2026 Stanley Cup Odds: Oilers, Panthers Lead Early Contenders But One Unexpected Favourite Emerges

Vegas oddsmakers have released the first look at 2026 Stanley Cup futures, with the Oilers and Panthers leading the pack but one unexpected team is turning heads early.

As the hockey world anxiously awaits the puck drop for the 2025 Stanley Cup Final this Wednesday, the conversation is already shifting to next season and beyond. 

Sportsbooks have released early betting odds for the 2026 Stanley Cup, giving fans and bettors a first glimpse into who the oddsmakers think are poised for glory, and who might need a miracle run.

More NHL: 2025 Stanley Cup Final Betting Preview: Oilers-Panthers Set for Epic Rematch

At the top of the odds board are the Carolina Hurricanes (+700), fresh off another dominant regular season and looking to finally break through for a cup. Close behind are the Florida Panthers (+750) and the Edmonton Oilers (+750), both teams loaded with star power and built to continue contending. The Colorado Avalanche (+850) and Dallas Stars (+900) round out the top five, continuing their runs as perennial contenders.

Full list of 2026 Stanley Cup Betting Odds per FanDuel Sportsbook:

  1. Carolina Hurricanes +700
  2. Florida Panthers +750
  3. Edmonton Oilers +750
  4. Colorado Avalanche +850
  5. Dallas Stars +900
  6. Vegas Golden Knights +1200
  7. Tampa Bay Lightning +1600
  8. Los Angeles Kings +1800
  9. New Jersey Devils +1800
  10. Winnipeg Jets +2200
  11. Toronto Maple Leafs +2400
  12. Washington Capitals +2400
  13. Ottawa Senators +3200
  14. New York Rangers +3200
  15. Utah Mammoth +3400
  16. Minnesota Wild +3500
  17. St. Louis Blues +4700
  18. Vancouver Canucks +5500
  19. New York Islanders +6500
  20. Calgary Flames +8000
  21. Philadelphia Flyers +8000
  22. Columbus Blue Jackets +8500
  23. Nashville Predators +9000
  24. Montreal Canadiens +9000
  25. Detroit Red Wings +10000
  26. Boston Bruins +12000
  27. Buffalo Sabres +14000
  28. Pittsburgh Penguins +28000
  29. Seattle Kraken +35000
  30. Anaheim Ducks +40000
  31. Chicago Blackhawks +50000
  32. San Jose Sharks +50000

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While the favorites are largely the usual suspects, the real intrigue might lie at the bottom of the list particularly with the Anaheim Ducks. 

Despite their +40000 long-shot odds, the Ducks are widely seen as a team to watch this offseason. With plenty of cap space and a clear mandate from general manager Pat Verbeek, Anaheim has publicly stated its desire to be aggressive in free agency and push for a return to the playoffs and they’ll have plenty of options.

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This summer’s UFA class is stacked with talent, including:

  • Mitch Marner (F, Maple Leafs)
  • John Tavares (F, Maple Leafs)
  • Aaron Ekblad (D, Panthers)
  • Sam Bennett (F, Panthers)
  • Brad Marchand (F, Panthers)
  • Nikolaj Ehlers (F, Jets)
  • Brock Boeser (F, Canucks)
  • Matt Duchene (F, Stars)
  • Mikael Granlund (F, Stars)
  • Vladislav Gavrikov (D, Kings)
  • Brock Nelson (C, Avalanche)
  • Pius Suter (C, Canucks)

In addition, several restricted free agents could be targets for trades or even offer sheets:

  • Matthew Knies (F, Maple Leafs)
  • Gabe Vilardi (F, Jets)
  • Evan Bouchard (D, Oilers)
  • Luke Hughes (D, Devils)
  • Noah Dobson (D, Islanders)
  • JJ Peterka (F, Sabres)
  • Lukas Dostal (G, Ducks)

As the league prepares for one of the most intriguing offseasons in recent memory, these early odds offer a fun but potentially temporary snapshot of the landscape. A few bold signings or blockbuster trades could turn a basement dweller into a dark horse overnight.

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