in the last two Stanley Cup Finals. Those runs showed they can handle long playoff stretches, and with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl driving the attack, scoring should never be a problem. Their mix of playoff experience and elite talent puts them in strong position to contend again.

Goaltending has been a talking point in Edmonton, but Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard gave the team enough stability to reach the Final last year. Both return this season, now working with new goaltending coach Peter Aubry. If they can provide steady play in net, Edmonton’s defense and high-powered offense are more than capable of carrying the load.

The roster also gained new depth. Isaac Howard, last year’s Hobey Baker winner, joins the team as a promising young forward. Trent Frederic brings grit and depth after arriving in a trade, and Matt Savoie is expected to earn a regular role after a strong year in the minors. These pieces give Edmonton more balance across all four lines.

After two straight near-misses, the Oilers look built to take the final step. They have the best offensive duo in hockey, a deeper supporting cast, and the drive that comes from falling just short. With steady goaltending and healthy stars, Edmonton has a real chance to finally lift the Cup this season.

Best Stanley Cup Betting Value

The following NHL teams offer solid betting value for their Stanley Cup odds:

New Jersey Devils (+1300)

The New Jersey Devils are trying to build on a roster that has playoff potential but has been held back by injuries and inconsistency. Last season, the Devils lost in the first round after several of their top players missed time down the stretch, including Jack Hughes, Ondrej Palat, and key defensemen like Dougie Hamilton and Luke Hughes. A healthy lineup is the biggest factor in their chances this season. With Hughes running the offense and a talented blue line returning, New Jersey has the talent to climb higher in the Eastern Conference.

Goaltending will play a major role in their success. Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen give the Devils stability in net, but they’ll need the defense in front of them to stay healthy and organized. Young blueliners Simon Nemec and Luke Hughes will be asked to take bigger roles, while veterans like Hamilton and Brenden Dillon provide steady support. If the defense holds up and the goaltending is solid, New Jersey’s offense should be able to do the rest.

The Devils also added depth in the offseason to balance the lineup. Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov bring secondary scoring and leadership, while Arseni Gritsyuk arrives as a young forward with scoring upside. Depth was an issue last year, especially when injuries piled up, but these additions give coach Sheldon Keefe more options. With stars like Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt already driving the attack, stronger depth scoring could make a big difference in tight games.

New Jersey’s path to being a strong Cup bet lies in keeping its roster healthy and getting consistent goaltending. They have one of the league’s most dynamic young stars in Hughes, a talented supporting cast, and a defense that blends experience with youth. If they can stay on the ice and avoid the breakdowns that hurt them last year, the Devils could make a real push toward becoming one of the Eastern Conference’s most dangerous playoff teams.

Los Angeles Kings (+2200)

The Los Angeles Kings are again in the mix as a potential value play in the Western Conference. They’ve made the playoffs four straight seasons but have been eliminated in the first round each time, including back-to-back exits at the hands of Edmonton. Even so, the Kings have built a balanced roster with depth throughout the lineup. With veteran Anze Kopitar entering his 20th and final NHL season, the motivation is strong to make one last deep run for their long-time captain.

Health will be an important factor. Drew Doughty missed nearly half of last season with an ankle injury and wasn’t at full strength when he returned. Now healthy, his ability to play heavy minutes should stabilize the defense again. Goalie Darcy Kuemper also returns after a strong season, giving the Kings a reliable option in net. If their top veterans remain on the ice, the Kings’ depth should allow them to compete with the Western Conference’s elite.

Los Angeles also added pieces in the offseason to strengthen their lineup. Corey Perry may be sidelined early after knee surgery, but his experience and net-front presence will help in the postseason once he returns. Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin provide defensive depth, while forwards like Joel Armia and Jeff Malott give the bottom six more size and grit. Combined with established scorers such as Adrian Kempe, Kevin Fiala, and Quinton Byfield, the Kings can roll four lines and match up against any opponent.

The Kings’ biggest hurdle has been getting over the first-round wall, but this team looks deeper and more experienced than in recent seasons. They have a mix of playoff-tested veterans and younger players who are stepping into larger roles. With Kopitar making one last push and the roster around him well-rounded, Los Angeles offers good value as a team that could finally take the next step in the playoffs.

Top Stanley Cup Longshot

The Detroit Red Wings (+9000) enter the 2025–26 season looking to finally end their long playoff drought. They’ve missed the postseason nine years in a row, but the roster now looks deeper and more competitive than in recent seasons. Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Alex DeBrincat lead a forward group that has scoring ability, while veterans like Patrick Kane and J.T. Compher add experience. The biggest question remains on defense and in goal, but there are signs the Red Wings are closer to turning the corner.

Defensively, Detroit struggled last season, ranking near the bottom of the league in goals allowed and penalty killing. The additions of Jacob Bernard-Docker and Travis Hamonic provide more options, while Simon Edvinsson is expected to take another step forward. The Red Wings will need stronger play in their own end to stay in contention. John Gibson, acquired in a trade from Anaheim, is the most important piece. If he can bounce back to his earlier form, Detroit’s defensive numbers should improve.

The team also added Mason Appleton to help with depth and penalty killing, while younger players like Nate Danielson and Amadeus Lombardi bring upside. Danielson, a 2023 first-round pick, is expected to step into a regular role and has the potential to become a two-way centerpiece. Lombardi, coming off a strong AHL season, could carve out a role if he impresses in camp. With these young players joining established forwards like Larkin and Raymond, Detroit finally has a mix of veterans and prospects that looks competitive.

Detroit is still a longshot to win the Cup, but that also makes them an intriguing value bet. If Gibson stabilizes the crease and the defense tightens up, the Red Wings have enough scoring talent to push for a playoff spot. A team with this many young players and a motivated coaching staff could surprise people, and at their current odds, they’re worth keeping an eye on as a potential sleeper.

NHL Stanley Cup Predictions

Based on the updated breakdowns, the Carolina Hurricanes (+750) stand out as the best bet to win the Stanley Cup. They’ve been one of the most consistent teams in the league under Rod Brind’Amour, regularly reaching the later rounds of the playoffs. Their aggressive forechecking system, defensive depth, and goaltending tandem of Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov make them one of the most complete teams on paper. With the addition of Nikolaj Ehlers to boost scoring, they’ve addressed the one area that has held them back in past playoff runs.

Carolina’s combination of depth and balance makes them less reliant on any single player, which is valuable in the grind of the postseason. Unlike some contenders that lean heavily on star power, the Hurricanes can win games in multiple ways — through defense, special teams, or secondary scoring. That versatility gives them a strong chance to finally get over the hump and capture their first Stanley Cup since 2006.

Bet: Carolina Hurricanes (+750)

Stanley Cup Prop Bets

Let’s take a look at some of the popular Stanley Cup prop bets available as of this writing:

Winning Conference

• Eastern Conference (-105)
• Western Conference (-115)

The Eastern Conference has been loaded with top contenders in recent years, and that remains true heading into 2025–26. Carolina looks like the most complete roster in hockey, Tampa Bay still has a championship-tested core, and the Devils have the upside of a young, star-driven team if they can stay healthy. The Atlantic and Metropolitan divisions could both send multiple Cup threats into the postseason.

The West is strong at the top with Edmonton, Colorado, and Vegas, but beyond that, depth isn’t quite as intimidating as what the East can roll out. Edmonton has made back-to-back Finals but fallen short against Florida both times. Given the balance of power, the safer bet is that the champion once again comes from the East.

Bet: Eastern Conference (-105)

Stanley Cup Division winner

• Central (+260)
• Atlantic (+280)
• Pacific (+280)
• Metropolitan (+300)

The Central Division houses Colorado and Dallas, both consistent playoff contenders with elite talent. The Atlantic is stacked with Carolina, Tampa, and Florida, while the Metropolitan includes the Hurricanes and Devils. The Pacific leans heavily on Edmonton and Vegas, though Los Angeles could also make noise.

With multiple top contenders across both the Atlantic and Metropolitan, the East again looks stronger than the West. Carolina, Tampa, and Florida in the Atlantic alone give that division a serious edge. The Central has its strengths, but the Atlantic’s top-end talent plus depth make it the most appealing choice.

Bet: Atlantic Division (+280)

First Time Winner

• Yes (+550)
• No (-1000)

Several teams on the board, including New Jersey and Winnipeg, are chasing their first-ever Stanley Cup. The Devils in particular look capable of taking a leap if Jack Hughes stays healthy and the defense holds together. Edmonton, though not in this prop, continues to run into the final hurdle.

Still, the recent playoff success of veteran teams like Tampa, Colorado, and Carolina makes it more likely we see a familiar champion rather than a first-timer. Health and depth usually win in the spring, and the Devils might still be a year away from putting it all together.

Bet: No (-1000)

Winning Nation

• USA (-400)
• Canada (+275)

Canadian teams continue to chase the end of a long Cup drought that dates back to 1993. Edmonton has come close with back-to-back trips to the Final, and Toronto remains in the mix, but both franchises still carry question marks. The Oilers need consistent goaltending, while Toronto has struggled to get past the second round.

On the U.S. side, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Florida, Colorado, and Dallas all look capable of winning it all. The sheer number of elite American-based teams compared to Canada makes the gap wide. Until Edmonton or Toronto proves they can finish the job, the safer play is to stick with the U.S.

Bet: USA (-400)

Stanley Cup Winner List

The following is a list of the most recent NHL teams to win the Stanley Cup: