2024-25 NHL Conference Winner Odds and Predictions

It feels like the 2023-24 NHL season only recently ended, but we’re already looking ahead to the upcoming 2024-25 campaign. The Florida Panthers will look to defend the franchise’s first-ever Stanley Cup title. Florida managed to win the Cup in 7 games over the Edmonton Oilers after initially squandering a 3-0 series lead back in June.

The Panthers are looking to become the first team since their intrastate rivals – the Tampa Bay Lightning – to win back-to-back Stanley Cup titles. Tampa Bay accomplished the feat in 2020 and 2021. Florida has won consecutive Eastern Conference titles, and they’re favored to represent the conference in the championship round yet again this season.

Out West, the Edmonton Oilers check in as the favorites after coming painstakingly close to winning it all a season ago. Edmonton is arguably the most star-heavy team in the sport, so it’s hardly a surprise to see the Oilers again ranked among the preseason favorites.

Which teams are the best bets to win the NHL conferences in 2024-25? Let’s take a gander at the updated NHL betting odds for each conference.

2024-25 NHL Eastern Conference Odds

Florida Panthers (+550)

The Florida Panthers enter the 2024-25 season as the favorite to win the Eastern Conference with odds of +550. It’s been a long road, but the Panthers finally reached the peak by winning the Stanley Cup for the first time last season.

What sets the Panthers apart is their combination of high-end talent and gritty depth players who excel in the physicality of playoff hockey. Matthew Tkachuk – arguably one of the most complete wingers in the game – is the heartbeat of this team. His ability to contribute in every area – scoring, playmaking, and physical play – will again be crucial to their success. Add to this the consistent two-way play of Aleksander Barkov, and Florida has a lethal 1-2 punch on offense.

The champs have taken some hits this summer, however, with Ryan Lomberg, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Brandon Montour all skipping town in free agency. Florida crucially retained Sam Reinhart on a team-friendly new deal, however. The former No. 2 overall pick scored the decisive goal in Game 7 of the Cup Finals, and the Panthers rewarded him with a lucrative eight-year, $69 million pact.

Florida’s playoff success will largely depend on the health and form of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Bobrovsky was outstanding in their playoff run last season but has historically struggled with consistency. If he can carry over his elite form, the Panthers will have a legitimate chance to not only win the Eastern Conference but also make a push for another Cup. Bobrovsky was lights-out during the postseason last year.

Toronto Maple Leafs (+650)

As one of the NHL’s most storied franchises, the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to be a Cup challenger with odds of +650 to win the Eastern Conference. The Leafs have consistently been near the top of the standings in recent years, largely due to their star-studded forward group. Auston Matthews, the two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner, is among the league’s elite goal scorers, and Mitch Marner provides dynamic playmaking that creates endless offensive opportunities. However, questions remain about whether this core can finally break through in the postseason, where Toronto has repeatedly faltered in the playoffs despite regular-season dominance.

The 2023-24 campaign was no exception. Toronto lost a seven-game heartbreaker of a first-round series to the Bruins after a solid 46-26-10 regular season. Despite having qualified for postseason play in each of the last eight seasons, the Leafs still haven’t won the Eastern Conference since 1967!

Matthews put pen to paper on the richest per-year contract in NHL history this offseason. The Maple Leafs signed their star player to a four-year deal worth $53 million. The American won the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Awards after posting 60 goals two seasons ago, and the deal kept him from hitting the open market as a free agent for the first time.

There were rumors that Toronto could look to blow things up after yet another shortcoming, but that hasn’t happened yet. Matthews can’t do it all himself, and the Leafs did nothing this summer to address their lack of goal-scoring depth. Perhaps the addition of former Dallas Star Chris Tanev can help to fortify the defense, but he’ll turn 35 in December.

The Leafs addressed some of their depth concerns in the offseason, adding toughness and defensive-minded forwards to balance out their high-octane offense. The defense, led by Morgan Rielly, remains solid but not elite, meaning goaltending will play a critical role in their success. Ilya Samsonov and young up-and-comer Joseph Woll will share the crease, and their performance will be under the microscope if the Leafs again enter the playoffs with high expectations.

Carolina Hurricanes (+650)

At +650 to win the conference, the Carolina Hurricanes continue to be one of the East’s most well-rounded and disciplined teams. Head coach Rod Brind’Amour has built a culture of hard work, responsibility, and accountability, which has translated into consistent success on the ice.

Carolina has boasted one of the deepest defensive units in the league in recent years, but they’ve lost some talent this offseason. Brett Pesce and Teuvo Terevainen left in free agency, while Jake Guentzel is now in Tampa Bay after the ‘Canes failed to come to terms on a new deal with him. Carolina acquired Sean Walker and Shayne Gostisbehere to try and fortify the defense, but both will struggle to fill the void left by Pesce.

The team is also running the risk of losing Seth Jarvis and Martin Necas if they don’t get new deals soon.

On the offensive side, Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov lead the charge. Both players have the ability to dominate games, and with Carolina’s well-balanced attack, opposing teams often struggle to contain them for a full 60 minutes. These two combined to contribute 142 points last season, with Aho leading the team in both goals (36) and assists (53).

One of the Hurricanes’ strengths is their ability to roll four strong lines, creating mismatches against less deep teams. The big question for the Hurricanes will be in net. While Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta form a competent tandem, health issues have plagued them in the past. If they can remain healthy, Carolina is well-positioned to make a deep run in the playoffs.

New Jersey Devils (+650)

The New Jersey Devils are one of the most exciting up-and-coming teams in the league, reflected in their +650 odds to win the Eastern Conference. The 2022-23 season was a breakout year for the Devils, as they finally capitalized on years of rebuilding efforts. Unfortunately, they quickly took a step back and failed to make the playoffs altogether last term. Injuries largely derailed their efforts, but they’re listed among the Eastern Conference favorites again this summer.

The team is led by young stars Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, and Nico Hischier, alll of whom have taken their games to another level in recent years. Hughes, in particular, has blossomed into one of the NHL’s elite playmakers, combining speed, creativity, and vision to overwhelm defenses. He was limited to just 62 games last year due to injury, yet still managed to contribute 74 points. His continued growth and ability to stay on the ice will be crucial to New Jersey’s hopes of winning the conference and making a deeper playoff push.

Part of New Jersey’s massive step back last season was their lackluster goaltending. The Devils yielded 283 goals last year, which was the third-worst mark in the Eastern Conference. They’ve hopefully addressed that glaring need this offseason, however, with the addition of veteran Jacob Markstrom via trade from Calgary. The Devils also plucked Pesce away from the Hurricanes, which will be a boost to their defense in front of Markstrom.

New Jersey’s defense – anchored by Hamilton – provides a solid foundation, but the team’s success may ultimately come down to their goaltending. If healthy, the Devils look like one of the most balanced teams in the East. Health is always a question mark, but I’m bullish on this team at +650 to win the East.

Boston Bruins (+900)

The Boston Bruins enter the 2024-25 season with odds of +900 to win the Eastern Conference, reflecting a drop in expectations. Boston posted record-breaking 2022-23 regular season that ended in a stunning first-round playoff exit at the hands of Florida. The Bruins won 18 fewer games in 2023-24, yet managed to escape the first round before losing – again to the Panthers – in the second round of the playoffs.

The loss of long-time captain Patrice Bergeron to retirement was a significant blow to Boston, both on and off the ice. This offseason, though, they’ve worked to address some weaknesses. Elias Lindholm is here to help with a shallow center position, while Nikita Zadorov was signed to boost the defense. It’s just hard to get too excited about Boston’s center trio of Lindholm, Charlie Coyle, and Pavel Zacha when compared to some of the league’s other top teams.

Boston also traded goalie Linus Ullmark to Ottawa. Joonas Korpisalo – the key player coming back from the Senators in the deal – is a clear downgrade at the position.

Needless to say, this just isn’t the same team we saw cruise to 65 wins a couple of years ago. Anything can happen, but this version of the Bruins looks like an easy fade, even at the long +900 odds.

Eastern Conference Best Value Bets

The following Eastern Conference teams offer betting value based on their current odds and talented rosters:

Carolina Hurricanes (+650)

The Carolina Hurricanes offer great value at +650. They have one of the deepest rosters in the league and a well-versed system under Rod Brind’Amour. With consistent playoff appearances in recent years and one of the best defensive cores in the NHL, Carolina is poised to make a serious run at the Eastern Conference title. Their disciplined style of play, combined with the star power of players like Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov, makes them an excellent value bet.

New Jersey Devils (+650)

Another high-value bet at +650 is the New Jersey Devils. They are a young, promising team with significant upside. Led by stars like Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, the Devils’ speed and offensive firepower make them one of the most exciting teams in the league.

If their goaltending holds up and their young players continue to progress, New Jersey has the potential to outplay these odds, especially in a conference where many top teams have question marks.

Detroit Red Wings (+2000)

For a long shot with considerable upside, the Detroit Red Wings at +2000 present strong value. The Red Wings have been in a rebuild for several years, but they’ve accumulated an exciting mix of young talent and veteran leadership. With Dylan Larkin leading the charge and the development of their young core, Detroit could be a surprise team in the Eastern Conference. Though they are still hefty underdogs, the Wings’ +2000 odds provide a high-reward bet if their rebuild accelerates and they break through to the playoffs.

2024-25 NHL Eastern Conference Predictions

The Carolina Hurricanes (+650) and New Jersey Devils (+650) are undervalued relative to the favorites thanks to their talent and depth. If I’m only betting on one of them, give me the Devils.

Bet: New Jersey Devils (+650)

2024-25 NHL Western Conference Odds

Edmonton Oilers (+350)

The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2024-25 season as the favorites to win the Western Conference with odds of +350, thanks in large part to their two generational talents, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid – the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner – is coming off another historic season, while Draisaitl remains a dominant force in his own right.

With these two superstars leading the charge, Edmonton’s offensive firepower is unmatched in the NHL. McDavid is the best player in the sport by some distance, and he’d be a surefire Hall of Famer even if he retired today at the age of 27. While he scored just half as many goals in 2023-24 (32) as he did in 2022-23, the Ontario native also managed to lead the league with 100 assists. For good measure, he added 8 goals and 34 assists during the Oilers’ magical run to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they ultimately fell at the hands of the Panthers despite staging an epic comeback.

Edmonton has largely stood pat this summer. Can you blame them? The team took off after replacing Jay Woodcroft with Kris Knoblauch, and it’s likely just a matter of time until this core lifts the Cup. All they’ve really done is add veteran wingers Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner on team-friendly deals.

While Edmonton’s offense is virtually unstoppable, their success in the playoffs will hinge on improvements in other areas, particularly defense and goaltending. The Oilers addressed some of their defensive weaknesses by adding depth to the blue line, but questions remain in goal. Stuart Skinner emerged as the starter a couple of years ago, but he is still relatively unproven at the highest level. If Edmonton can receive consistent goaltending and tighten up defensively, they have the talent to go all the way after falling just short in 2023-24.

Dallas Stars (+550)

The Dallas Stars come into the 2024-25 season with strong +550 odds to win the Western Conference, largely due to their balanced roster that combines veteran leadership with emerging young talent. The Stars have one of the most dynamic top lines in the league, led by Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, and a potential young superstar in Wyatt Johnston.

Robertson, in particular, has established himself as a top-tier winger over the past few years. The Michigan native has a total of 116 goals with 153 assists over the last three seasons combined. Hintz complements Robertson with his excellent two-way game, while Johnston broke out in a big way last year with 32 goals and 33 helpers across 82 games. His continued development should help offset the loss of veteran Joe Pavelski, who retired this offseason.

One of Dallas’ biggest strengths is their defensive unit, which is anchored by Miro Heiskanen. Heiskanen’s elite skating and puck-moving ability make him one of the NHL’s premier defensemen, capable of shutting down top forwards while contributing offensively.

Goaltender Jake Oettinger also proved himself as one of the league’s rising stars last season, and he’s been instrumental in the Stars making a couple of deep playoff runs in recent years. Dallas came up just shy of a second Western Conference title in three seasons with their loss at the hands of Edmonton in last season’s Western Conference Finals. At +550, this team looks like a fantastic value to represent the conference in the Stanley Cup Finals again in 2025.

Colorado Avalanche (+650)

The Colorado Avalanche are a perennial powerhouse in the Western Conference, entering the 2024-25 season with +650 odds to win the conference. Led by reigning Hart Trophy winner Nathan MacKinnon and former Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar, the Avalanche are one of the most dangerous teams in the league when healthy.

MacKinnon – who was eclipsed this summer by Auston Matthews as the league’s highest-paid player on an annual basis – posted career-highs in both goals (51) and assists (89) en route to his first career MVP trophy last year. Makar’s game-changing talent from the blue line adds an extra dimension to Colorado’s attack. The Avalanche typically dominate possession and generate offense from all areas of the ice, which makes them a championship contender year after year.

However, Colorado’s Achilles heel has been staying healthy. Gabriel Landeskog missed the entire 2023-24 campaign with a knee injury, but he’s expected to be healthy by opening night. If Landeskog returns to full form and the team can major injurie, the Avalanche have the depth and skill to go all the way.

Colorado’s goaltending – with Alexandar Georgiev between the pipe – has also been a strength, but consistency will be a factor. We’re getting the Avalanche at +650 to win the conference, which is alluring for a team that just won the Cup a couple of years ago.

Nashville Predators (+850)

The Nashville Predators have positioned themselves as a sleeper team in the West with +850 odds to win the conference.

After several seasons of being stuck in the middle of the pack, Nashville is looking to take a big step forward this year. The Preds have made the playoffs in nine of the last 10 seasons, but they’re still in search of their first Stanley Cup championship.

The team is anchored by Roman Josi, one of the most skilled defensemen in the league, who consistently leads the Predators in ice time and point production. Josi racked up 62 assists last season, which ranked tied for 12th in the NHL and fifth among defensemen.

Nashville finished fourth in the Central Division last season and ultimately fell in six games to the Canucks in the first round of the playoffs. In an attempt to bolster their hopes, Nashville has had the best offseason of any team. The Predators have acquired Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei in free agency. Goaltender Juuse Saros also inked a long-term deal to stick around. The Preds had a ton of cap space available this summer, and they’ve used it incredibly well.

Will the team gel quickly enough to live up to the newly massive expectations? Time will tell, but this looks like one of the most improved teams in hockey on paper.

Vegas Golden Knights (+850)

The Vegas Golden Knights are once again considered strong contenders in the Western Conference with +850 odds. This team is just two years removed from its first-ever Stanley Cup title, but they’ve lost talent this summer. In addition to Marchessault heading to Nashville, the Golden Knights also traded Logan Thompson to Washington.

Vegas proved last season that they are still one of the NHL’s elite teams, with a well-balanced roster that excels in all phases of the game. Mark Stone’s return from injury was a catalyst for their postseason success two years ago, as his leadership and defensive prowess set the tone for the team. Alongside Stone, Jack Eichel has finally lived up to his potential during the playoffs. The former Buffalo Sabre scored 31 goals last season, which was his highest tally since putting 36 into the net during the 2019-20 campaign.

Vegas’ defense is another major strength, with Alex Pietrangelo and Shea Theodore anchoring the blue line. The Golden Knights’ depth throughout the lineup was a key factor in their championship run in 2023, and they will rely on that same depth to compete for another title. Losing Marchessault is huge, though, and they haven’t yet done anything to replace the 42 goals and 27 assists he contributed last season.

Western Conference Best Value Bets

The following Western Conference teams offer betting value based on their current odds and talented rosters:

Los Angeles Kings (+1000)

The Los Angeles Kings grade out as a solid flier at +1000 to win the Western Conference. The Kings are a team on the rise, with a solid mix of experienced veterans like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, and emerging young stars like Quinton Byfield and Arthur Kaliyev.

LA dumped the woeful Pierre-Luc Dubois contract onto the Capitals, who sent goaltender Darcy Kuemper back to the Kings. They’re banking on a change of scenery helping Kuemper round back into form, which is a big question mark moving forward. If Kuemper does rise to the occasion, the Kings could be undervalued at +1000.

Minnesota Wild (+1800)

For a sleeper pick, the Minnesota Wild at +1800 offer high potential for strong returns. The Wild have been competitive in recent seasons and have a well-rounded team led by Kirill Kaprizov, who is one of the league’s most dynamic scorers.

Their defense is also solid, and if goaltending remains consistent, the Wild could outperform these longer odds. Minnesota is known for being a hard-working, defensively sound team, and if they can improve their offense around Kaprizov, they could make a surprise deep playoff run, offering significant value to bettors.

2024-25 NHL Western Conference Predictions

The Los Angeles Kings are potentially undervalued at +1000, but they’re a long shot. My favorite overall bet on the board is Dallas, even as second-favorites at +550. I can’t get past their combination of depth and terrific high-end talent everywhere on the ice.

Bet: Los Angeles Kings (+1000)