2025 Stanley Cup Predictions and Playoff Odds

The 2025 NHL Playoffs are well underway, and the Stanley Cup odds have significantly changed in just the first few days. The Colorado Avalanche, led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, impressed with a 5-1 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 1, making them the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Similarly, the Toronto Maple Leafs demonstrated their strength in the Eastern Conference with a 6-2 win against the Ottawa Senators in their first game. As the 2025 NHL Playoffs progress, the updated odds for each of the remaining 16 teams to win the Stanley Cup are now available.

Sports expert Jimmie Kaylor has analyzed the latest betting trends and NHL futures odds and has selected his top picks for the Stanley Cup, as well as the Eastern and Western Conferences, and the Conn Smythe Trophy.

In a recent prediction, Kaylor correctly picked Nathan MacKinnon to score the first goal and the total goals to be under 5.5. MacKinnon indeed scored first, resulting in a 13-1 payout, and the game ended 3-2.

Kaylor also recently predicted a five-leg parlay in an Avalanche vs. Red Wings game that paid out almost 7-1, and another five-leg NHL parlay on the final night of the regular season that hit for almost 13-1.

Kaylor has examined the most recent NHL odds and has chosen his best futures bets for the Stanley Cup and NHL player awards. For predictions on every NHL playoff game from experts like Kaylor, and from a proven computer model, visit SportsLine.

2025 NHL Stanley Cup Odds (Updated)

Highest Ticket %:

• Avalanche 10.6%
• Knights 8.7%
• Maple Leafs 8.4%

Highest Handle %:

• Avalanche 11.0%
• Maple Leafs 8.4%
• Golden Knights 7.9%

Biggest Liabilities:

• Blues
• Canadiens
• Red Wings

According to Matthew Rasp, a Senior Trader for a sportsbook, the Blues and Canadiens are currently the biggest liabilities. He mentioned that while the Panthers and Lightning are Stanley Cup favorites, public interest is low, and the sportsbook would prefer a Stanley Cup win for a Florida team. However, the Blues and Canadiens represent their largest potential losses.

With the playoffs underway, the 2025 Stanley Cup odds have shifted dramatically. The Stars have gone from top contenders to longshots at +2200. The Avalanche are now the favorites, and the Maple Leafs have surpassed the Panthers in the Eastern Conference rankings.

Colorado remains my pick for the Stanley Cup, but Toronto`s Game 1 performance was very impressive.

Best Bet: Colorado Avalanche +750 (placed April 17)

Sleeper: Maple Leafs +1200 (place April 17)

2025 NHL Playoff Odds to Win the Eastern Conference (Updated)

• Favorite: Panthers +240
• Highest Ticket Percentage: Capitals 16.5%
• Highest Handle Percentage: Hurricanes 37.6%
• Biggest Liability: Red Wings

While the Hurricanes (+350) and Panthers (+340) may not offer the best value, Florida is my pick for the Eastern Conference. Toronto Maple Leafs would be my sleeper pick here.

Best Bet: Panthers (+340)

Sleeper: Maple Leafs (+575)

2025 NHL Playoff Odds to Win the Western Conference (Updated)

• Favorite: Avalanche +250
• Highest Ticket Percentage: Avalanche 16.9%
• Highest Handle Percentage: Jets 37.9%
• Biggest Liability: Blues

The Stars and Avalanche are facing off in the first round, arguably the two strongest teams in the Western Conference. The winner of this series will likely become the Stanley Cup favorite. Colorado is my choice to win this series, especially with the Stars dealing with injuries. Vegas could be a dark horse.

Best Bet: Avalanche (+380)

Sleeper: Vegas Golden Knights (+450)

2025 NHL Odds to Win the Conn Smythe Trophy (Updated)

Historically, the Conn Smythe Trophy goes to the best player on the Stanley Cup-winning team. Last year, McDavid was only the sixth player to win it without winning the Stanley Cup. This year, I expect the winner to be a Stanley Cup champion, likely from the Stars-Avalanche series winner.

When Colorado last won the Stanley Cup, Makar won the Conn Smythe. Nathan MacKinnon at 14-1 is tempting, but Makar at 22-1 offers better value.

A sleeper pick is Valeri Nichushkin, who could play a key role for Colorado in a deep playoff run. His odds have decreased from 300-1 to 150-1.

Best Bet: Makar +2200 (Placed April 17)

Sleeper: Valeri Nichushkin (+15000)

Most Likely Stanley Cup Final Matchups

These four teams are considered the top contenders in their respective conferences. I anticipate Colorado winning their series against the Stars and the Western Conference, and the Panthers winning the Eastern Conference again.

Best bet: Avalanche vs. Panthers (+1600)

For more NHL Playoff predictions, check out expert Matt Severance`s NHL picks.