The wounds of defeat have barely healed, yet the oddsmakers have already weighed in on next year’s Stanley Cup Final. In what might come as a surprise to those who witnessed the Florida Panthers hoist the Cup just days ago, the Edmonton Oilers have emerged as the early favorites to claim hockey’s ultimate prize in 2025.
Following their heartbreaking Game 7 loss, Connor McDavid and the Oilers find themselves in the unfamiliar position of being favored (+900) to win it all next season, according to BetMGM. The defending champion Panthers sit closely behind at +1000, suggesting bookmakers anticipate a potential rematch of this year’s thrilling final series.
The betting landscape reveals interesting patterns about how oddsmakers view the NHL’s balance of power. The New York Rangers, who fell to the Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final, share the second-favorite position with Florida at +1000. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars round out the top five at +1100 and +1200 respectively.
What’s particularly fascinating about these early projections is how they reflect both statistical analysis and market psychology. The Oilers’ favoritism speaks volumes about the perceived impact of their superstar core. Despite falling short this year, the McDavid-Draisaitl duo remains the most potent offensive force in hockey, and oddsmakers clearly believe they’ll have another opportunity to finish what they started.
“These odds aren’t just about team quality—they’re about narrative potential,” I’ve observed throughout my years covering sports betting trends for CO24 Culture. “The bookmakers understand that the McDavid redemption story will attract significant betting interest, regardless of whether it accurately reflects Edmonton’s actual chances.”
For Florida, the +1000 odds might feel like disrespect after their championship run. However, history reminds us that repeating is notoriously difficult in the salary cap era. The Panthers will face the challenge that all champions confront: maintaining hunger while managing the physical and emotional toll of a championship defense.
Beyond the favorites, the odds tell a story about the league’s competitive balance. Sixteen teams have odds of +2500 or better, suggesting a wide-open race. The Carolina Hurricanes (+1300), Boston Bruins (+1400), and Vegas Golden Knights (+1500) remain in the upper tier of contenders, while teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs (+1800) continue to receive respect from oddsmakers despite their playoff disappointments.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the San Jose Sharks face the longest odds at +50000, reflecting their ongoing rebuild. The Chicago Blackhawks, despite having phenom Connor Bedard, sit at +25000, indicating that oddsmakers believe their renaissance remains years away.
For those looking to explore CO24 Trends in sports betting, these early odds provide a fascinating glimpse into how the market values different teams. They also raise compelling questions about how much stock we should put in projections made 11 months before the playoffs even begin.
What makes these odds particularly intriguing is their timing. Released when the champagne was barely dry on Florida’s celebration, they represent a purely speculative market. Free agency hasn’t begun, trades remain unmade, and injuries will inevitably alter team trajectories throughout the season.
The smart money typically avoids these early futures bets, yet they remain enormously popular among casual bettors drawn to the allure of picking next year’s champion at maximum value. As I’ve noted in previous CO24 Opinions pieces, this tension between value and uncertainty drives much of the sports betting ecosystem.
For the Oilers, being labeled as favorites creates both opportunity and pressure. They’ve shown they can reach the Final—now they must prove they can win it. For the Panthers, the slight underdog status might provide exactly the motivational fuel needed to push for a repeat.
As we look ahead to the 2024-25 NHL season, these odds serve less as predictions and more as conversation starters. Will McDavid finally claim his Cup? Can the Panthers establish a modern dynasty? Or will an unexpected contender emerge to rewrite the narrative entirely? The beauty of sports lies in its unpredictability—something even the most sophisticated oddsmakers can never fully capture.
