With the 2024-25 NHL season in full swing, hockey fans are already speculating who will win the Stanley Cup this year. Can Carolina’s power play lead to glory? Will Edmonton finally bring the Cup back to Canada? Or could an underdog surprise everyone? The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the top contenders for the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup.
The Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes shocked the league with a blockbuster trade that brought superstar Mikko Rantanen into their lineup mid-season. Coming off back-to-back 100-point seasons, Rantanen is the perfect offensive boost for an already stacked squad. Add Taylor Hall and prospect Nils Juntorp to the mix, and you’ve got a franchise that’s all-in for the Cup.
The Hurricanes have powered through with a balanced approach—mixing stellar offense from Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis with defensive help from Brent Burns. Plus, Pyotr Kochetkov is a wall in the goal. With six playoff appearances in a row and two Eastern Conference Finals during that time, this team knows how to go deep into the postseason.
Potential pitfalls:
The biggest question mark is Frederik Andersen’s health. Sure, he’s a world-class goaltender when he’s in top form, but durability has been an ongoing concern.
Why they’re worth a bet:
With major sportsbooks like FanDuel Sportsbook offering reasonable odds, wagering on them may be worth the risk. A $10 bet could bring you $60 if you believe they’ll win.
The Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton came close to breaking Canada’s curse last season, losing in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final to the Florida Panthers. This year, they’re hungrier than ever, with Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid putting on a clinic night after night. Both are in MVP conversations yet again, and the Oilers’ defensive improvements have made them feel like a complete team rather than a top-heavy offense.
Edmonton boasts a 26-8-2 record since November 8—a league-best. Adding role players like Zach Hyman has added depth to their offensive strategy, making them even harder to stop once the puck drops in the playoffs.
Concerns:
The Oilers’ goaltending remains a possible Achilles’ heel. While their offense is practically unstoppable, one freak injury to McDavid or Draisaitl, and the team could crumble under pressure. Not to mention their defense, which still struggles against teams with lightning-fast offensive setups.
Why they’re worth watching:
The odds for Edmonton are +650. For those who think 2025 will be the year a Canadian team finally wins the Cup again, betting on McDavid and crew seems like the most logical choice.
Washington Capitals
Did anyone expect the Capitals to be THIS dominant this season? While the league seemed fixated on Alex Ovechkin chasing Gretzky’s all-time goal record, Washington has quietly become an airtight team sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings. Logan Thompson has been phenomenal in goal, earning a $35.1 million extension and positioning himself as a Vezina Trophy contender.
Strengths:
The Caps boast elite defense—currently the NHL’s best points percentage—and have been red-hot, riding an eight-game win streak earlier this year. With Dylan Strome, Tom Wilson, and Connor McMichael stepping up offensively, this squad is far from a one-man show.
Weaknesses:
Aging stars like Ovechkin could be a concern. Sure, Ovi’s leadership is invaluable, but injuries and slowing pace might catch up. Their lack of “superstar depth” compared to teams like the Oilers or Hurricanes could hurt if their players didn’t rise to the occasion come playoff time.
Betting value:
At +1700, the Capitals have some of the best futures odds available. A cheeky $10 bet here could lead to a hefty $170 profit.
Winnipeg Jets
Speaking of dark horses, how about the Winnipeg Jets? Led by Connor Hellebuyck, a human brick wall in goal, the Jets are thriving this season. With Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor spearheading a red-hot offense, this team has quietly become one of the Western Conference’s top contenders.
The Jets have one of the league’s top power plays and are believed to be looking for a defenseman before the trade deadline—an addition that could shore up their relatively weak blue line.
Concerns:
Can Winnipeg’s offense keep pace against juggernauts like Edmonton or Carolina when it matters most? Also, their playoff track record has been underwhelming in recent years, so fans are (understandably) a bit skeptical.
Potential Sleepers to Watch
Dallas Stars:
Dallas may not have the firepower of an Edmonton or Carolina, but with a balanced team led by young stars like Jason Robertson and seasoned vets like Joe Pavelski, they’re always in the mix.
Florida Panthers:
The reigning champs won’t go down without a fight. Matthew Tkachuk thrives in high-pressure games, making them a formidable opponent in any playoff series.
Vegas Golden Knights:
Though not as consistent this season, the Knights have the playoff experience to bounce back when it matters.
Colorado Avalanche:
Don’t count out the Colorado Avalanche. With Nathan MacKinnon leading the charge and star defenseman Cale Makar anchoring their blue line, they have a good chance to win the 2025 Stanley Cup.
Who Will Claim the Cup?
Predicting the Stanley Cup winner is never easy, but that’s what makes it so exciting. The Carolina Hurricanes look like strong contenders with their balanced roster and playoff experience, especially if their goaltending holds up.
Meanwhile, Edmonton is powered by the unstoppable forces of McDavid and Draisaitl, and this might finally be the year Canada’s drought ends.
The Capitals are a surprise powerhouse, leveraging elite defense and solid goaltending to make their case, while Winnipeg remains a compelling dark horse led by Connor Hellebuyck’s brilliance.
Then there are the sleepers like Dallas or Florida, who could shock the world if everything falls into place.
Ultimately, it will all come down to health, consistency, and a little playoff magic. No matter who lifts the Cup in June, the postseason is shaping up to be unforgettable, and fans won’t want to miss a second of the action.
