Who Are the Favorites to Win the 2025 Stanley Cup?

Even though the 2023/24 NHL season has only just concluded, attention has already turned to next term and the potential frontrunners to hoist the giant trophy. Last month it was the Florida Panthers that finally realized their destiny and became champions for the first time in franchise history, banishing the memory of their heartbreaking loss at the same stage in 2023 at the hands of the Vegas Golden Knights. This time around, they made no such mistake, defeating Connor McDavid and his Edmonton Oilers after a seven-game thriller. 

At present, each team is focused on rebuilding throughout the close season. The draft has just concluded with the San Jose Sharks stealing the show, selecting Boston University standout Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick. In the coming months, each team will look to trade their way to glory, as well as select the best free agents to flesh out their rosters. But then, all attention will be back on the rink for the beginning of the 2024/25 season, which is scheduled to get underway on October 4th. 

That date will be here before you know it, and here are the frontrunners for next term's Stanley Cup. 

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers lead the pack all year long in the recently concluded campaign, and popular NHL betting odds make them the +850 favorites for glory next season as well. As we all know, however, they didn't quite live up to the billing last term, reaching the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since the days of Wayne Gretzky but unfortunately not quite able to get the job done. Next year, they will be aiming to go one step further and finally lift the Stanley Cup, following in the footsteps of their conquerors the Panthers in the process. 

The Oilers' impressive run in the 2023-24 season showcased their immense potential. Central to their success is the dynamic duo of the mercurial McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who continue to be the most potent offensive pair in the league. The former of that duo had won the Art Ross Trophy three years on the spin and although he was popped to the crown by Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov, he was still able to drag his side to the latter stages of the postseason, and he will be hungry for more success next year. 

His ability to create scoring chances seemingly at will, combined with Draisaitl’s finishing prowess, makes the Alberta outfit a formidable opponent. Additionally, the addition of defenseman Mattias Ekholm has fortified their blue line, giving them the defensive stability they've lacked in previous years. With solid goaltending from Stuart Skinner and a deep roster, the Oilers are poised to make a deep playoff run once more next term, but whether it culminates with a first championship since 1990 remains to be seen. 

Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers have been perennial contenders in recent years, reaching the finals in each of the last two campaigns, losing the first and finally emerging victorious at long last this year. They are the second favorites to go all the way once more next term, with the bookies pricing them at +900 to successfully defend their crown. After an unexpected run to the Stanley Cup Finals as a wildcard last year, the Floridians continued to build on their success, and the building blocks for a potential dynasty are certainly in place. 

Matthew Tkachuk has been a revelation at Amerant Bank Arena, bringing a blend of skill, grit, and leadership that has galvanized the team. Add to that the fearsome backline of Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour who have anchored the defense, and it's clear to see why the Floridians are a feared outfit. Their goaltending department, spearheaded by Sergei Bobrovsky, remains crucial. The Russian's resurgence during the playoffs has been instrumental in their postseason success, and if he continues to perform at a high level, the Panthers will be tough to beat next season.

Dallas Stars

Priced at +1000, the Dallas Stars are also in with a chance at glory. They boast one of the most stacked rosters in the league, combining veteran presence with young talent, a combination that saw them reach the conference finals out west. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't cling on to their series lead against the Oilers, with McDavid and Co. rallying to win in six. 

The Lone Star State side is led by their talismanic captain Jamie Benn, and his prolific sidekick, Jason Robertson. The latter of that duo had a breakout season last term after picking up 80 points while the former continues to lead from the front with his brute strength. On the defensive side, Miro Heiskanen is one of the best young defensemen in the game, contributing significantly at both ends of the ice making it extremely difficult for the opposition offense to even catch a glimpse of the sticks. 

Goaltender Jake Oettinger has emerged as a star in his own right, delivering clutch performances in crucial games. His ability to steal games for the Stars will be key to any success the Stars may have next term.