After clinching the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive year, the Florida Panthers are already in the spotlight for next season's championship odds. Currently, sportsbooks suggest the Edmonton Oilers hold the edge at +650, while the Panthers trail closely at +750, aiming to extend their impressive finals streak. The Colorado Avalanche (+800), Dallas Stars (+850), and Carolina Hurricanes (+900) also rank among the top contenders, highlighting a competitive landscape for the upcoming NHL season.

Notably, sportsbooks are divided on the favorites for the next season, with some favoring the Oilers, while others see potential in the Hurricanes or a three-way tie involving the Avalanche. Meanwhile, teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks find themselves far behind with 500-1 odds, indicating the significant disparities in team strengths heading into the new season.

The odds for the 2026 Stanley Cup have sparked debate among sportsbooks, with several teams at the forefront as potential favorites. The defending champion Florida Panthers, along with the Edmonton Oilers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Colorado Avalanche, are vying for the top spot as oddsmakers weigh various factors. Despite their back-to-back championships, the Panthers are not universally seen as the clear favorite, reflecting concerns regarding roster changes in the offseason.

Adrian Horton from ESPN BET highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Florida and Edmonton after their grueling playoff runs, especially as they consider potential roster shifts. The Avalanche, however, are praised for their stability, with a majority of their roster under contract and key players like Gabriel Landeskog, Cale Makar, and Nathan MacKinnon returning healthy. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes and Dallas Stars also present formidable odds, rounding out the top contenders.

Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are all set to don the Canada jersey for their first Olympic appearance in February at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. These two standouts from the Colorado Avalanche were among the first six players named to Canada’s Olympic roster, confirming their top-tier status after finishing as finalists for the Ted Lindsay Award. Joining them is Martin Necas, representing Czechia, while the surprising inclusion on Sweden's roster is Avalanche captain Gabe Landeskog, who recently returned from an extended injury recovery.

Landeskog's remarkable comeback saw him quickly regain his effectiveness in playoff contests against the Dallas Stars after a long absence. As Canada prepares to defend its gold medal, general manager Doug Armstrong expressed confidence, noting the heightened competitive nature of international hockey since the NHL's absence from recent Games. With both Canada and Czechia set to face off against formidable teams like Switzerland and France in Group A, fans can expect thrilling matchups. The excitement builds as the best players in the world converge for a chance at Olympic glory.

Mitch Marner, a cornerstone for the Toronto Maple Leafs since being drafted fourth overall in 2015, faces an uncertain future as his contract expires this summer. With 221 goals and 520 assists to his name, Marner has been instrumental, yet the Leafs' playoff struggles raise questions about his role moving forward. Only twice have they progressed past the first round, with losses in the subsequent rounds.

As free agency approaches, speculation mounts that the Carolina Hurricanes could make a significant offer to sign Marner, potentially exceeding a $14 million annual average value over seven years. The Hurricanes, seeking to enhance their roster after consecutive Eastern Conference Final exits, view Marner as a game-changing addition. A move to Carolina could alleviate the pressures Marner experienced in Toronto.