With each passing NHL season, Canadian fans pin their hopes on one of their beloved home teams bringing the Stanley Cup north of the border. The 2024-25 season is no different, and with multiple Canadian teams looking strong, the dream feels more attainable than it has in years. But which team has the best shot at glory?
We’re breaking down the odds, strengths, and struggles of the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Ottawa Senators, and Vancouver Canucks. From high-flying offences to defensive worries, here’s how these teams stack up in the Stanley Cup race.
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have arguably the best shot at bringing the Cup back to Canada, entering the season as betting favourites with +650 NHL odds by FanDuel. Sure, they've dropped four of their last seven games, but don’t let that fool you—the Oilers are dangerous. Armed with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, two of the league’s most intimidating offensive weapons, the team boasts one of the NHL's deadliest powerplays and the third-best Corsi rating (54.23%).
Goaltending remains a question mark. Stuart Skinner’s been steady but not spectacular, and Edmonton’s penalty kill, especially on the road, leaves room for improvement. Still, their offence is near unstoppable, and if their defence and goaltending hold firm in the postseason, the Cup could be heading to Alberta for the first time since 1990.
- Odds of winning the Cup: High, as long as their offence continues to outrun any defensive cracks.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Ah, the Toronto Maple Leafs—Canada’s eternal wildcard. This season, they sit at +1300 Stanley Cup odds and remain one of the league’s most offensively skilled teams. With Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner leading the charge, the Buds have the firepower to overwhelm any opponent. Matthews, in particular, is in red-hot form, netting 10 goals in 12 games.
But here’s the kicker—or rather, the trip-up—they’ve been wildly inconsistent defensively. Since December, Toronto has allowed 3.33 goals per game, putting them among the league’s worst in terms of that important NHL stat. Anthony Stolarz's return could stabilize their shaky netminding, but unless they tighten up defensively, all that offensive talent might not matter.
- Odds of winning the Cup: Medium. They'll need to clean up their defence to make a real run.
Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets are flying high this season—literally. With a stunning 15-1-0 start and a 12.1% chance of winning the Cup, they’ve been dominant. Superstar goalie Connor Hellebuyck continues to prove why he's considered one of the best in the business, boasting a .927 save percentage and 2.00 goals-against average.
Add to that a high-octane offence led by Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, and you’ve got a Jets team firing on all cylinders. Their goal differential of +59 leads the league, and they’ve racked up 184 goals in 52 games—an eye-popping stat. Winnipeg fans may finally see their team become the first iteration of the Jets to lift Lord Stanley's Cup.
- Odds of winning the Cup: High. With both offence and defence excelling, this could be their year.
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are finally starting to look like contenders again after years of rebuilding. Currently sitting third in the Atlantic Division, they’ve won seven of their last 10 games, including a big win against the division-leading Maple Leafs. Travis Green has done wonders as head coach, and Ottawa’s defence is stepping up big time.
However, they’ve struggled offensively, scoring just 2.36 goals per game since November. Their goal-scoring woes could hold them back in the playoffs if not addressed. At +4000 Stanley Cup odds, they’re a longshot, but if they punch their playoff ticket and get hot at the right time, this underdog team could surprise everyone.
- Odds of winning the Cup: Low, but dark horse potential if their offence wakes up.
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are in a bit of a slump, and their recent performance hasn’t inspired much confidence. With a 4-8-5 record over their last 17 games and their Stanley Cup odds dropping to +5000, this team needs something to click—and fast. They’re struggling both offensively and defensively, ranking near the bottom of the league in key metrics like goals per game and goals allowed.
Despite their struggles, the Canucks are still in contention for a wild-card spot. If they manage to fix their scoring issues and find stability on defence, they might squeak into the playoffs. But as things stand, their Stanley Cup aspirations seem far-fetched.
- Odds of winning the Cup: Low. Too many issues to resolve before the postseason.
Will a Canadian Team Bring the Stanley Cup Home in 2024-25?
While all five teams have their strengths, the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets stand out as Canada’s best hopes this year thanks to their balanced rosters and game-changing players. The Maple Leafs also have an outside shot if their defensive inconsistencies are addressed in time.
One thing’s for sure—Canadian hockey fans will watch with bated breath as the postseason unfolds. Who do you think has the best shot at bringing the Cup home?