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 Florida Panthers achieved a historic back-to-back Stanley Cup victory, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6, with standout performances from Sam Reinhart and Sergei Bobrovsky. Despite this achievement, sportsbooks have not made the Panthers the favorites for the next season; instead, the Oilers have opened as favorites at +650, while the Panthers are at +750.

Florida aims for a rare three-peat, a feat not accomplished since the Islanders in the 1980s. However, offseason changes loom, especially with key players Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand heading into free agency, casting doubt on their repeat possibility. Meanwhile, with the Oilers maintaining their core, they seek to end their championship drought since 1990.

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.

The Colorado Avalanche are entering an offseason filled with uncertainty regarding player contracts, particularly around Jonathan Drouin and Martin Necas. With limited cap space, they need to prioritize signing young defenseman Sam Malinski while managing expectations about potential roster changes. Some speculate that the organization isn't feeling the pressure to make drastic moves, despite outside perceptions suggesting otherwise. They value their roster depth, especially at center, and are assessing their needs cautiously.

Furthermore, the Avalanche traded for Ryan Lindgren, hinting at a potential interest in bolstering their defense. Despite rumors swirling, they seem confident in their current lineup, choosing to evaluate player performance before making significant changes.

The upcoming NHL season is shaping up to be extremely competitive, particularly with key players on the move and shifting dynamics within several teams. The New York Rangers are making headlines with the latest updates on their roster, particularly the anticipated breakout of young star Alexis Lafreniere and the impact he could have alongside Artemi Panarin. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche are looking to defend their title with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen at the forefront, while the Tampa Bay Lightning seek to maintain their status as perennial contenders.

In goal, the performance of Igor Shesterkin for the Rangers will be crucial, as he aims to replicate his previous Vezina-winning form. On the defensive front, teams such as the Boston Bruins and the Los Angeles Kings are bolstering their blue lines, with names like Charlie McAvoy and Drew Doughty expected to lead the charge. As fantasy drafts approach, keeping a keen eye on these developments will be essential for building a championship roster.