With training camps beginning for all 32 teams, that means we’re getting closer to the start of the 2023-24 NHL season. It’s that time of year when we start trying to group the contenders with the non-contenders for the upcoming campaign. Back in June, the Vegas Golden Knights won their first Stanley Cup and now just three short months later, we’re asking if they can repeat going into the season. A triple-header opens up the regular season in just under three weeks on October 10th as the marathon to the most prestigious trophy in all of sports begins.
Bets Odds to Win 2023-24 Stanley Cup
Colorado Avalanche (+850)
For the third consecutive season, the Colorado Avalanche open up as the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. They have one of the best rosters in the NHL, led by superstar forward Nathan MacKinnon and superstar defenseman Cale Makar. Colorado also made two early splashes on the trade market, acquiring centers Ross Colton (from TBL) and Ryan Johansen (from NSH).
They signed and re-signed the necessary pieces to contend but just when we thought they were done, they signed forward Thomas Tatar just days away from the start of training camp. The Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2022 when they were favorites heading into the season. Now just a year removed from that, they look to recapture that again as favorites.
Carolina Hurricanes (+950)
Right behind Colorado is the Carolina Hurricanes, who finally look to get over the hump this season. They finished first in the division for three years in a row and had well over 100 points in each of the last two, including a trip to the Eastern Conference Final last season. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, they got swept by the Florida Panthers in that series.
Carolina looks to change the narrative surrounding them that they fold in the spotlight as they had a busy offseason re-signing key members like Jordan Staal and Jesper Fast, including signing Sebastian Aho to a huge eight-year extension. They also re-signed goaltenders Frederik Anderson and Antti Raanta. the Hurricanes also were busy in the free agent market, making some nice acquisitions like Michael Bunting and a pair of defensemen in Tony DeAngelo and the biggest free agent at the position, Dmitry Orlov. Carolina certainly has the pieces to make noise and the odds suggest that.
Edmonton Oilers (+1100)
The Edmonton Oilers didn’t make much noise in the way of additions OR subtractions this offseason. Their biggest loss was Nick Bjugstad in free agency but countered that and signed Connor Brown, who is coming off an ACL injury but had 29 points in just 64 games played in 2021-22. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way again, the offense that led the league in goals per game last season should see similar results.
They feel great about Stuart Skinner between the pipes again, getting better as each season progresses. With that being said, even with the two best players in the world, the Oilers haven’t been able to make much noise in the playoffs. In their playoff appearances over the last four seasons, they’ve made the conference finals once and got swept. With back-to-back 100-point seasons, the Oilers look to be on the rise as a true contender and finally get McDavid and Draisaitl their Stanley Cup.
Toronto Maple Leafs (+1100)
For the first time in almost two decades, the Toronto Maple Leafs finally made it past the first round after defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. What did they do after that? Got swept in the second round by the Panthers.
The Maple Leafs lost some talent in free agency but made a few good signings with Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, and John Klingberg. They also still have their core on offense on Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares. While getting past the first round was a big accomplishment, this group still came up short of Stanley Cup aspirations yet again. Toronto comes into this season with those same aspirations so we’ll see if they can FINALLY do something with it. They certainly have the talent on this roster to do so, but that’s been said in the past as well.
New Jersey Devils (+1100)
For only the second time in 11 years, the New Jersey Devils made the playoffs in 2023 after an outstanding 112-point season that resulted in a second-round appearance. This came after only having 63 points in 2022. We knew the Devils were headed in the right direction but last season may have suggested that they were ahead of schedule. Now they come into 2023 having one of the best offseasons in the league, setting themselves up as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
They re-signed Jesper Bratt and their in-season acquisition Timo Meier to long-term deals as well as making a big trade for Tyler Toffoli. This on top of already having star players such as Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier under long-term deals. The Devils retained impact players and added depth where it was needed. This offense can be one of the best in the league yet again, maybe even better than last year.
Next Best Odds:
Vegas Golden Knights (+1300)
Dallas Stars (+1400)
Boston Bruins (+1500)
Tampa Bay Lightning (+1500)
New York Rangers (+1800)
Los Angeles Kings (+2000)
Florida Panthers (+2000)
Pittsburgh Penguins (+2200)
Main Image: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
