The 2024-25 NHL season is underway, and oddsmakers once again think the Edmonton Oilers and defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers have a good chance to win it all. Last season’s Stanley Cup finalists are the two top favorites to hoist the Cup this season, but there are some surprises in other NHL betting markets.
From odds on every NHL game to futures and player props and more, there’s no shortage of ways to bet on hockey. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the most intriguing options from top NHL betting sites.
NHL key markets for 2024-25
Stanley Cup odds
Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers +900 on FanDuel
The Oilers won the Western Conference last season before losing the Stanley Cup in seven games following a valiant comeback effort. The team returns its core group from that squad, with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way. Edmonton stumbled to start the season for a second year in a row, but this is still a talented group that has shown the ability to pull it together later in the season.
Florida Panthers Florida Panthers +650 on DraftKings
The Panthers are coming off a Stanley Cup championship that capped an excellent postseason run. Matthew Tkachuck leads another strong squad this year, though captain Aleksander Barkov put a scare into the team after going down hard trying to prevent an empty-net goal on Thursday. Barkov’s injury isn’t as serious as feared, but he will likely miss some time early in the season.
Dallas Stars Dallas Stars +700 on BetRivers
The Stars finished first in the Western Conference last season, winning the Central Division before losing in a six-game Western Conference final. This is a team that’s seen incremental improvement from season to season but has struggled to get over the hump and into the Stanley Cup Finals despite some strong playoff showings.
New Jersey Devils New Jersey Devils +3500 on Bet365
The Devils are coming off a disappointing season in which the team missed the playoffs just one year after putting together some surprising postseason performances. Some of those struggles were written off as a consequence of having such a young team, but the pressure will be on Jack Hughes and company to live up to their potential and deliver this year.
Colorado Avalanche Colorado Avalanche +1000 on DraftKings
With a talented squad that includes superstars like Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen, the Avalanche can never be counted out. Still, this team has underperformed ever since winning the Cup in 2022. This could be the last best shot for the current lineup to maximize all the ability and experience that’s packed into this room.
Hart Trophy winner
Connor McDavid Connor McDavid +15000 on Bet365
The three-time winner is a favorite to win the NHL’s version of the regular season MVP any time he laces up his skates. When he’s on, McDavid can single-handedly take over a game. This year, he comes in with a major chip on his shoulder after last season’s loss in the finals.
Nathan MacKinnon Nathan MacKinnon +400 on Bet365
The reigning Hart Trophy winner is still a game-changing superstar whom other teams have to account for at all times. He finally won the trophy last season after several finalist nominations. No player has won it in back-to-back years since Alex Ovechkin in 2008 and 2009.
Auston Matthews Auston Matthews +50000 on BetRivers
Always one of the league’s best goalscorers, Matthews has already won more individual awards than any player in Toronto Maple Leafs history. He came up just shy of the 70-goal mark last season and is among the Hart Trophy favorites again after last winning the award in 2022.
Jack Hughes Jack Hughes +15000 on BetMGM
The 23-year-old Hughes dealt with injuries last season and finished eighth in Hart Trophy voting the season before. If he can stay healthy, and if the Devils can remain in contention, he should at least be in consideration for the award this year.
Vezina Trophy winner
Igor Shesterkin Igor Shesterkin +30000 on BetRivers
The 2022 winner of the NHL’s top goaltender award, he’s still a key piece of the puzzle for the New York Rangers. He has a particular knack for turning it on in the postseason, but any time he finds his groove, he’s tough to score on.
Connor Hellebuyck Connor Hellebuyck -20000
After winning his second Vezina Trophy last season, the Winnipeg Jets net-minder now hopes to become the first goalie since Martin Brodeur to claim consecutive awards.
Jeremy Swayman Jeremy Swayman +25000 on BetRivers
The Boston Bruins made a big financial commitment to making Swayman their no. 1 goaltender, and with good reason. He was a rock in net all season and had an excellent showing in the playoffs. It’s entirely possible that this could be his year to take home the trophy.
Jacob Markstrom Jacob Markstrom +25000 on BetRivers
The 34-year-old was a key offseason acquisition for the Devils, who made finding a top goaltender a main priority after a disappointing season. He’ll have a lot of attention on him this year, but he’s already shown plenty of ability to make incredible saves in big moments.
