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The 2025-26 NHL season has arrived. Hockey bettors and fans alike, are cross-checking their way to the top sports betting sites in order to capitalize on our NHL Futures bets for the Eastern Conference and Western Conference.

The race to win the East is packed with familiar names. Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Florida sit near the top again, while younger teams like New Jersey, Toronto, and Ottawa try to close the gap. The East has been home to the last three Stanley Cup champions, and the field looks deep once more heading into 2025–26.

In the Western Conference, the crown is wide open at the start of the 2025–26 NHL season. Edmonton, Colorado, and Vegas lead the way, but a handful of contenders like Dallas and Winnipeg are lurking close behind. With so much depth across the conference, this year’s playoff picture could look very different from the last.

Let’s take a closer look at the NHL Conferences, identify betting value and longshots, while making our NHL picks to win the Eastern Conference and Western Conference championships. If you need more assistance, then check out the best NHL handicappers around!

NHL Eastern Conference Odds

Check out the latest NHL Eastern Conference odds:

In the Eastern Conference, sportsbooks are looking at the Hurricanes, Panthers and Lightning as the top teams to win the title. Will any other team rise up to challenge this trio?

The here at Scores & Stats are well aware that defense does win championships. Florida and Carolina, the top two Eastern Conference favorites, are built on a foundation of strong defense. However, you better be able to find the net in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Tampa Bay, now given +450 odds to win it all, has the best offense in the NHL this season. Nikita Kucherov leads the entire league in scoring with 121 points. Among the top 25 scorers in the NHL, there are four members of the Lightning – Kucherov, Brayden Point, Brandon Hagel, and Jake Guentzel. The Washington Capitals were No. 2 in the NHL in scoring and, like Tampa Bay, they are given +450 odds to win the Cup.

NHL Eastern Conference Favorites

The following NHL teams are considered the top contenders in the Eastern Conference:

Carolina Hurricanes (+380)

The Carolina Hurricanes have become one of the most consistent teams in hockey, reaching the playoffs for seven straight seasons under coach Rod Brind’Amour. Their foundation remains strong, led by Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, and Andrei Svechnikov up front, with Jaccob Slavin anchoring the blue line. That continuity gives Carolina a reliable edge over most teams in the East. Despite losing veteran defensemen Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov, they’ve stayed aggressive, adding K’Andre Miller and Mike Reilly to keep their defensive depth intact. With Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov sharing time in net, the Hurricanes have the goaltending stability to handle another deep playoff run.

Carolina’s roster is not only proven but also improved in key areas. The front office addressed a long-standing need for more scoring by signing Nikolaj Ehlers in free agency and trading for Miller from the Rangers. They also brought in Mikko Rantanen during last season’s push and added 22-year-old forward Logan Stankoven, who quickly earned a long-term extension after a strong debut. Those moves give the Hurricanes more offensive punch to complement their trademark defensive structure. Few teams control possession and limit high-danger chances as well as Carolina, and that style has consistently translated into playoff success.

The Hurricanes’ biggest hurdle has been getting past the Florida Panthers, who have eliminated them in two of the last three Eastern Conference Finals. But with an upgraded forward group and a defensive core that remains among the league’s best, this version of Carolina looks more balanced and dangerous than before. Their combination of experience, depth, and coaching makes them one of the safest bets to reach the Stanley Cup Final. At +380, the Hurricanes offer strong value as a proven contender capable of finally breaking through the conference barrier.

Tampa Bay Lightning (+400)

The Tampa Bay Lightning may not be as dominant as they were during their Stanley Cup runs earlier in the decade, but their core remains strong enough to challenge for another Eastern Conference title. Under Jon Cooper — the NHL’s longest-tenured active coach — Tampa Bay has reached the playoffs in 10 of the past 11 seasons, winning two Cups and appearing in a third Final. Their offensive core of Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Jake Guentzel remains elite. Kucherov led the NHL in scoring last season, while Point and Guentzel both finished inside the top seven in goals. When this trio is healthy, Tampa Bay’s attack can overwhelm even the league’s best defenses.

Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy continues to be the backbone of the Lightning. He ranked fourth in both goals-against average (2.18) and save percentage (.921) last season, maintaining his status as one of the NHL’s most reliable netminders. Captain Victor Hedman still anchors the blue line, while the team finished fifth in power-play efficiency (25.9%) and sixth on the penalty kill (81.6%). Tampa Bay’s balance between offensive firepower and structured defense is why oddsmakers continue to view them as a top-tier contender. Even after losing in the first round to Florida last year, the Lightning’s underlying numbers show they remain one of the most efficient teams at both ends of the ice.

Health is the biggest factor that could decide whether Tampa Bay returns to the top of the East. Injuries limited Kucherov and other key players last postseason, but when fully healthy, this roster still has championship-level depth and experience. The Lightning’s veteran leadership, scoring consistency, and elite goaltending make them one of the most stable bets in the conference. At +400, Tampa Bay offers appealing value as a veteran group capable of another deep run — especially if their stars stay on the ice.

Florida Panthers (+450)

Florida is chasing a three-peat after winning the Stanley Cup again last season. The core is still in place under Paul Maurice, now in his fourth season with the club. They re-signed major pieces from last summer’s free-agent class, including Aaron Ekblad, Brad Marchand, and Conn Smythe winner Sam Bennett. Sergei Bobrovsky is still the starter and comes off a 33-19-2 year with a 2.44 GAA and .905 save percentage, and the team added Daniil Tarasov as support in goal. That stability matters for a team that already knows how to win four rounds.

There are injuries, but the roster has answers. Captain Aleksander Barkov is likely out for the regular season with torn knee ligaments and Matthew Tkachuk is expected back around December, yet the forward group still features high-end scorers like Sam Reinhart, plus Marchand’s two-way impact. Anton Lundell and Mackie Samoskevich are tabbed for bigger roles, and the defense that picked up Seth Jones for last year’s run is deeper with Jeff Petry in the mix. Florida believes it has enough talent “in theory” to absorb the Barkov gap, and the staff will lean on that depth early.

The schedule will test them again, and this group has logged more games over three years than any team in NHL history, with many players also likely to skate in the Milan-Cortina Olympics. Even so, Florida’s combination of a proven playoff identity, a returning championship core, and Bobrovsky still playing at a high level makes them a strong wager to win the conference. At +450, you are backing a recent back-to-back champion that kept key contributors, added depth at goalie and defense, and expects internal growth from Lundell and Samoskevich.

New Jersey Devils (+700)

New Jersey looks set to take a step forward with Jack Hughes healthy after shoulder surgery ended his 2024-25 season. The front office added Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov to boost an attack that finished 20th in goals last year, and the core sits in its prime. The Devils are openly in win-now mode and “should compete with the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division,” which puts them right in the mix for home ice and a cleaner playoff path.

The structure around that offense is already strong. The Devils were a top-five team at keeping the puck out of their own net last season and will run it back in goal with Jacob Markstrom (2.50 GAA, .900) and Jake Allen (2.66, .908). Special teams are a real edge under coach Sheldon Keefe. New Jersey had the league’s second-best penalty kill and ranked third on the power play, and Keefe is even noted as a Jack Adams candidate. With Luke Hughes locked up on a seven-year deal, the blue line has a young pillar to build around.

There are hurdles — Johnathan Kovacevic’s early-season injury tests depth, and the group still has to show playoff finishing — but the pieces are here. Jesper Bratt is coming off 88 points, Nico Hischier remains a two-way driver, and Hughes is the star who can carry them when it matters. Given that profile and their special-teams advantage, +700 offer

Eastern Conference Betting Value

The following teams offer the best betting value to win the NHL Eastern Conference title:

Toronto Maple Leafs (+850)

Toronto’s path starts in net. Anthony Stolarz posted the best save percentage in the league (.926) and the third-best goals-against average (2.14) last season in 34 games, with Joseph Woll adding a .909 SV% in 42 games. Stolarz is set to be the No. 1 this year after a knee injury cut his 2024–25 regular season short. If that level holds, goaltending becomes a strength, which fits Craig Berube’s plan to forecheck and defend.

The core can still score. Auston Matthews dropped to 33 goals because of injury, but the rest of the “Core Four” increased their totals: John Tavares (points up from 65 to 74) and William Nylander (goals up from 40 to 45). Toronto also added Nicolas Roy to handle 3C, plus Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua, and Steven Lorentz for depth. Berube’s first season moved the team toward a more responsible style, and the front office backed that up by bringing in defensive-minded players.

There are questions – Mitch Marner is now in Vegas, Tavares turns 35, and the blue line lacks a true No. 1 – but Toronto has cap space (~$8.7M by the deadline) and trade chips like Nick Robertson to address needs. If Matthews stays healthy and last year’s strong goaltending repeats, the Leafs have a realistic ceiling higher than their 5-on-5 numbers (29th in Corsi, 23rd in xG share) suggest. That upside, plus mid-season flexibility, makes +850 a reasonable price if you want to bet on a bounce from elite finishing and steadier team defense under Berube.

New York Rangers (+1600)

New York starts a new chapter with Mike Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup–winning coach, taking over behind the bench. The goal is to get more from a roster that missed the playoffs at 39-36-7 after a season filled with drama and underperforming stars. The foundation is still strong. Igor Shesterkin just signed a new long-term deal and gives the team a chance to win every night. He has a Vezina Trophy on his resume and “can also steal games.” Up front, Artemi Panarin remained a point-per-game player last season and steps into a contract year, while J.T. Miller was named captain and is expected to center a top line with Mika Zibanejad on the right side.

The blue line adds help with Vladislav Gavrikov, who signed for seven years and $49 million to stabilize the defense and free Adam Fox to play like the 2021 Norris Trophy winner. Depth is still a question after the departures of Chris Kreider and K’Andre Miller, but the team expects growth from Braden Schneider once he returns from shoulder surgery. If Gavrikov settles in next to Fox and Schneider gives them healthy minutes, New York’s top four looks much steadier in front of Shesterkin.

There are open jobs, which can lift the ceiling. Trading Kreider creates a need for a net-front finisher, and Sullivan has called for bigger roles for Alexis Lafrenière and Will Cuylle. The club also added Taylor Raddysh and brought in rookie Gabriel Perreault. With elite goaltending, a proven coach, Panarin still producing, and a clear plan to tighten the defense, the Rangers have a realistic path back to the top tier. At +1600, you are getting a team with high-end talent and a Cup-winning coach at a price that bakes in last year’s dip.

Eastern Conference Longshots

The following NHL Teams are considered longshots to win the Eastern Conference:

Ottawa Senators (+1600)

Ottawa took a real step last year under coach Travis Green. They made the playoffs for the first time since 2017 and finished 45-30-7, fourth in the Atlantic, before losing to Toronto in six. The improvement started with defense. The Senators allowed 49 fewer goals than the year before, and a big piece of that came from Linus Ullmark.

His career line is 163-87-26 with a 2.54 GAA, .917 save percentage, and 12 shutouts, and he won the Vezina in 2022-23. In his first season with Ottawa, he went 25-14-3 with a 2.72 GAA, .910 SV%, and four shutouts. If he repeats that level, the floor stays high. The staff also leaned on Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk to round out their two-way games, which fits Green’s defense-first blueprint.

The blue line keeps getting deeper. Ottawa traded for Jordan Spence and plans to pair him with Tyler Kleven. That group joins a young core that already includes Jake Sanderson, Artem Zub, Thomas Chabot, and Nick Jensen. There is even goalie depth behind Ullmark. When he missed time with a back injury, Leevi Merilainen stepped in and went 8-3-1 with a 1.99 GAA, .925 SV%, and three shutouts. The team believed in that stretch enough to sign him and move on from Anton Forsberg. Stability in net plus a growing defense gives Ottawa a repeatable identity for tight playoff games.

There is also more help up front. Dylan Cozens produced 16 points in 21 games after his March trade and set NHL career highs in hits and blocked shots. He is expected to stay on the second line and help on the power play alongside Tkachuk, Stützl,e and Sanderson. Top prospect Carter Yakemchuk may start the year off the NHL roster, but he impressed at camp and is trending toward a role.

Put it together, and you get a team that already cut goals against, added pieces to the blue line, and found both starting and backup goaltending that worked. At +1600, Ottawa offers real value for a young roster that just made the jump and has a path to win with structure.

Detroit Red Wings (+4000)

Detroit brings real scoring and a workhorse blue-liner to the table. Lucas Raymond just set a team- and career-high 80 points, and the club still leans on Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane, and Marco Kasper for offense. On defense, Moritz Seider has not missed a game in four NHL seasons and averages 45 points per year, which gives them stability and puck movement every night.

They also addressed the crease. John Gibson arrives after starting only 28 games last year but is expected to play much more as Detroit’s No. 1. He owns a 2.77 GAA and .911 save percentage from last season, and Cam Talbot adds veteran depth after a 21-19-5, 2.93 GAA year. Behind the bench, Todd McLellan enters his first full season in Detroit after a 26-18-4 stint as the midseason replacement and brings 624 career wins, which ranks fourth among active coaches.

The roster is deeper around the edges, too. Detroit added James van Riemsdyk and Mason Appleton, while rookie Simon Edvinsson chipped in 7 goals and 24 assists in his first NHL season. The Red Wings missed the playoffs at 39-35-8, yet their core pieces are trending up, their coach is established, and their goaltending could improve with Gibson’s bigger workload and Talbot’s experience. At +4000, you are betting on Raymond’s continued rise, Seider’s reliability, and a meaningful step in net to push Detroit from the fringe into a contender’s lane in a wide-open East.

Buffalo Sabres (+6000)

Buffalo’s foundation on the blue line is real. The defense features two No. 1 picks in Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, plus a No. 4 pick in Bowen Byram. The team also added Michael Kesselring, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound defender, to bring more size. Up the middle, the Sabres have center depth with Tage Thompson, Josh Norris, and Ryan McLeod. If Norris stays healthy after last year’s oblique issue, he has shown scoring touch with three 20-goal seasons, including 35 four years ago, which would lift the forward group.

There is a clear plan under Lindy Ruff, who returns for a second stint and enters Year 2 of this run after 900 career wins across 17 seasons. He wants Buffalo to be more defensively responsible and grittier, and the club’s additions match that message with Kesselring and Shane Doan. In goal, Buffalo lists Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon. Lyon brings a .902 save percentage and 2.99 GAA from his record, while Luukkonen has a large NHL workload already, which gives the staff options as roles settle.

The price reflects risk, which is why it is interesting. The Sabres ended last season at 36-39-7 and sit in a tough Atlantic, but they also have high-draft talent on defense, a healthy Norris ready to help, and a coach who has identified the areas to tighten. If the centers drive the offense, the blue line takes a step with Dahlin, Power, and Byram, and the goalie tandem stabilizes behind Ruff’s push for structure, Buffalo has a path to beat this long number. At +6000, even modest gains in those areas would make the Sabres one of the East’s more live longshots.

NHL Eastern Conference Predictions

I’ll pass on Carolina as the favorite and look for value. My best bet to win the East is Tampa Bay at +400. The Lightning still carry a championship core under Jon Cooper, and the roster checks the important boxes. Nikita Kucherov led the NHL in scoring, while Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel both finished in the top seven in goals. In net, Andrei Vasilevskiy posted a 2.18 GAA and .921 save percentage last season. That star power gives Tampa Bay a high floor in a short series, especially with a proven coach who has guided this group through long springs.

The performance profile backs it up. Tampa ranked first in goals per game (3.56) and fifth on the power play (25.9%). They were also fourth in goals against (2.63) and sixth on the penalty kill (81.6%), with Victor Hedman anchoring the defense. That balance is rare. The Lightning didn’t add big names this summer, but they didn’t need to. Health was a factor in their last series against Florida, and a healthier group should look more like the team those numbers describe.

You also get playoff pedigree at a fair price. This core went back-to-back in 2020 and 2021 and reached the Final in 2022, so the moment won’t bother them. With Kucherov driving the attack, Guentzel and Point scoring, Brandon Hagel producing at even strength, and Vasilevskiy behind a veteran blue line, Tampa Bay offers the clearest path to four series wins in the East without paying favorite odds.

Bet: Tampa Bay Lightning (+400)

NHL Western Conference Odds

Check out the latest NHL Western Conference odds:

The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche have overtaken the Edmonton Oilers as the odds-on favorites to win the Western Conference. The Oilers were the favorites all season long, but Dallas and Colorado have edged ahead at the start of the Playoffs. The biggest mover is the Minnesota Wild who improved from +1800 to +1000 odds and then returned to +1800 at the beginning of the postseason.

NHL Western Conference Favorites

The following NHL teams are considered the top contenders in the Western Conference.

Edmonton Oilers (+330)

The Edmonton Oilers are built to stay on top of the Western Conference, and this season might finally be their breakthrough. After back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses, Edmonton enters 2025–26 with more experience and the same elite core led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Their offense continues to drive play better than any team in hockey, and few opponents can match their power play production over a full series.

Goaltending remains the biggest storyline in Edmonton, but there’s reason for optimism. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard showed steady improvement during last year’s playoff run, and the addition of new goaltending coach Peter Aubry should only help the tandem build consistency. With the Oilers tightening up defensively and staying healthy, their high-event style is finally finding the balance needed to win when the pace slows in the postseason.

The team also added more depth to handle the grind of a long season. Isaac Howard, last year’s Hobey Baker winner, joins a forward group already stacked with skill, while Trent Frederic and Matt Savoie bring much-needed grit and versatility. Those additions make the lineup deeper and harder to defend, allowing McDavid and Draisaitl to do damage without carrying the entire load.

With improved goaltending, a deeper supporting cast, and the league’s most dominant top line, Edmonton has everything in place to control the West again. Their combination of experience, firepower, and speed gives them a clear edge over teams like Colorado and Dallas. Betting against the Oilers to win the conference for the third straight year is a tough sell.

Colorado Avalanche (+450)

The Colorado Avalanche are reloaded and ready to challenge for the Western crown again. With Gabriel Landeskog returning from injury and Brent Burns joining the blue line, Colorado adds both leadership and toughness to a roster that already features elite talent. Their mix of high-end scoring and veteran experience gives them one of the most complete lineups in the conference.

Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar remain the heartbeat of this team. MacKinnon is coming off another 100-point campaign, while Makar continues to dominate on both ends of the ice as the league’s best defenseman. That duo gives the Avs a foundation few teams can match, and both are capable of taking over any playoff series.

Goaltending was a bright spot last season, with Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood forming a steady tandem. Wedgewood’s late-season surge gave the Avs much-needed stability in the crease, while Blackwood provides a reliable backup who can handle stretches of play. After ranking top-five in goals allowed per game down the stretch, Colorado’s defensive core looks playoff-ready.

If they stay healthy, Colorado has the upside to win the West. Injuries derailed them last season, but the team’s depth has improved with Martin Nečas and Victor Olofsson joining the fold. With MacKinnon, Makar, and Landeskog leading a healthier group, the Avalanche are every bit as dangerous as Edmonton—and arguably the better long-term value bet at +450.

Vegas Golden Knights (+500)

The Vegas Golden Knights are one of the toughest outs in the Western Conference, and their championship window is still open. The Golden Knights won the Pacific Division last season before falling to Edmonton, but the addition of Mitch Marner gives their top six a new dimension. Alongside Jack Eichel and Mark Stone, Marner brings elite playmaking that should elevate Vegas’ offense beyond the heavy, defense-first identity they’ve leaned on in recent years.

Even without Alex Pietrangelo, the Golden Knights’ blue line remains deep and physical. Brayden McNabb, Shea Theodore, and Noah Hanifin anchor a defensive group that fits perfectly in Bruce Cassidy’s system. They’ll rely on that structure to limit high-danger chances, and it’s something Vegas does better than nearly anyone. The challenge will be staying healthy over the full season, especially for veterans logging heavy minutes.

Goaltending consistency is the other question, but Adin Hill has already proven he can handle pressure. After carrying the team through their Cup run in 2023, he’s shown flashes of elite form even if the numbers dipped last year. With Akira Schmid providing a capable backup, Vegas has enough stability in the crease to grind through the conference again.

If Eichel and Marner click early, Vegas could easily find itself back atop the standings. Their core still knows how to win, their coaching staff is battle-tested, and their roster remains built for postseason hockey. At +500, the Golden Knights are a strong play to win the West once more—and they’ll make any series a war of attrition come playoff time.

Best Western Conference Value Bets

We’ve identified the following teams as the best value bets to win the Western Conference:

Dallas Stars (+650)

The Dallas Stars have been one of the most consistent teams in the West, and there’s little reason to think that changes this season. After reaching three straight Western Conference Finals, the Stars have the experience, roster balance, and goaltending to stay in the mix. Bringing back coach Glen Gulutzan—who helped guide Edmonton to the Cup Final last year—adds a fresh voice with deep postseason experience.

Jake Oettinger remains the backbone of this team. The 26-year-old goaltender has a new eight-year contract and has proven capable of stealing playoff games. His consistency gives Dallas a steady floor, and when he’s locked in, few teams can beat them in a seven-game series. Behind him, the Stars still defend at a high level and transition quickly through Miro Heiskanen, one of the NHL’s most complete defensemen.

Offensively, Dallas brings back one of the deepest forward groups in the league. Jason Robertson, Matt Duchene, and Wyatt Johnston provide scoring at every level, while Mikko Rantanen’s addition at last year’s deadline gives the lineup another elite finisher. The Stars can roll three scoring lines and adapt to any opponent, which has been their biggest edge over the past two postseasons.

The only real concern is health, particularly for veteran Jamie Benn, who’s expected to miss the start of the year. Still, this team is built to win now, and their mix of proven veterans and young talent is ideal for playoff hockey. At +650, Dallas offers one of the best values on the board to win the Western Conference.

Winnipeg Jets (+900)

The Winnipeg Jets surprised many last season by winning the Presidents’ Trophy and finishing first in the Central Division. With Connor Hellebuyck back between the pipes and most of their core returning, Winnipeg looks like a legitimate threat to win the West. Their defensive structure and disciplined play keep them in every game, and few teams can match their consistency across an 82-game schedule.

Goaltending remains the biggest edge. Hellebuyck enters the year as the reigning Vezina winner and continues to be one of the league’s most valuable players. His ability to steal games gives Winnipeg a built-in advantage in tight playoff series, especially against high-powered teams like Edmonton or Colorado. As long as he stays healthy, the Jets will always have a chance.

Offensively, Winnipeg did lose Nikolaj Ehlers, but they’ve added veteran leadership and scoring depth to fill the gap. Jonathan Toews joins on a one-year deal, bringing Stanley Cup pedigree and stability to the locker room, while Gustav Nyquist and Gabriel Vilardi round out a balanced top six. The Jets’ ability to roll multiple lines and grind down opponents makes them an ideal postseason team.

Winnipeg doesn’t get the same national attention as the top contenders, but its formula works. Strong goaltending, experienced leadership, and a physical defensive core make them a nightmare to play against over a seven-game series. At +900, the Jets are one of the most appealing value bets on the Western board—quietly built to outlast flashier teams come playoff time.

Top Western Conference Longshot

The Nashville Predators (+1600) are our top longshot pick as they took major swings in free agency last year, but they wound up finishing near the bottom of their division and disappointing in a big way. The additions of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei should give the Predators a much-needed boost in scoring and leadership. After finishing near the bottom of the league offensively last year, this group suddenly looks balanced and dangerous across all four lines. Andrew Brunette’s offensive system should finally have the personnel to execute.

At center, Ryan O’Reilly remains the team’s backbone, but the emergence of Fedor Svechkov gives Nashville more flexibility. Svechkov flashed top-six potential last year, and his two-way skillset complements the star power up front. On the blue line, Roman Josi continues to anchor one of the NHL’s most underrated defensive units, and the trade for Nicolas Hague adds physicality and puck-moving ability on the second pair.

Goaltending could be the X-factor. Juuse Saros had an up-and-down year, but he’s still one of the best in the world when he’s on form. With improved team defense in front of him, Saros has a real chance to regain Vezina-level play. If he does, Nashville instantly becomes a dark-horse contender in the Central Division, especially given how resilient this group tends to be in close games.

The Predators have flown under the radar, but their roster overhaul and coaching stability make them a sneaky pick to break through in 2025-26. With a proven goaltender, top-line scorers, and one of the better blue lines in the conference, Nashville is worth a serious look at +3000 to win the West.e will be available in the first round. He hasn’t played since the 2021-22 season when he had 30 goals and 59 points in 51 games.

NHL Western Conference Predictions

Defense does win championships and Dallas has proven this entire season that they can shut anyone down. On top of that, the Stars have a number of skaters that can light up the net. The Stars have four 30-goal scorers to go with their elite defense.

The hard part will be navigating the Western Conference bracket. The Stars will likely have to face Colorado in Round 1. Then, they would most likely get Winnipeg – barring upset – in the conference semifinals. Then, it would be Edmonton, Vegas, or even the LA Kings in the conference finals. That won’t be easy, but defense can get them there.

Bet: Dallas Stars (+650)