Florida Panthers Favored To Win The 2026 Stanley Cup

When it comes to the 2026 Stanley Cup betting futures, oddsmakers are counting on a potential three-peat.

In June, the Florida Panthers again were crowned the Stanley Cup champions. It was the Edmonton Oilers who were eliminated by the Panthers in last season's Cup final in six games. Once more the Panthers are being set as favorites in the 2025-26 NHL Stanley Cup odds.

The NHL odds project the Panthers as the +600 chalk to win their third consecutive Stanley Cup title. It's the twice runner-up Oilers who are next in the odds at a betting line of +700. Then the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche are showing in the NHL odds at lines of +750 and +900 respectively.

NHL Early 2025-26 Futures
Florida Panthers	+600	+600	+600
Edmonton Oilers	+700	+700	+750
Carolina Hurricanes	+750	+750	+800
Colorado Avalanche	+900	+900	+1000
Dallas Stars	+1000	+900	+1000
Vegas Golden Knights	+1200	+1000	+850
Tampa Bay Lightning	+1600	+1600	+1500
New Jersey Devils	+1600	+1800	+1800

The Panthers are trying to become the first team to win three straight Stanley Cups since the New York Islanders of the 1980's. With a new salary cap, it will be interesting to see what happens this upcoming campaign.

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Stanley Cup Betting Tips

Before we dive into the NHL Stanley Cup futures and best bets, why not check out our updated NHL betting guide to see where the best NHL odds and picks are located. Also, our online sportsbook reviews will help you determine which betting site is the one that's going to take care of your NHL wagering needs. And if you're someone who is more mobile, these are the best sports betting apps that can help you place your NHL bets in the midst of a hectic schedule.

The Salary Cap Rewrites The 2026 Stanley Cup Futures

Prior to making your NHL picks, realize that the salary cap rewrites the 2026 Stanley Cup Futures. Keep in mind that the cap went up to $95.5 million with a lower limit of $70.6 million. Also, it heads up to 104 million and 113.5 million for the following two seasons. This has allowed for teams to retain more of their top players while shaking up the free agency and trade market a little.

Also, be aware that teams can go 10% over the cap in the summer but must be compliant come October. Every so often, training camp brings a few more jolts to the odds before the season gets underway.

Florida Panthers (+600)

Another long summer of celebration is done and now it's time for the Panthers to againget back to work. They will now try to do something that Tampa Bay and a few other teams could not do. That is right. Florida will make their attempt at the three-peat. Now, the good news is that most of the band is back together. Florida is over the salary cap, however. Some player(s) will eventually have to go.

Florida Panthers To win Stanley Cup

+600

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The other variable may just be Matthew Tkachuk. No one is truly sure, even him, if the forward will need surgery or time off to start the 2025-26 season. Tkachuk was out early last year and it mattered none. However, every year is different and Florida is once again the hunted but also the favorite.

Edmonton Oilers (+700)

It is not a shame to be second here but the Edmonton Oilers have finished second twice in the race for the Stanley Cup. Connor McDavid is the NHL's best player and Leon Draisaitl is in most conversations as a Top 5 talent. Despite this, they have lost in the Final two years running. Oddsmakers have them getting out of the West and making a third such run.

Edmonton Oilers To win Stanley Cup

+750

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Edmonton finished third in the West last year, yo-yo'ed between Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, and still made the Stanley Cup Final compelling. Ultimately, questions about goaltending and team defense will follow them until they hoist the silver chalice.

Dallas Stars (+1000)

Western Conference semifinalist stings a lot for Dallas Stars fans and bettors alike. At some point, it is thought that Dallas should have taken its next steps by now. Unfortunately, the Edmonton Oilers have proven too tough in consecutive seasons. Jake Oettinger was subpar again against Edmonton and it cost Pete DeBoer his job. Glenn Gulutzan is tasked with trying to get Dallas past the Oilers and to the Stanley Cup Final.

Jake Oettinger can produce the goods as a goaltender. Miro Heiskanen leads a more than capable defense. Mikko Rantanen, Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and company can score with the best of them. It is a question of scoring in the playoffs.

Toronto Maple Leafs (+2000)

Hockey hopes spring eternal in Toronto. There is never less pressure for a team that has not won the Stanley Cup since 1967. Craig Berube and the Maple Leafs have embraced change. Gone is Mitch Marner (signed with Vegas this summer) and maybe now the Maple Leafs will be more focused come the playoffs.

Toronto took the Florida Panthers the distance in the playoffs before losing meekly in Games 6 and 7. Yes, the Maple Leafs are close and maybe they can at last find the right mix to get over the finish line against the top teams in the second season. Do not sleep on them.

Carolina Hurricanes (+800)

A team that seems to always be a Stanley Cup contender but cannot get out of its own way. That feels like the Carolina Hurricanes. Rod Brind'amour has a great regular season team that seems to have special teams issues in the most crucial moments of the playoffs.

The latter problem was not truly solved as Frederik Andersson and Pyotr Kochetkov share the goaltending duties again. Carolina is dangerous offensively but tends to clam up against teams like Florida. Can they figure out how to outscore their problems when it counts?