Early Stanley Cup 2026 Odds

The Florida Panthers dynasty in the NHL continued in 2025, as the team celebrated a second straight Stanley Cup honor under Paul Maurice.

The success will once again make them the team to beat when the 2025-26 regular season gets underway later this year. However, which team could be best prepared to lay down a challenge to the two-time defending champions? You can find the early Stanley Cup 2026 odds here.

Early Stanley Cup 2026 Odds

When Does The 2025-26 NHL Season Start?

The upcoming NHL season will get underway on October 7, 2025, with the campaign running until the middle of June.

There are a few new aspects for fans to get their heads around this year, including the fact that there will be a mid-season break in February due to the 2026 Winter Olympics.

 This season will also see the first campaign that the Utah Hockey Club will play under their rebranded name as the Mammoth.

Who Are The Stanley Cup 2026 Contenders?

Florida Panthers

It would be hard to start anywhere else when considering the outright Stanley Cup winners other than the two-time defending champions.

The Florida Panthers overcame potential issues throughout the recent final against the Edmonton Oilers to win the series in six. Their crowning moment came on home ice in game six, with Sam Reinhart netting four times.

But, winning three Stanley Cups in a row would see them join the plethora of greats.

Edmonton Oilers

Could it be third time lucky for the Edmonton Oilers in 2026? The Oilers have suffered heartbreaking defeats in each of the last two finals, and they likely would have been disappointed to fall in six games this year.

However, they always appeared to be a step behind the Panthers in the final, and always looked to be playing at the highest level whereas Florida had more to give. It could be argued that 2025 was their best chance.

Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars will be a fascinating prospect in 2025-26. Glen Gulutzan has taken over the coaching responsibilities after replacing Peter DeBoer, who was fired following their elimination in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Gulutzan coached Dallas between 2011 and 2013, but achieved notable success with the Oilers as an assistant in recent times. How he adjusts to life back in Dallas will be integral to their chances of playoff success in 2026.