Stanley Cup Odds for 2024-25: Panthers Favored to Go Back-To-Back

The Stanley Cup Final may have just ended, but it's never too early to look ahead to next season.

Last night, Florida Panthers won Game 7 over Edmonton Oilers to win the Cup, ending a memorable 2023-24 campaign. As we look forward to next year with free agency and the NHL Draft ahead, many of the teams you'd expect to take home Lord Stanley's Cup sit near the top of the list. But, who has the best odds as the offseason kicks into gear?

Let's dive into the Stanley Cup odds for next season via the NHL odds on FanDuel Sportsbook.

Stanley Cup Odds for 2024-25

Florida Panthers (+900)

Two years in a row, the Florida Panthers have made it to the Stanley Cup Final. After losing to the Vegas Golden Knights in last year's Final, the Panthers got over the hump and won their first Stanley Cup by taking down the Edmonton Oilers.

Now, the next question in their quest of dominance is simple: can they go back-to-back as champions? It's something we've seen in the NHL multiple times over the past decade with both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning having done so. With the makeup of the Panthers' roster and coaching they have, it's hard to argue against them pulling it off. Florida fits into a similar category of elite like each of those teams -- but hockey is a tough sport. They do have the right core to make it a reality.

Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov, and Sergei Bobrovsky will lead the way once again next season with head coach Paul Maurice in charge. Considering what these four have done the last two seasons, they're in the right spot to keep it pushing forward.

One of the big question marks will be Sam Reinhart, who is a free agent this offseason. Reinhart scored the clinching goal in Game 7 while having the best regular season run of his career in 2023-04, tallying a career-high 57 goals. Bringing Reinhart back into the equation will be the most important move for them this offseason.

Other key free agents for them include Brandon Montour and Vladimir Tarasenko. Both played substantial roles in their run to the Cup.

This team has as good a core as any in the NHL, and a strong offseason of bringing back their own players while potentially adding should set them up for another run.

Carolina Hurricanes (+950)

The Carolina Hurricanes have been top contenders for the last few years but have still failed to bring home the ultimate prize. It's hard to have trust in them as is, and they are going to lose some core players this offseason with all the free agents they have.

Carolina is in trouble when it comes to contract. Martin Necas, Jack Drury, and Seth Jarvis will all be restricted free agents. Meanwhile, Teuvo Teravainen, Stefan Noesen, Brady Skjei, Jordan Martinook, and top trade deadline acquisition Jake Guentzel are likely to hit the open market as unrestricted free agents. So much of the skill and depth that has made the Hurricanes a force these last few seasons may not be there next year, making it hard to believe in their Stanley Cup chances.

Another reason that the Hurricanes have come up short time and time again has been goaltending. Unless they make a major change, Frederik Andersen and Pyotr Kochetkov will be their tandem again next year.

With so much potential change coming in Carolina, it's hard to have confidence in them despite having the second-best odds a year out.

Colorado Avalanche (+950)

The Colorado Avalanche finished third in the Central Division with 107 points but didn't make the run in the playoffs that was expected of them.

After a first-round win over the Winnipeg Jets, Colorado's season was put to an end by the Dallas Stars in Round 2. They now go back to the drawing board, trying to win a second Stanley Cup in the era of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.

Colorado opened up the offseason on a strong note, re-signing trade deadline acquisition Casey Mittelstadt to a three-year contract for an annual average of $5.75 million. That confirms that they will bring all of their core members back next season -- barring a trade.

They do, however, have two major question marks heading into the 2024-25 season with Valeri Nichushkin and Gabriel Landeskog.

Nichushkin was suspended in the middle of their playoff series against the Stars -- a suspension that will last six months as he was placed in Stage III of the NHL's Player Assistance Program.

Then, there's Landeskog, who hasn't played since the 2021-22 season. He has no timetable to return to the team following his knee cartilage transplant surgery over a year ago. Their captain's future will be an important part of the Avalanche's outlook next season.

Colorado is going to contend because of how talented their core remains, but question marks regarding their key players will be an important factor in how far they can go in 2024-25.

Dallas Stars (+1000)

The Dallas Stars were two games away from the Stanley Cup Final this season for the second time in as many years. Shortcomings aside, their top forwards are taking a hit.

Joe Pavelski is planning to retire from hockey as he said after the Stars' elimination. The loss of Pavelski will be a major one; his addition brought the Stars a level of experience and leadership that will surely be missed.

Dallas also has some key free agents to take care of with Thomas Harley being restricted while Matt Duchene and Sam Steel can hit the open market next week.

Duchene was the perfect piece to the puzzle for the Stars this season, centering the second line and finishing with 25 goals, 40 assists, and 65 points. It was as good a first season as he could have had with them, so they'll want try and bring him back to help make another run in 2024-25.

Considering the step that Wyatt Johnston made in the playoffs, his potential growth next season will be what helps keep them as serious contenders.

Johnston, Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson, Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn, Miro Heiskanen, and Jake Oettinger are all set to return, and they're why the Stars are worth considering in this market over a couple of the revolving doors we've discussed.

Looking for more NHL betting opportunities? Check out all of the NHL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.