Following two months of play, the Colorado Avalanche have been the most impressive team according to the NHL Betting Lines. As a result, Colorado is at the top of the Stanley Cup Championship futures market board. Also catching the eyes of gamblers are the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, and New Jersey Devils.
Florida is the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion and has reached the Final in each of the past three seasons. As a result of that wear and tear, Florida is not paying the price with increased injury issues led by right-wing Matthew Tkachuk. Still, it would be dangerous to step into the Panthers as they have the proven character and resilience to win the most difficult championship in sports.
2025-26 Stanley Cup Championship Futures
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Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche have the best record in the NHL. Overall, the Avalanche are 18-1-6 with 10-15 under the sports betting total. Late on the Avalanche are rampaging with eight wins in their most recent nine games. Colorado ranks 1st in goals scored and 1st in fewest goals allowed.
Since 2016-17, Jared Bednar has been the Avs’ head coach, leading them to the 2022 Stanley Cup championship. When the Avs hoisted the Stanley Cup, it was a reasonable expectation that they would become the NHL’s next dynasty. However, Colorado has not advanced past the second round in the past three playoff campaigns.
Last year, after flopping in the first round against the Dallas Stars, some fans and gamblers were calling for Bednar’s head on a platter. These critics believe that Bednar has squandered a roster loaded with talent, yet ignore the salary cap. Colorado lost key contributors from its Stanley Cup championship team because of the cap. However, it looks like they have finally overcome those deficiencies.
One key asset who is making an impact is goaltender Scott Wedgewood. So far this season, Wedgewood has a 2.08 goals against average and a .920 save percentage. Overall, his NHL Betting Odds record of 13-1-4 with one shutout. Wedgewood joined the Avalanche last year and posted a 1.99 goals against average and a .917 save percentage with a record of 13-4-1.
Up front, marquee man and center Nathan MacKinnon powers the Avs. MacKinnon leads the Avs with 20 goals, 24 assists, and 44 points with a +30. MacKinnon is a 7-time NHL All-Star. Of course, he was the first overall pick of the 2013 NHL Draft.
Defenseman Cale Makar often reminds gamblers and fans of past offensive defensemen who electrified everyone. Previously, Bobby Orr and Paul Coffey showed the speed and skill that Makar currently flashes.
Makar was the fourth overall pick of the 2017 NHL Draft. Concurrently, Makar is a 3-time NHL All-Star and the 2022 Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are best known as a strong regular-season team that can’t quite finish in the playoffs. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour has proven to be one of the best in the current era and is in the conversation as one of the best all-time. Brind’Amour is a former Hurricanes star who played on the team’s 2006 Stanley Cup championship squad.
Brind’Amour took over as head coach of his old team in the 2018-19 season. He inherited a moribund team that lacked fans and local interest. In turn, Brind’Amour produced immediate results by taking Carolina to the Eastern Conference Final in his rookie campaign. Carolina has made the playoffs in all seven of its seasons behind the bench. In 2023, Brind’Amour produced his second Conference Final.
Of great concern is that Carolina has lacked a finishing scorer during Brind’Amour’s career, and that has prevented the Canes from reaching the Stanley Cup Final.
Carolina is 15-7-2 and is 13-10 over the total. The Canes are in battle with the New Jersey Devils for the lead in the Metropolitan Division. Carolina ranks 3rd in goal scoring but 30th in power-play efficiency. By contrast, the Canes rank 12th for fewest goals against.
If Carolina can develop or acquire a dominant scorer they may finally reach the Final.