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.