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Hurricanes, Panthers and Avalanche Lead Split Stanley Cup Market
Carolina enters as defending champion, but Florida’s trade boost and Colorado’s returning core have sportsbooks divided on the title favorite.
By OddsListing wire desk
· 2 min read
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No clear favorite at the top
The Stanley Cup futures market opens the 2026-27 NHL season with Carolina, Florida and Colorado leading the field, though their order depends on the sportsbook. DraftKings lists the Hurricanes and Panthers together at +650, followed by the Avalanche at +700. Florida holds the outright lead at BetMGM and FanDuel at +650, while Caesars favors Colorado at +600. Carolina returns much of its championship roster, yet some books place the defending champion third with odds reaching +800. Relatively modest public betting interest has given bookmakers room to offer a longer price on the Hurricanes.
Florida trade reshapes the board
Florida began at 11-1 after winning the Cup in 2024 and 2025. Its price shortened sharply following the acquisition of Brady Tkachuk from Ottawa, with wagers arriving both before and after the deal. That combination of early bets at longer odds and continued support has left several sportsbooks exposed to a Panthers championship payout. Colorado also has substantial backing. The reigning Presidents Trophy winner has drawn 14% of Stanley Cup money at DraftKings, the second-largest share, and leads BetMGM in ticket share at 9.4%. Its largely intact core helps explain its position atop the Caesars board.
Longer shots draw attention
Washington has moved from 50-1 to 17-1 at DraftKings, where it accounts for 5% of the money. Interest centers on the possibility of another championship run for Alex Ovechkin before retirement. San Jose, listed at 35-1, has attracted support alongside Macklin Celebrini’s Hart Trophy candidacy at +450. Toronto is another popular option at 25-1 as Gavin McKenna, the 2026 No. 1 draft pick, joins its roster. For sportsbooks carrying Florida liability, further wagers on those longer-priced contenders could help balance the market.
Analysis, not a wagering instruction. Confirm every number on the sportsbook. 21+.
