There are just a few short days before the start of the NHL 2023-24 season. For every team, the slate is clean, giving every team the freedom to dream about winning the 2024 Stanley Cup. Even the Ottawa Senators have a chance to win the Cup despite not even making the playoffs since 2017. But while the Senators are still a rebuilding team hoping to have a breakout season, who are the serious Stanley Cup contenders this season?
After all, now is the time for fans to consider placing bets on what team they think will lift the Cup next spring. If you’re unsure about where sports betting is legal in the US or Canda, the best platforms to use, or any other questions about sports betting, visit mybettingcanada.com in Canada or usalegalbetting.com in the US and find answers to all of your questions. In the meantime, let’s take a closer look at the top favorites to win the 2024 Stanley Cup.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have become a trendy pick to win the Stanley Cup on the heels of three straight division titles. Rod Bring’Amour was even able to take Carolina to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, making the Hurricanes a team that’s knocking on the door. Carolina added winger Michael Bunting and defenseman Dmitry Orlov over the summer, signing two of the best players on the free-agent market. Those moves made it clear that the Hurricanes are in win-now mode, making them an obvious candidate to push for a Stanley Cup win.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils are something of a wild card this season after a strong finish to their 2022-23 campaign. New Jersey won a playoff series last year for the first time since reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 2012. The Devils doubled down by trading for Tyler Toffoli and signing Timo Meier to a massive eight-year, $70.4 million deal. Those moves show that the Devils are serious about taking the next step and becoming a genuine Stanley Cup contender.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The wait continues for the Maple Leafs, who haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1967. They’ve impressed during the regular season in recent years but haven’t been able to turn that into postseason success. Toronto should be deeper offensively this season after adding Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Dome during the offseason. They also retained some key players and added defenseman John Klingberg. Overall, the Leafs look stronger than a year ago, making them a genuine contender to finally win it all.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche opened as the 2024 Stanley Cup favorites but saw their odds drop after a relatively quiet offseason. However, it was injuries that hindered Colorado’s pursuit of a championship last season, as the Avs lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Kraken. Fortunately, the core of a team that’s won three straight division titles and went to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2022 is still around. If Colorado can stay healthy this season, the Avalanche will have a chance to win the third Stanley Cup in franchise history.
Edmonton Oilers
Any team with Connor McDavid is going to have a chance to win every game it plays. That is keeping the Oilers in the Stanley Cup conversation. However, it remains to be seen if Edmonton’s defensive issues have been improved.
Las Vegas Golden Knights
The reigning champs certainly deserve some recognition, especially since the Knights have been to the Stanley Cup Finals three times in six years. Obviously, it’s never easy to repeat as champions. However, Las Vegas returns large chunks of the same roster, making the Golden Knights a team to watch closely yet again.
