As the NHL offseason draws close, contenders are emerging with updated odds for the 2026 Stanley Cup and last-minute roster changes shaping expectations. With preseason camps on the horizon, front offices work to finalize lineups, and sports betting activity intensifies, especially around the latest odds for top teams. The race to project the season’s favorites has become one of the more engaging stories for fans and analysts alike.
The sports betting market has responded to significant moves, but current trends point toward roster stability and strategic signings as the most impactful factors influencing championship forecasting. While the use of gambling sites—even including gambling sites using crypto—remains part of the ecosystem, the primary focus stays on the field, as team statistics, key acquisitions, and player retention drive the conversation.
Stanley Cup Favorites and Updated Odds
Teams leading the 2026 Stanley Cup odds reflect a blend of last season’s success and offseason improvements. Last season’s champions, the Florida Panthers, rank among the favorites due to their consistent defensive play and tactical roster adjustments. Their goal differential of +38 and 3.23 goals per game outlined a disciplined approach that carried them through a challenging postseason.
The Colorado Avalanche, driven by a league-leading offense, continues to attract attention. Averaging 3.59 goals per game last year, Colorado’s dynamic style and depth across forward lines make them a top pick. Betting odds for both squads, as featured on major sports betting platforms and increasingly on gambling sites using crypto, hover between +900 and +1000, indicating confidence in sustained performance.
Edmonton Oilers remain close behind, propelled by Connor McDavid’s prolific output. His 120-point campaign last season helped Edmonton to the second-best power-play efficiency at 28.7 percent and sustained the club’s contender status. The New York Rangers also benefit from Igor Shesterkin in goal, and the potential of a big bounce-back season, producing odds in a similar range and boosting their profile among gamblers.
Not far behind, the Vegas Golden Knights and Toronto Maple Leafs carry odds outside the principal cluster, around +1300. Both teams offer substantial lineup continuity plus a few targeted changes. Vegas leverages defensive toughness, while Toronto relies on high-end skill but seeks greater postseason consistency after multiple narrow exits.
Kraken’s Approach With Jared McCann
Offseason speculation about Jared McCann’s future in Seattle peaked earlier this summer, but the franchise made its position clear: they continue to count on McCann as a vital piece. Entering his seventh season, McCann remains Seattle’s leading scorer, achieving 33 goals and 66 points over 81 games last year. As a dual-threat winger and center, McCann solidifies the team’s nucleus, primarily as the Kraken aim to strengthen their position within the Pacific Division.
With a $5 million annual cap hit and only 29 years old, McCann represents the asset an expansion team must safeguard. In rejecting rumors of active trade negotiations, Seattle values McCann’s leadership and production. Internal sources stress that any notion of trading McCann stems from outside conjecture, and should the team ever consider an offer, it would demand significant future assets, including a first-round pick and a top prospect.
The Kraken’s steady approach focuses on roster retention and gradual improvement rather than dramatic trades. Their decision to retain McCann reflects an intention to remain competitive while building a more robust supporting cast.
Rossi’s New Contract Caps Summer Trade Rumors
Minnesota finally resolved the Marco Rossi situation by signing him to a three-year, $15 million bridge-deal contract on August 22, 2025. Rossi, only 23, now joins fellow young stars Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy as foundational talents for the Wild. Rossi delivered 18 goals and 42 points last season, demonstrating steady growth and the potential to become a first-line regular.
Early offseason rumors paired Rossi with possible moves to Seattle or Vancouver, often as part of proposals involving established talent or lottery picks. With the signing, those scenarios have ended as Minnesota signals its commitment to developing its young group. The Wild’s strategic direction contrasts with Seattle’s; Minnesota invests in potential, while Seattle banks on securing proven assets.
This formula concludes the offseason’s significant trade speculation, as both clubs affirm their intent. Rossi’s new deal provides Minnesota with a promising nucleus, while the Kraken remain steadfast with McCann as their cornerstone scorer.
Florida Panthers Deepen Roster with Kunin
Florida’s decision to sign Luke Kunin highlights the growing importance of depth in the modern NHL. At 27, Kunin arrives on a league-minimum, one-year deal worth $775,000, following stints with Minnesota, Nashville, San Jose, and Houston. Over 277 career games, Kunin has recorded 48 goals and 51 assists, with a history of excelling in defensive roles and penalty killing.
Coach Paul Maurice and Panthers management believe Kunin’s work ethic, grit, and playoff experience will offset the injuries that hampered their forward lines last spring. The Panthers lost key contributors for significant stretches during the playoffs and struggled to sustain offensive momentum in tight matchups. By adding Kunin, they aim for more balance across all lines, expecting that he will provide stability and flexibility, particularly in high-leverage situations.
Recent playoff history reinforces the necessity of depth. Teams thriving deep into the postseason often showcase star talent and solid contributions from versatile specialists. If Kunin integrates as planned, his presence could prove crucial in matchup adjustments and penalty kill scenarios as the Panthers defend their title and pursue another deep run.
A Season Poised for Shifts
With top contenders set and updated odds continuing to dominate conversation across sports betting platforms, including gambling sites using crypto, teams now focus on final preparations ahead of camp. The Panthers, Avalanche, Oilers, and Rangers face high expectations, and their depth moves and roster strategies could be decisive in the coming campaign. Although much can and will change as the season unfolds, tactical signings and targeted retention have set the stage for an open race toward the Cup.
As fans and analysts await further developments, the competitive balance remains intact, and the possibilities for movement this season appear wide open. With established favorites battling both familiar and rising challengers, strategic adaptations rather than bombastic moves may define this year’s narrative.
