The 2024 Stanley Cup Final teams, the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, are the preseason betting favorites to win in 2025. The Oilers are the only Canadian NHL team among the favorites.
2024 Stanley Cup Final Recap
The 2024 Stanley Cup Final series between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers was thrilling, stretching to seven games.
Florida initially took a commanding 3-0 lead, but Edmonton fought back to force a Game 7. Ultimately, the Panthers secured their first Stanley Cup with a 2-1 victory in their home arena, Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.
Early Betting Odds for 2025 Stanley Cup
Both teams are favored to potentially face off again in the 2025 Final. Here's a breakdown of their current positions and recent changes.
Edmonton Oilers (+800)
The Edmonton Oilers, led by superstar Connor McDavid, also boast Leon Draisaitl, arguably the second-best player in the league.
After a disappointing exit in the 2023 playoffs and a near-miss in 2024, the Oilers are determined to capture the Cup in 2025. This season is pivotal, especially with Draisaitl in the final year of his contract.
Key Moves:
- Signed free agents Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, adding 536 career goals between them.
- Re-signed key forwards: Adam Henrique, Mattias Janmark, Connor Brown, Corey Perry, and Troy Stecher.
- Transition in management with Jeff Jackson as interim GM following the departure of Kevin Holland.
Florida Panthers (+900)
The Panthers are in their best period in franchise history, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in consecutive years. After losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, they clinched their first Cup in 2024. Florida aims to become the first team since the Tampa Bay Lightning to win back-to-back championships.
Key Moves:
- Re-signed essential players Sam Reinhart and Anton Lundell.
- Added forwards Jesper Boqvist, Tomas Nosek, A.J. Greer, and defensemen Nate Schmidt, Adam Boqvist, and Jaycob Megna.
- Significant departures include Brandon Montour, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Vladimir Tarasenko, Kevin Stenlund, and Ryan Lomberg.
New Jersey Devils (+1000)
The Devils revamped their team after missing the playoffs in 2024, hiring former Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe and making significant roster changes.
Key Moves:
- Acquired goaltender Jacob Markstrom from Calgary.
- Signed Brett Pesce, Brenden Dillon, Stefan Noesen, Mike Hardman, Colton White, and Tomas Tatar.
- Traded for Johnathan Kovacevic and Paul Cotter.
- Let go of several players, including Cal Foote, Alexander Holtz, Kaapo Kahkonen, John Marino, Michael McLeod, Tomas Nosek, Akira Schmid, and Brendan Smith.
Best Bet to Win the 2025 Stanley Cup?
A key question for the Oilers was the reliability of Stuart Skinner as their goaltender. While he didn't secure the Cup in 2024, he proved his worth.
Current Odds for Each Team
| Team | Odds |
| Edmonton Oilers | +800 |
| Florida Panthers | +900 |
| Dallas Stars | +1000 |
| New Jersey Devils | +1000 |
| Colorado Avalanche | +1200 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +1400 |
| New York Rangers | +1400 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +1400 |
| Nashville Predators | +1600 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +1600 |
| Boston Bruins | +2000 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +2000 |
| Los Angeles Kings | +2200 |
| Vancouver Canucks | +2200 |
| Winnipeg Jets | +2500 |
| Minnesota Wild | +3300 |
| Ottawa Senators | +3500 |
| Detroit Red Wings | +4000 |
| New York Islanders | +4500 |
| Buffalo Sabres | +5000 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +5000 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | +6000 |
| St. Louis Blues | +6000 |
| Seattle Kraken | +6000 |
| Washington Capitals | +6600 |
| Utah Hockey Club | +6600 |
| Calgary Flames | +8000 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | +15000 |
| Montreal Canadiens | +15000 |
| Anaheim Ducks | +25000 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | +25000 |
| San Jose Sharks | +30000 |
With several real contenders in the mix. The coming season promises to be exciting as teams vie for hockey's ultimate prize.