Sweaters in place, zomboni removed.
So, it’s official: the NHL offseason has begun.
But that doesn’t mean the hype around hockey has died down, given the recent two-day draft in Las Vegas and the early stages of a tumultuous free agency.
The first wave of transfers boosted some teams’ title chances, while others lost ground. The B/R team is excited to partner with analysts at DraftKings to analyze the early odds for the 2025 Stanley Cup.
We divided 32 teams into groups, from those already preparing for the draft lottery to the most elite.
NHL Championship Odds
32. San Jose Sharks (+40000)
Will the Sharks improve from their 19 wins out of 82 games next season, especially if Macklin Celebrini performs as expected? Yes. Should fans plan an early celebration? No.
31. (tie) Anaheim Ducks (+20000)
The Ducks will once again feature a top collection of young talent, but they still won’t clinch a second championship this season.
31. (tie) Columbus Blue Jackets (+20000)
Could pairing Sean Monahan with Johnny Gaudreau boost the Blue Jackets’ relevance? Maybe, but it’s unlikely.
29. Chicago Blackhawks (+15000)
In the second year of the Connor Bedard era, the Blackhawks will make strides with new additions. However, they are still far from contention.
28. Montreal Canadiens (+12000)
The Canadiens’ commitment to No. 1 pick Juraj Slafkovsky is a positive step, but they remain closer to the bottom of the standings than the top.
Not Quite the Worst
27. Calgary Flames (+7500)
GM Craig Conroy’s signings, including Anthony Mantha and Ryan Lomberg, aren’t enough to make the Flames an elite team in the Pacific Division.
25. (tie) Philadelphia Flyers (+6000)
The Flyers will be interesting to watch with KHL import Matvei Michkov, but how he’ll fit with John Tortorella is uncertain.
25. (tie) Washington Capitals (+6000)
While the Capitals have been active, it doesn’t translate to title contention.
22. (tie) Utah Hockey Club (+5500)
The rebranded Coyotes have improved their blue line but face stiff competition in the Pacific Division.
22. (tie) Seattle Kraken (+5500)
The Kraken’s signings of Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour are promising, but they still face tough competition in the West.
22. (tie) St. Louis Blues (+5500)
Pavel Buchnevich’s long-term deal is positive, but the Blues, with Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, are just OK.
21. Buffalo Sabres (+5000)
The Sabres are younger, cheaper, and tougher, but new additions like Jason Zucker and Ryan McLeod don’t guarantee an end to their playoff drought.
Pretending to Contend
19. (tie) New York Islanders (+4500)
Anthony Duclair is a solid addition, but it’s unlikely to make a significant impact.
19. (tie) Pittsburgh Penguins (+4500)
The Penguins made headlines for what they didn’t do, like bringing back Jake Guentzel, rather than any impactful moves.
17. (tie) Detroit Red Wings (+4000)
Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko add experience and goals, but age is a factor.
17. (tie) Minnesota Wild (+4000)
The Wild remain stuck in playoff limbo with no significant changes.
16. Ottawa Senators (+3500)
Linus Ullmark hasn’t won a Cup before, and it’s uncertain if he can bring one to Ottawa, though they may compete for the playoffs.
14. (tie) Winnipeg Jets (+2500)
The Jets looked elite at times last season but need to prove their consistency.
14. (tie) Tampa Bay Lightning (+2500)
Despite acquiring Jake Guentzel, the Lightning’s recent history of success feels distant.
So You’re Saying There’s a Chance
12. (tie) Los Angeles Kings (+2200)
The Kings’ offseason moves are debated, and they remain underdogs in the West.
12. (tie) Vancouver Canucks (+2200)
Despite a strong season, free agency was a net loss for the Canucks.
10. (tie) Boston Bruins (+1800)
Adding Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov boosts their credibility, assuming Jeremy Swayman steps up.
10. (tie) Nashville Predators (+1800)
The Predators’ contention status depends on their end-of-season form last year.
9. Vegas Golden Knights (+1600)
Though recent titleholders, the Golden Knights have slipped due to free-agency losses.
Won’t Surprise Anyone
4. (tie) Carolina Hurricanes (+1300)
The Hurricanes seem slightly overrated here, given their recent playoff performance and offseason losses.
4. (tie) Colorado Avalanche (+1300)
The Avalanche remain near the top contenders despite their recent title being two seasons ago.
4. (tie) New Jersey Devils (+1300)
With the addition of Jacob Markstrom, the Devils bounce back to high-end contender status.
4. (tie) New York Rangers (+1300)
The Rangers are still in the mix, despite falling short in the Eastern finals last season.
4. (tie) Toronto Maple Leafs (+1300)
Despite past disappointments, the Maple Leafs’ skill keeps them hyped as contenders.
3. Dallas Stars (+1100)
The Stars came close last season and remain on the verge of a breakthrough.
The Upper Crust
2. Florida Panthers (+900)
As the reigning champions who retained Sam Reinhart, a repeat title wouldn’t be shocking.
1. Edmonton Oilers (+850)
The Oilers, assuming they re-sign Leon Draisaitl, are favorites to return to the finals, bolstered by key acquisitions and roster changes.