The NHL playoffs are fast approaching, which means fans and pundits are looking at all of the playoff brackets and different scenarios as they try and predict their Stanley Cup winner. As is always the case with the postseason in hockey, it will be a slog, with surprising results, controversy and lots of close games.
Now is as good as time as ever to check on the latest Stanley Cup odds. Bettors should definitely keep in mind that there will be shocks along the way in these playoffs, you should probably expect the unexpected.
Stanley Cup 2024 Odds
*Odds Correct at time of writing
Carolina Hurricanes +650
Florida Panthers +700
Colorado Avalanche +700
Edmonton Oilers +750
New York Rangers +800
Dallas Stars +850
Boston Bruins +1,100
Vegas Golden Knights +1,200
Toronto Maple Leafs +1,400
Winnipeg Jets +2,000
Tampa Bay Lightning +2,500
Los Angeles Knights +3,000
Nashville Predators +4,000
New York Islanders +5,000
Stanley Cup 2024 Favorites
Before looking down the list, you need to be aware of the favorites to lift the Stanley Cup this year. One of the betting favorites are the Florida Panthers, who are a stacked team that can do it all as the wear down the opposition into submission.
Up front, the Panthers are full of skill and toughness. Aleksander Barkov can score at will but also has the nous and ability to shut down the best the opposition has to offer. Then there is Matthew Tkachuk, who really does have a do it all skillset and brings great size and strength to the ice that can strike up fear in any defencemen.
Florida also used trades to bolster the ranks by securing Vladimir Tarasenko and Kyle Okposo. They already had a deep forward position group and that has been bolstered even more. Head coach Paul Maurice has vast experience and also winning experience in the playoffs, so they are strong all over. It is easy to see why these Panthers are favored by many to be there at the end.
Sleeper Bets
One team I like to maybe surprise a few and is great value at +1400 is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now, the Maple Leafs are arguably the most famous franchise in hockey, but it has been an incredible 56 years since they last tasted Stanley Cup glory, Leafs Nation are starving for success. The good news for them is that Toronto has shown signs in recent years of getting better in the postseason. Add to that William Nylander and Auston Matthews are currently experiencing unbelievable years, and there is certainly hope.
There is no doubt the team has considerable talent, and they are a match for anybody offensively in the league. They also have excellent options in goal, Joseph Woll and IIlya Samsonov have proven time and time again they can change games with their other-worldly saves.
The big worry with this team remains getting over the hump and also injuries haven’t helped this year. The defense, in particular, has been hit hard and they will be severely tested in seven game series against the likes of Boston and Florida.
