Betting Odds for the 2026 Stanley Cup
As we look ahead to the 2026 Stanley Cup, betting odds have started to emerge, showcasing a mix of favorites among leading sportsbooks. The Florida Panthers, fresh off their second consecutive championship victory after defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6, are among those being considered, but opinions vary on who truly holds the edge entering the offseason.
Favorites in the Betting Market
Different sportsbooks have placed the Panthers as co-favorites alongside the Oilers and the Colorado Avalanche, each priced at +700 according to ESPN BET. This reflects a shift from the previous week when Colorado held the exclusive favorite status at +650 before adjustments brought them in line with their fellow contenders. The question remains, though, if Florida can pull off a three-peat given potential changes and uncertainty surrounding their roster as free agency approaches.
“The Panthers and Oilers come with more uncertainties than the Avalanche, who have a strong roster continuity and the advantage of an extended offseason to regroup,” stated Adrian Horton, the trading director at ESPN BET. He emphasized the health and stability of Colorado’s roster, which includes superstar players like Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar, and Nathan MacKinnon—19 of their 23 roster spots are already secured for the upcoming season.
Other Contenders
On the other hand, betting lines vary with DraftKings touting the Oilers as favorites, while FanDuel has listed the Carolina Hurricanes at the top prior to Game 6. The Hurricanes, now priced at +800, are seen as strong contenders along with the Dallas Stars, who sit at +900.
Long Shots
Looking further down the odds sheet, the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks find themselves as significant long shots, each with a daunting 500-1 against them as they prepare for the offseason.
With the unpredictable nature of roster changes and the impact of recent playoff experiences, the upcoming offseason holds crucial implications for the favorite teams vying for the Stanley Cup in 2026.
