REPORTS: Updated 2025 Stanley Cup Odds After the NHL Draft and Free Agency

The jerseys have been hung up, and the Zambonis have been put away, marking the official start of the NHL’s offseason. However, that doesn’t mean that hockey buzz has subsided, especially after the recent two-day draft at the Sphere in Las Vegas and the frenzied beginning of free agency.

The initial flurry of moves has caused some teams’ chances at the championship to rise, while others have seen a decline. The B/R hockey team, with input from the analysts at DraftKings, is eager to delve into the early odds for winning the 2025 Stanley Cup.

We’ve categorized the 32 teams into tiers based on these odds, ranging from those already preparing for the draft lottery to the top contenders.

Have a look at our findings and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Playing for the Lottery

San Jose Sharks (+40000) If they manage to win more than 19 out of 82 games next season, especially if Macklin Celebrini performs as expected, will they be in a position to anticipate an early parade? No. (tie) Anaheim Ducks (+20000) Once again, the Ducks will enter the season with one of the league’s top assemblies of young talent. And once again, they will not be vying for a second championship.

(tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (+20000) Could pairing Sean Monahan with Johnny Gaudreau in central Ohio propel the Blue Jackets to immediate on-ice relevance? It’s a possibility, but not very likely. Chicago Blackhawks (+15000) In the second year of the Connor Bedard era, the Blackhawks are bound to make progress as the front office adds new weapons alongside him. Nonetheless, they are not yet ready to contend.

Montreal Canadiens (+12000) The long-term commitment to recent No. 1 overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky is a positive indication that the Canadiens are moving in the right direction. However, they are much closer to ranking 32nd than 1st.

Not Quite the Worst

• Calgary Flames (+7500) GM Craig Conroy was active in securing the signings of Anthony Mantha, Ryan Lomberg, and Jake Bean, as well as extending Yegor Sharangovich. However, this team doesn’t rank among the elite in the Pacific.
• (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (+6000) The addition of KHL import Matvei Michkov makes the Flyers an intriguing team to watch, especially considering how he will mesh with John Tortorella. This dynamic is the most captivating aspect of the team in Philly.
• (tie) Washington Capitals (+6000) If you want to make a case that the Capitals, who have been quite active, deserve a higher rank than the second-to-last tier, we are open to hearing it. Nonetheless, that doesn’t translate to being anywhere near title contention.
• (tie) Utah Hockey Club (+5500) The same description could be applied to the team formerly known as the Coyotes, who have bolstered their blue line and are expected to perform better. However, in comparison to other teams in the Pacific, they’re somewhat overshadowed.
• (tie) Seattle Kraken (+5500) Opinions on the Kraken’s acquisitions of Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour vary, but it’s widely agreed that they face significant challenges in the competitive Western Conference.
• (tie) St. Louis Blues (+5500) Pavel Buchnevich’s long-term commitment to St. Louis, reflected in his six-year, $48 million extension, is a positive development. Alongside Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, the team will be decent, but not markedly improved.
• Buffalo Sabres (+5000) Are they younger, more cost-effective, and tougher to compete against? Yes. Will the additions of Jason Zucker, Ryan McLeod, and Sam Lafferty guarantee an end to their playoff drought? No.

Pretending to Contend

(tie) New York Islanders (+4500) The addition of winger Anthony Duclair for four years and $14 million is a positive targeted signing. While he will contribute, it may not be substantial enough to significantly impact their performance in the spring. (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (+4500) The Penguins attracted more attention for not securing Jake Guentzel’s return and for not acquiring top free agents than for any significant moves they did. Discussion about Sidney Crosby’s extension is now in focus.

(tie) Detroit Red Wings (+4000) Despite the combined five Cup wins and 764 regular-season goals of Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko, both players will be a total of 67 years old by opening night. (tie) Minnesota Wild (+4000) The Wild remained on the playoff borderline for the 2023-24 season, and their summer moves so far don’t appear likely to change that status going forward

Ottawa Senators (+3500) Despite Linus Ullmark’s prior stint in Boston and absence of a Cup win there, there’s still a chance for him to contribute to the Senators’ playoff contention. (tie) Winnipeg Jets (+2500) At times in 2023-24, the Jets displayed elite potential, but ultimately fizzled out quietly. Their relevance continues as long as Connor Hellebuyck remains in the picture, yet they have much to prove.

(tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (+2500) The memory of their two Cups and a third finals appearance seems distant. The addition of Jake Guentzel may slow their descent from the top tier, but a sudden return to the top seems unlikely.

So You’re Saying There’s a Chance

• (tie) Los Angeles Kings (+2200) The experts at DraftKings appear to hold a more optimistic view of the Kings than seems justified, especially considering the departures and arrivals of certain players. Describing them as a dark horse seems like a considerable stretch.
• (tie) Vancouver Canucks (+2200) Unlike Los Angeles, Vancouver clinched a division title and came close to reaching the Western final in 2023-24, validating their position. Nevertheless, free agency appears to have resulted in a net loss for the team.
• (tie) Boston Bruins (+1800) The Bruins were far from being Cup contenders last season, but the addition of Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov does enhance their reputation, assuming Jeremy Swayman steps up as the primary goaltender.
• (tie) Nashville Predators (+1800) Whether the Predators are perceived as viable Cup contenders depends on how close they seemed to be at the end of the 2023-24 season. However, it’s unquestionable that they haven’t made significant strides toward that goal.
• Vegas Golden Knights (+1600) Any team that was in a title race just a season ago should be considered near the top, but the Golden Knights have slipped behind some rivals due to multiple losses in free agency.

Won’t Surprise Anyone

(tie) Carolina Hurricanes (+1300) This might be a slight overestimation of the Hurricanes, given their failure to reach the Eastern finals last season and their apparent net loss in free agency. (tie) Colorado Avalanche (+1300) Two seasons following their Cup run, the Avalanche have made enough moves to keep them in the mix for title contention, unlike Vegas. They are a legitimate threat.

(tie) New Jersey Devils (+1300) The situation with the Devils is puzzling. After sliding from third overall to 23rd last season, the addition of Jacob Markstrom in goal propels them back into the realm of top contenders. (tie) New York Rangers (+1300) Although the Rangers secured the Presidents’ Trophy and led 2-1 against Florida in the Eastern finals, their quest for a 30th anniversary title didn’t materialize. Nonetheless, they remain solid contenders.

(tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (+1300) To the Maple Leafs fans, this isn’t meant to provoke. We recognize that it’s a delicate topic. However, a team with this level of talent naturally garners high expectations. Is it too much? Maybe. Dallas Stars (+1100) Feeling disappointed, Rangers? The Stars can relate, having held a 2-1 series lead over the Oilers in the Western final, only to lose in Game 6 despite a 34-10 shot advantage. They are on the cusp.

The Upper Crust

Florida Panthers (+900) Undervaluing the Panthers would be a mistake. As the reigning champions, they secured the re-signing of their top free agent, Sam Reinhart. While experiencing some departures, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them contend for another title.

Edmonton Oilers (+850) Who’s up for a rematch? Assuming the retention of Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers are favored to return to the SCF. With the additions of Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, the retention of Adam Henrique, and the buyout of Jack Campbell, along with Stuart Skinner’s potential, Edmonton stands as a strong favorite.