2023-24 Stanley Cup Futures - Avalanche, Oilers Among The Favorites

The NHL season is officially over, with the Vegas Golden Knights crowned champions for the first time in their brief history. It was a fantastic season for Bruce Cassidy’s squad, but now, it’s time to shift our focus to the 2023-24 Stanley Cup futures. Betting on who could win it all is a great way to cash in on even the smallest of wagers because of where the odds currently sit. For the time being before free agency opens up, the Colorado Avalanche are actually the favorite, followed by the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs. Vegas meanwhile has the fourth-best odds.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avs were stunned in the first round of the playoffs, getting upset by the Seattle Kraken. Considering the plethora of injuries the 2022 champs dealt with throughout the campaign, however, it wasn’t a massive surprise. This team couldn’t catch a break. With a true star trio in Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen, Colorado is a force to be reckoned with. But despite sitting at +800 odds at Bodog, there are some question marks for Jared Bednar’s group. Gabriel Landeskog is set to miss the entire 2023-24 season due to knee surgery while Val Nichuskin’s future is looking cloudy after some off-ice issues.

Edmonton Oilers

With the best player in the world in Connor McDavid, the Oilers are always tabbed as a contender. I mean, he did just have a whopping 153 points in 82 games, which broke numerous records. Don’t forget, Leon Draisaitl is also a legitimate superstar, tallying 128 points to complement his teammate. But, Edmonton failed to get past Vegas in the conference semifinals, with their blueline once again proving to be a problem. They really need to strengthen that defense in order to become a team who can truly go all the way. 

Toronto Maple Leafs

Speaking of a team with a ton of question marks, the Maple Leafs could be in for some major changes this off-season. It’s clear the core of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares isn’t capable of taking Toronto to the Promised Land. One of these stars could be on the move. Regardless, Matthews and Nylander in particular are phenomenal players, despite their inability to produce at the level needed in the playoffs. The Maple Leafs bowed out in the second round at the hands of the Florida Panthers, winning just one game in the series. With a new GM in Brad Treliving after Kyle Dubas was let go, this could be an interesting summer in Toronto.

Boston Bruins

The Bruins were historically one of the best teams ever in 2022-23 but famously crashed out in the first round, blowing a 3-1 series lead against the Panthers. That was a huge shock to the entire NHL world and now, we may see a much different team next season. While star player David Pastrnak is around for the long haul, veteran captain Patrice Bergeron is probably going to retire, which means David Krejci might just hang them up, too. Those are two very important pieces to Boston. I have my doubts they can make a Cup run, even with odds as short as +1100 at most NHL sportsbooks.

Vegas Golden Knights

You can’t count out the title-holders. Vegas will have basically a carbon copy roster in 2023-24 and there have already been two repeat champions this decade in the NHL. With a phenomenal core consisting of Jonathan Marchessault, Mark Stone, Chandler Stephenson, and Jack Eichel, the sky is truly the limit for the Golden Knights. Don’t be surprised to see them at the top of the Western Conference again and one of the last teams standing in the playoffs.