NHL Pre-Training Camp Stanley Cup Odds: BetOnline Sportsbook Favors Oilers, Panthers for Final Showdown

The entertainment value of the first go-around earned rave reviews as the Florida Panthers edged the Edmonton Oilers during last spring’s seven-game Stanley Cup Final.

How about a rematch?

With NHL training camps scheduled to open Sept. 15, BetOnline Sportsbook favored the Oilers (+750) and Panthers (+900) to return to the Cup final.

The Oilers, who rallied from a 3-0 series deficit, but fell 2-1 in the finale, radically altered their Western Conference-championship roster and front office during the offseason. The franchise obviously feels pressure to contend while Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remain in their primes.

Meanwhile, the Panthers focused on reloading and refreshing over the summer, attempting to become the third team to win back-to-back Stanley Cups since 2010.

Here is a look at two of the NHL’s best bets to win the championship: 

97 is ready for another shot at a Stanley Cup. 🏆

(h/t @SportsnetSpec) pic.twitter.com/oEjJ7iCuBo

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 5, 2024

Can New-Look Oilers Take Next Step?

Will long-suffering Oilers’ fans recognize the squad?

Will the new-look roster be motivated from last spring’s defeat, considering new general manager Stan Bowman helped sign 13 free agents, including Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner. The former Chicago Blackhawks executive utilized the trade market to add Ty Emberson, Roby Jarventie and Matthew Savoie.

The Oilers on Tuesday capped their offseason moves by inking Draisaitl to an eight-year, $112 million contract extension.

Since 1990, only one final-round loser, the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, has rebounded to capture the Cup title the next season. The Oilers fell short last spring when their prolific offense dried up, averaging 0.12 fewer goals per game in the playoffs than the regular season.

Will the moves work, allowing the Oilers to strike their first championship celebration since 1990?

Happy Friday #FloridaPanthersFans !

A reminder that we are 2024 Stanley Cup Champions !

Have a great day ! #TimeToHunt #FloridaPanthersDen pic.twitter.com/ieF2J90ic7

— Florida Panthers Den (@FlaPanthersDen) September 6, 2024

Are Panthers Still Stanley Cup Hungry? 

Over the past 15 seasons, the Tampa Bay Lightning (2020 and ‘21) and Penguins (2016 and ‘17) successfully defended their Cup crowns. Can the Panthers’ returning core lead the Panthers to a third consecutive trip to the Cup final? 

Aleksander Barkov remains a key after finally posting big playoff numbers, collecting 22 points in 24 outings. If the Panthers’ captain remains healthy, could he challenge for Hart Memorial Trophy recognition? 

Could Sam Reinhart be considered an MVP candidate following his 57-goal campaign, which prompted an eight-year, $69 million extension. When skating with Barkov, the duo outchanced their opponents, 570-397. 

Forwards Sam Bennett, Anton Lundell, Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe are expected to provide offensive depth along the top nine, although Lundell likely will be slotted into the top six. 

 The Panthers averaged 3.23 goals per game during the regular season and 3.04 during the playoffs.  

With more consistent scoring, the Panthers remain a good play to defend their first-ever title.

The Stanley Cup will always be there for the right reasons ❤️

(via @keeperofthecup) pic.twitter.com/ZDjSH6M6Po

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 6, 2024

2024-25 Stanley Cup Odds To Win 

Here is an early look at the NHL teams’ odds to capture the 2024-25 Stanley Cup, according to BetOnline Sportsbook:

* Odds current at time of publication