Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers finally lived up to expectations last season and made a run to the Cup but the Panthers were too much, staving off a comeback from Edmonton to win it in seven games. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are still looking to lead the Oilers to a title and the German just signed a mammoth extension to stay in Alberta. The organization also made some other valuable moves this summer, bringing in Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, giving Edmonton more offense. The Oilers improved a lot defensively in 2023-24 and will be one of the best teams on both ends of the ice again. They have +850 odds to win the Cup at Sports Interaction.
Florida Panthers
The Cats lost a few of key pieces this summer including Brandon Montour and Vladimir Tarasenko, but they did a nice job of also adding players. Florida signed Nate Schmidt and Tomas Nosek. Most of the core for the champs will be back such as Sam Bennett, Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, and Gustav Forsling. It’s not too often a team repeats as Stanley Cup winners, but the Panthers should definitely be in the mix again. They have been one of the strongest clubs in the league over the last few years.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avs were the 2021-22 Stanley Cup champions and have been in the playoff mix ever since. Nathan MacKinnon went nuclear last season, registering 140 points to lead Colorado. They made it to the conference semifinals in 2023-24 but ultimately lost in six games to the Dallas Stars. The Avalanche didn’t make a lot of moves this past summer but do have their core intact. Expect them to contend.
Dallas Stars
The Stars have been on the doorstep of the Stanley Cup for back-to-back seasons now, losing in the conference finals. Dallas is clearly capable of making a deep run but there’s no question they’re hungry to finally get over that hump. While the Stars traded Chris Tanev, they re-signed Matt Duchene and brought in defenceman Matthew Dumba. Wyatt Johnston is a budding star for Dallas while Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, Jamie Benn, and Miro Heiskanen will be back. Joe Pavelski did retire though, which is a big loss. The Stars have top-five Stanley Cup odds at NHL betting sites.
New York Rangers
The Rangers didn’t make any notable moves this offseason but they were the top dog during the 23’-24 regular season with a 55-23-4 record, boasting a phenomenal offense and stout defense. New York didn’t live up to expectations in the playoffs though, losing to the Panthers in the conference finals. In all areas, New York is solid and you better believe they will be biting at the bit to prove their worth in 2024-25. This team has what it takes to go all the way.
