2026 Stanley Cup Odds: Oilers, Panthers Lead Early Contenders But One Unexpected Favourite Emerges

Vegas oddsmakers have released the first look at 2026 Stanley Cup futures, with the Oilers and Panthers leading the pack but one unexpected team is turning heads early.As the hockey world anxiously awaits the puck drop for the 2025 Stanley Cup Final this Wednesday, the conversation is already shifting to next season and beyond.

Sportsbooks have released early betting odds for the 2026 Stanley Cup, giving fans and bettors a first glimpse into who the oddsmakers think are poised for glory, and who might need a miracle run.More NHL: 2025 Stanley Cup Final Betting Preview: Oilers-Panthers Set for Epic RematchAt the top of the odds board are the Carolina Hurricanes (+700), fresh off another dominant regular season and looking to finally break through for a cup.

Close behind are the Florida Panthers (+750) and the Edmonton Oilers (+750), both teams loaded with star power and built to continue contending.

The Colorado Avalanche (+850) and Dallas Stars (+900) round out the top five, continuing their runs as perennial contenders.Full list of 2026 Stanley Cup Betting Odds per FanDuel Sportsbook:Carolina Hurricanes +700 Florida Panthers +750 Edmonton Oilers +750 Colorado Avalanche +850 Dallas Stars +900 Vegas Golden Knights +1200 Tampa Bay Lightning +1600 Los Angeles Kings +1800 New Jersey Devils +1800 Winnipeg Jets +2200 Toronto Maple Leafs +2400 Washington Capitals +2400 Ottawa Senators +3200 New York Rangers +3200 Utah Mammoth +3400 Minnesota Wild +3500 St.

Louis Blues +4700 Vancouver Canucks +5500 New York Islanders +6500 Calgary Flames +8000 Philadelphia Flyers +8000 Columbus Blue Jackets +8500 Nashville Predators +9000 Montreal Canadiens +9000 Detroit Red Wings +10000 Boston Bruins +12000 Buffalo Sabres +14000 Pittsburgh Penguins +28000 Seattle Kraken +35000 Anaheim Ducks +40000 Chicago Blackhawks +50000 San Jose Sharks +50000More NHL: NHL Insider Reports Maple Leafs, Golden Knights May Have Discussed Marner TradeWhile the favorites are largely the usual suspects, the real intrigue might lie at the bottom of the list particularly with the Anaheim Ducks.

Despite their +40000 long-shot odds, the Ducks are widely seen as a team to watch this offseason.

With plenty of cap space and a clear mandate from general manager Pat Verbeek, Anaheim has publicly stated its desire to be aggressive in free agency and push for a return to the playoffs and theyll have plenty of options.More NHL: Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner Next Team Betting Odds RevealedThis summers UFA class is stacked with talent, including:Mitch Marner (F, Maple Leafs) John Tavares (F, Maple Leafs) Aaron Ekblad (D, Panthers) Sam Bennett (F, Panthers) Brad Marchand (F, Panthers) Nikolaj Ehlers (F, Jets) Brock Boeser (F, Canucks) Matt Duchene (F, Stars) Mikael Granlund (F, Stars) Vladislav Gavrikov (D, Kings) Brock Nelson (C, Avalanche) Pius Suter (C, Canucks)In addition, several restricted free agents could be targets for trades or even offer sheets:Matthew Knies (F, Maple Leafs) Gabe Vilardi (F, Jets) Evan Bouchard (D, Oilers) Luke Hughes (D, Devils) Noah Dobson (D, Islanders) JJ Peterka (F, Sabres) Lukas Dostal (G, Ducks)As the league prepares for one of the most intriguing offseasons in recent memory, these early odds offer a fun but potentially temporary snapshot of the landscape.

A few bold signings or blockbuster trades could turn a basement dweller into a dark horse overnight.

More Hockey: 2026 Winter Olympics Mens Ice Hockey Betting Odds & Team Outlooks.

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