2025 Stanley Cup Futures: Panthers, Oilers among favorites ahead of free agency

The Stanley Cup Finals are officially over, with the Florida Panthers winning their first title in franchise history. It wasn’t easy, but the Cats took down Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in seven games after they initially blew a 3-0 lead. Now, it’s time for all teams across the league to hopefully strengthen their rosters in pursuit of the 2025 Cup. The Panthers are one of the favorites to repeat, while the Stars and Oilers are also in the mix. Continue reading for a brief preview of the contenders ahead of free agency.

Florida Panthers

It is not a surprise to see the Panthers with the joint-best odds at +900 at Bodog. Florida was dominant all season long, winning the Atlantic Division and essentially breezing through the playoffs. But, it’s an offseason of question marks for the Cats. Sam Reinhart, their points leader in 2023-24, is an unrestricted free agent and it remains to be seen if the organization will be able to pay him what he deserves. Vladimir Tarasenko, who they acquired at the trade deadline, is another player who could either stay or go. Thankfully, they already locked up Gustav Forsling, a core piece for the Panthers. Reinhart is undoubtedly one of the biggest free agents they need to keep. Regardless of what happens though, the Cats will be contending again.

Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers were so close to bringing the Cup back to town for the first time since 1990. For years, this team has been deemed a contender but they’ve continuously failed to live up to the hype. While getting to the finals is definitely an accomplishment, falling short won’t leave Connor McDavid and Co. too happy. On a more positive note, this is a club with a fantastic core. McDavid and Leon Drasaitl are arguably the best two players in the world. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, Evan Bouchard, and Evander Kane form a talented supporting cast. Edmonton has improved their defense immensely while Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard are solid choices in between the posts. Edmonton is always aggressive in free agency and will look to add some depth. Extending Draisaitl sooner rather than later will be a priority.

Dallas Stars

For the second season in a row, the Stars bowed out in the Western Conference Finals, this time to the Oilers. They appeared in the Stanley Cup in 2020 but haven’t won it all since 1999. Dallas is bracing for a massive loss this offseason as Joe Pavelski is expected to retire this summer. But, they now have a budding star in Wyatt Johnston, one of their points leaders in the playoffs. The focus in free agency will be adding forward depth and potentially handing netminder Jake Oettinger a new deal. The Stars have top-three odds in the futures at most NHL sportsbooks.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avs won the Cup two years ago and looked like they’d be there at the end in 2024 but the Stars knocked them out in the conference semifinals. The offseason is expected to be quiet for Colorado given their lack of cap space. However, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen,  and Cale Makar are one of the best trios in the league. MacKinnon is also coming off a 140-point season. Valeri Nichushkin’s future is still up in the air after entering the player assistance program but if they can get him back, it would be a huge help. Gabriel Landeskog is also on the LTIR. Colorado’s roster will likely look the same in 24-25.