Being the early frontrunner isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, with only two preseason Stanley Cup favourites winning it all since 2015.
While that’s not quite as bleak as the success rate of Presidents’ Trophy winners, the last of which to win the Cup was the Chicago Blackhawks in 2013, it doesn’t provide much confidence in backing the early favourite.
So, who was the Stanley Cup favourite before the 2025-26 season, and are they still in contention?
2026 Opening Stanley Cup Odds
With hockey odds of +650 at the BetMGM online sportsbook, the Edmonton Oilers were the preseason favourite to win the Stanley Cup.
The Stanley Cup champion from the previous two seasons, the Florida Panthers, had the second-shortest Stanley Cup odds before the season started despite confirmation of captain Aleksander Barkov’s season-ending injury.
With +800 odds, the Colorado Avalanche were the team with the shortest odds that is still in contention to win it all.
They traded just ahead of the Dallas Stars (+850) and the Carolina Hurricanes (+900).
Last Time Best Regular Season Team Won the Stanley Cup
The Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2013, the last time a Presidents’ Trophy winner did so.
When Is the Stanley Cup Final in 2026?
The 2026 Stanley Cup Final will take place in early June. The starting date is confirmed later in the playoffs, usually during the conference finals.
Which Team Was Preseason Favourite to Win the Eastern Conference
The Panthers were the preseason favourite to win the Eastern Conference, with odds of +325.
Which Team Was Preseason Favourite to Win the Western Conference
The Oilers were the preseason favourite to win the Western Conference, with odds of +325.
When Was the Last Time a Preseason Favourite Won the Stanley Cup?
The Avalanche in 2022 were the last preseason favourite to win the Stanley Cup.
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