2026 Stanley Cup Favorites: Panthers, Oilers, Avs, Canes

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Early 2026 Stanley Cup Odds: Who Are The Favorites?

The Florida Panthers just clinched their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 with a decisive 5-1 score on Tuesday night. However, the burning question already circulating among hockey enthusiasts and bettors alike: Who will hoist the Cup in 2026? the 2026 Stanley Cup odds are out, and the field is wide open.

Oddsmakers are not in complete agreement on which team is the frontrunner for the 2026 title. Several teams are in contention, reflecting the tightly contested nature of the National Hockey League.

Top Contenders for the 2026 Stanley Cup

Several powerhouses are vying for the top spot in the early odds. The Defending Champion Florida Panthers, the runner-up Edmonton Oilers, and the Colorado Avalanche all feature prominently.

• Florida Panthers: Fresh off their consecutive Stanley Cup wins, the Panthers aim for a three-peat.
• Edmonton Oilers: Steadfast to avenge their recent loss, the Oilers are hungry for the title.
• Colorado Avalanche: Poised for a strong comeback, the Avalanche boast a roster ready for another deep playoff run.
• Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes are also in the mix, with some sportsbooks listing them as the outright favorites.

Breaking Down the Odds

As Of Tuesday, ESPN Bet listed the Panthers, Oilers, and Avalanche as co-favorites, each with +700 odds. DraftKings, however, favored the Oilers slightly.FanDuel placed the Carolina Hurricanes at the top.

Adrian Horton, trading director for ESPN Bet, explained the rationale behind the Avalanche’s strong position. “There’s a lot more questions around the Panthers and Oilers than the Avalanche, who are set to return a majority of their roster and have the benefit of a longer offseason,” Horton stated. he added that Colorado is expected to be healthy and rested, while Florida and Edmonton may face challenges due to the wear and tear of their recent playoff runs.

Horton also highlighted uncertainties surrounding the Panthers’ roster composition following free agency and the potential psychological impact of consecutive Stanley Cup losses on the Oilers.

The Avalanche, in contrast, have secured 19 of 23 roster spots, including key players like Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar, and Nathan MacKinnon.

The Next Tier of Challengers

Following the top contenders, the Carolina Hurricanes (+800) and Dallas Stars (+900) round out the list of teams with the best odds at ESPN Bet. These teams are viewed as strong contenders with a legitimate shot at the Cup.

Long Shots and Dark Horses

At the other end of the spectrum, the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks are considered long shots, with odds of 500-1. While anything is absolutely possible in the NHL, these teams face an uphill battle to contend for the Stanley Cup in 2026.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on roster changes and player performance throughout the offseason. Preseason games can give you insights into team dynamics and potential breakout players. This information can be invaluable when placing your bets.

Early Stanley Cup Odds comparison

Team	ESPN BET	DraftKings	fanduel
Florida Panthers	+700	N/A	N/A
edmonton Oilers	+700	Favorites	N/A
Colorado Avalanche	+700	N/A	N/A
Carolina Hurricanes	+800	N/A	Favorites
Dallas Stars	+900	N/A	N/A
Chicago Blackhawks	500-1	N/A	N/A
San Jose Sharks	500-1	N/A	N/A

Did You Know? The Vegas Golden Knights were considered a long shot when they entered the league in 2017, but they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in their inaugural season. Anything can happen!

What team are you betting on for the 2026 Stanley Cup?

What factors will have the biggest impact on a team’s chances next season?

Factors Influencing Stanley Cup Odds

Several factors contribute to a team’s Stanley Cup odds. These include:

• Team Roster: The quality and depth of the team’s roster,including star players and supporting talent.
• Coaching: The effectiveness of the coaching staff in developing players and implementing a winning strategy.
• Injuries: Injuries to key players can considerably impact a team’s performance and odds.
• Team Chemistry: How well the players work together as a team, both on and off the ice.
• Goaltending: Solid goaltending is crucial for success in the NHL.
• Regular Season Performance: A team’s performance during the regular season provides insights into their overall strength and potential.
• Playoff Experience: Teams with experience in deep playoff runs may have an advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2026 Stanley Cup Odds

which team is favored to win the 2026 Stanley Cup?

The Florida Panthers,Edmonton Oilers,and Colorado Avalanche are among the early favorites,but odds vary between sportsbooks.

Why are the Colorado Avalanche considered strong contenders?

the Avalanche are expected to return a majority of their roster healthy and rested, with key players under contract.

What factors influence the 2026 Stanley Cup odds?

Team roster, coaching, injuries, team chemistry, and goaltending all play a crucial role.

Are the Florida Panthers likely to win a third consecutive Stanley Cup?

While they are contenders, oddsmakers are not convinced they are the clear-cut favorites due to roster uncertainties and potential wear and tear.

What are the odds for the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks?

Both teams are considered long shots, with odds of 500-1.

Where can I find the latest 2026 Stanley Cup odds?

Major sportsbooks like ESPN BET, DraftKings, and FanDuel offer updated odds.

How do playoff runs impact Stanley Cup odds?

Deep playoff runs can cause wear and tear on teams, possibly affecting their odds the following season.

Share your predictions and join the conversation in the comments below!