NHL Power Rankings Offer Some Value in Stanley Cup Futures Betting

As the NHL nears the halfway point, a look at the top teams in the league may offer bettors some insight on who might end the season as the Stanley Cup champions.

Matching those futures odds with a look at some of the top teams in Hockey News’ final NHL power rankings for the year may point to some value. Here’s a quick look at some teams to watch out for in the New Year for your NHL betting.

1 – Colorado Avalanche +340 (24-2-7)

The Avs sit first in the latest edition of the power rankings and have been virtually unstoppable. Amazingly, the team has only two regular-season losses.

Nate McKinnon has played a huge part in that and leads the league in scoring with 58 points. Despite the massive start, Colorado sits 27th in the power play. The Avalanche are the betting favorite to win the Cup.

2 – Dallas Stars +1400 (22-7-5)

The Stars have been to three straight Western Conference Finals and are looking for a repeat performance. Bookmakers aren’t giving as much respect as Colorado, but this team has been hot despite injuries.

The addition of Miko Rantanen (30 assists, 14 goals) has been huge. He may be the superstar that the Stars need to reach another level. Jason Roberston and Wyatt Johnston are also having huge scoring years. Dallas has also been dominating on the power play.

3 – Minnesota Wild +3300 (20-9-5)

The Wild have been tough customers and added significantly by trading for Quinn Hughes from the Boston Bruins. The superstar defenseman is expected to bolster a squad that sits third in the Western Conference Central division behind Colorado and Dallas.

Goalkeeper Filip Gustavsson has been solid and rookie Jesper Wallstedt has also been part of the team’s success, posting a league-leading 1.95 goals against average.

4 – Carolina Hurricanes +850 (21-9-2)

The Hurricanes lost in the Eastern Conference Finals last season and are putting together another nice year. Carolina leads the Metropolitan divisions and has more points in the standings than any other team in the conference.

Brandon Bussi has been exceptional in goal and the Canes are one of the top offensive teams in the league. Look for another nice playoff run.

5 – Vegas Golden Knights +850 (16-6-9)

The Knights are once again putting things together for a nice run. The team won the Stanley Cup in 2023, but just haven’t found the playoff magic over the last two seasons.

That could change this year. Jack Eichel is off to a nice start with 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists). Akira Schmid has filled in behind the pipes well while Adin Smith is out with an injury.

Other Teams to Watch

When looking at Stanley Cup futures betting, a few other teams stand out. Tampa Bay sits right behind the Avalanche at +700. The Florida Panthers, winners of the last two Cups, also sit in the top five at +900.

Both teams have struggled recently and the Panthers wouldn’t be in if the playoffs started today. The Oilers are just behind the Panthers at+1300 and are really heating up and won an offensive showdown with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.

The Oilers have been to the last two Stanley Cup Finals and Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are once again among the league leaders in scoring. Don’t count the Oilers out.