We have officially reached the three-decade mark since a team based in Canada last lifted Lord Stanley’s Cup at the conclusion of an NHL season. This ongoing streak of disappointment has left hockey enthusiasts, both in Canada and the U.S., utterly bewildered.
Honestly, deereplanet.com, your premier destination forOntario sports betting , was prepared to draft this piece over a week ago after the Florida Panthers secured a commanding 3-0 lead against the Edmonton Oilers. You’re likely familiar with the rest of the narrative. The Oilers staged an impressive comeback to win three consecutive games, pushing for a decisive Game 7, only to see the Panthers escape embarrassment by clinching a 2-1 win on Monday, marking their first Stanley Cup Final victory.
Since the Montreal Canadiens last won the Stanley Cup in 1993, Canadian teams have reached the cup finals on seven separate occasions. Out of those seven series, five have stretched to a seventh game, but none were as intense as the one we witnessed this year.
While the Great Canadian Drought seems tough, it pales in comparison to other prolonged championship droughts. For example, the Boston Red Sox endured an 86-year wait for a World Series title, the Chicago White Sox required 88 years to earn their next championship, and the Chicago Cubs suffered through 108 years of disappointment before finally breaking their curse. A Canadian team could emerge victorious next year, in 2034, or even in 2044. Surely, it can't last indefinitely, right?
deereplanet.com has established these theoretical odds for which Canadian NHL team might secure a Stanley Cup next; these odds are not derived from anyOntario sportsbook apps operator.
Jim Tomlin contributed to an earlier version of this article.
🔥Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup Chances
Next Canadian NHL Franchise Likely to Win a Stanley Cup Odds
Team |
Percentage Chance |
Odds |
Edmonton Oilers |
28.6% |
+250 |
Toronto Maple Leafs |
22.2% |
+350 |
Vancouver Canucks |
18.2% |
+450 |
Winnipeg Jets |
12.5% |
+700 |
Montreal Canadians |
10.0% |
+900 |
Calgary Flames |
5.4% |
+1750 |
Ottawa Senators |
3.2% |
+3000 |
Can The Oilers Strike Next Season?
The Edmonton Oilers were so close to breaking the curse this year. Unfortunately, they found Florida’s robust defense too formidable. The Panthers played Game 7 much like they did in the initial three games.
Checking the futures markets at various sportsbooks, it's evident that the Oilers are either favored to win next season or are among the top contenders for the Cup. AtNorthStar Bets Ontario Sportsbook , the Oilers are being offered at +1000 odds, with only the Panthers, Colorado Avalanche, and Dallas Stars positioned lower at +900.
However, it's reasonable to question how long the Oilers’ opportunity window will remain open. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are outstanding athletes, but Draisaitl will hit unrestricted free agency after the next season, and McDavid will follow suit the year after. Edmonton will face significant challenges retaining both superstars while also maintaining sufficient salary cap space to ensure a competitive lineup.
Will Toronto Break Its Own Streak?
The Toronto Maple Leafs are often compared to the Boston Red Sox or Chicago Cubs of Canada. It has been 57 years since the Leafs last appeared in a Stanley Cup Final. Although management has made several strategic decisions to elevate the team's performance in recent years, they have yet to reach a conference final since 2002.
Much like the Oilers, Toronto's opportunity may be dwindling soon. Reports suggest that Mitch Marner, who ranked third in points last season with 85, has been traded to Utah. Moreover, both Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi are unrestricted free agents. Should Joseph Woll, a restricted free agent next season, secure the starting goalie role, the Leafs might be able to restructure their finances and bolster other areas of the team.
We offerToronto Maple Leafs Stanley Cup odds at deereplanet.com.
Vancouver, Winnipeg Could Surprise
The Vancouver Canucks were a pleasant surprise during the 2023-24 season, clinching the Pacific Division title. Despite being knocked out by the Oilers in the second round of the playoffs, there's optimism that they will build on the momentum from this season. The team’s core is expected to return to Vancouver this fall, yet they face an uphill battle in a tough division that includes both the Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights. Expecting them to catch teams off guard in 2025 might be overly optimistic.
Atbet365 Ontario Sportsbook , the Canucks are being offered at +1500 odds to become champions next season.
For Winnipeg, the primary focus at the moment is on defense. The Jets allowed the fewest goals in the league last season with just 199, a significant advantage, thanks to Connor Hellebuyck, a two-time all-star goalie and previous Vezina and Jennings trophy honoree. As long as he maintains his elite performance, the Jets should be seen as dark horse contenders for the Stanley Cup. BetMGM Ontario Sportsbook has set the Jets’ odds at +2200 for next season.
Fans of the Canadiens, Flames, and Senators might find themselves waiting for better days.
Since their unexpected run to the Cup Final in 2021, the Montreal Canadiens have seen a decline. In the past three seasons, they have missed the playoffs and finished last in the Atlantic Division. With higher expectations surrounding Martin St. Louis' team going into the 2024-25 season, there is some young talent in their farm system that might provide hope. While a return to past glory isn’t likely next season, moving out of the bottom of the Atlantic Division should be an achievable goal.
This team seems to be several years away from becoming serious contenders.
For optimistic Canadiens fans, the Sports Interaction Ontario Sportsbook has set the Cup odds for the Canadiens at +15000 for next season.
This past season, the Calgary Flames found themselves in a difficult position—not quite good enough to make the playoffs, yet not poor enough to secure a high draft pick. With around $23.2 million available in salary cap space this offseason, the franchise appears to be planning for the future after trading goalie Jakob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils last week. They will receive the Devils' first-round pick next season, potentially yielding two top-half first-round selections in the 2025 draft. Additionally, the Flames acquired Kevin Bahl, a 6'6\" defender who will be turning 24 shortly. He may assist the Flames in improving their defense after allowing 271 goals last season.
DraftKings Ontario Sportsbook is offering odds of +7500 for the Flames for the upcoming season.
The odds given to the Ottawa Senators might be a bit harsh considering they have missed the playoffs for seven straight seasons. However, they made a noteworthy move just before Game 7 on Monday by acquiring Vezina Trophy-winning goalie Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins in exchange for goalie Joonas Korpisalo, center Mark Kastelic, and the No. 25 pick in the NHL Draft on Friday.
Some oddsmakers are already viewing the Senators as a team that could contend for a playoff spot next season. At BetRivers Ontario Sportsbook, the Senators' Cup odds for 24-25 stand at +3500, ranking them eighth lowest among teams in the Eastern Conference.
