Upcoming NHL Stanley Cup Probabilities: Hurricanes and Oilers leading contenders during offseason contract negotiations
Get ready to dive into the NHL betting scene for the 2025-26 season! The Florida Panthers have clinched back-to-back Stanley Cup titles, but it's time to look ahead. The draft and free agency are right around the corner, giving teams a chance to reevaluate their rosters and strategies.
The NHL Draft and free agency kicks off the offseason and sets the stage for the upcoming campaign. With the salary cap increasing to $95.5 million, expect some big moves and marquee signings.
At the moment, online sportsbooks like Carolina Hurricanes (approx. +700), Edmonton Oilers (+750), and the Panthers (+750) lead the odds for winning the Stanley Cup in 2025-26. But there are a couple of underdog teams worth considering.
Dark Horses for the Stanley Cup
Montreal Canadiens
Don't overlook the Montreal Canadiens, who finished with 91 points to secure a playoff spot. Their young, developing squad is expected to remain mostly intact for the 2025-26 season, with the potential to grow into a mid-range Stanley Cup contender. However, they have limited cap space, which may hinder external improvements. Still, at long +10000 odds, it could be worth taking a chance on the Habs.
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks, with odds as high as +40000, are another team to keep an eye on. Their roster boasts a mix of young talent and veterans, and they have an impressive $32 million in cap space for the offseason. If they can land a star player or two, like Mitch Marner or Sam Bennett, they could become instant playoff contenders.
Remember that the Ducks stand as an attractive destination for free agents, so it's worth shooting your shot now before July 1, when their odds will likely shorten after adding key signings.
Montreal and Anaheim might be considered longshots, but their mix of young talent, projected salary cap space, and low odds could make them exciting dark horses this season. Keep an eye on these teams and their moves throughout the offseason—these underdogs could shake up the 2025-26 Stanley Cup race!
The Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks are two teams to watch as they might be longshots for the 2025-26 Stanley Cup, with their mix of young talent, projected salary cap space, and low odds, they could potentially become exciting dark horses during the offseason. Keep an eye on these underdog teams as they could turn heads in the upcoming Stanley Cup race.
