As the 2025 NHL playoffs enter the Conference Finals stage, the odds for winning the Stanley Cup have shifted significantly. The Western Conference Final features the Dallas Stars squaring off against the Edmonton Oilers, while the Eastern Conference Final pits the defending champion Florida Panthers against the Carolina Hurricanes. Game 1 of the Panthers-Hurricanes series is scheduled for Tuesday, with Game 1 of the Oilers-Stars series following on Wednesday.
With just four teams remaining in contention, oddsmakers at BetMGM have released updated Stanley Cup odds. SportsLine expert Jimmie Kaylor has analyzed these latest betting trends and futures odds from BetMGM to provide his top predictions for both the ultimate Stanley Cup winner and the recipient of the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Kaylor boasts a strong track record, notably predicting Nathan MacKinnon as the first goal scorer (a 13-1 payout) and the game finishing under 5.5 goals in the recent 4 Nations Face-Off Final (which Canada won 3-2). More recently, he achieved a roughly 7-1 payout with a five-leg same-game parlay for the Avalanche vs. Red Wings game and secured nearly a 13-1 payout on a five-leg NHL parlay on the final night of the regular season.
Having thoroughly reviewed the latest NHL odds from BetMGM, Kaylor has finalized his top futures bets for the Stanley Cup and individual player awards. Additional picks for every NHL playoff game from Kaylor, other experts, and a proven computer simulation model are available at SportsLine.
2025 NHL Stanley Cup Odds (Updated 5/19 at BetMGM)
| Team | Current Odds | Opening Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Carolina Hurricanes | +300 | +1100 |
| Dallas Stars | +275 | +1000 |
| Florida Panthers | +250 | +900 |
| Edmonton Oilers | +240 | +1000 |
Betting Trends Highlights
Based on ticket and handle percentages:
- Highest Ticket %: Maple Leafs 11.4%, Avalanche 10.4%, Capitals 8.2%
- Highest Handle %: Maple Leafs 12.8%, Avalanche 11.1%, Golden Knights 8.4%
- Biggest Liabilities: Maple Leafs, Avalanche, Capitals
Kaylor`s original pick for the Stanley Cup winner was the team that would emerge victorious from the first-round series between the Stars and Avalanche. The Stars ultimately won that series and then swept through the Winnipeg Jets in the second round. While Dallas faces the significant challenge of containing superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Kaylor highlights the Stars` considerable depth and overall team balance. In the Eastern Conference, his prediction remains the Florida Panthers advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.
Best Bet: Dallas Stars +275 (placed May 18)
2025 NHL Conn Smythe Trophy Odds (Updated 5/19 at BetMGM)
| Player | Current Odds | Opening Odds (1st Round) |
|---|---|---|
| Leon Draisaitl | +1100 | +2200 |
| Sergei Bobrovsky | +800 | +3000 |
| Frederik Andersen | +550 | +10000 |
| Mikko Rantanen | +400 | +3500 |
| Connor McDavid | +350 | +1300 |
Kaylor notes that while Connor McDavid impressively won the award last year despite his team losing the Final, this is a rare occurrence unlikely to repeat in 2025. Therefore, his strategy for the Conn Smythe is to pick a top contender for the award from the team he predicts will ultimately win the Stanley Cup. Given his bet on the Dallas Stars winning the championship, his best bet for the Conn Smythe Trophy is Stars winger Mikko Rantanen.
Best Bet: Mikko Rantanen +400 (Placed May 19)
Sleeper Pick: Sergei Bobrovsky (+800)
More NHL Playoff Picks
For additional expert analysis and picks for the NHL Playoffs, SportsLine expert Matt Severance holds an impressive 146-70-8 record (+4024) on his NHL selections. Visit SportsLine to access all his NHL picks.
Torin Vale