2025 Stanley Cup Odds and NHL Playoffs Expert Picks

The 2025 NHL Playoffs are in full swing, and the odds for winning the Stanley Cup have significantly changed after just a couple of days of games. The Colorado Avalanche, led by Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, demonstrated their strength 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 impressed in the Eastern Conference with a 6-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators in their first game. As the 2025 NHL Playoffs progress, the Stanley Cup odds have been updated for all 16 remaining NHL teams.

Sports expert Jimmie Kaylor has analyzed the latest betting trends and NHL futures odds and has made his top picks for who will win 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 in a game and for the total goals to be under 5.5. MacKinnon indeed scored first, resulting in a 13-1 payout, and the game concluded with a 3-2 score.

Kaylor also recently achieved a successful five-leg parlay bet in an Avalanche versus Red Wings game, resulting in a payout of nearly 7-1. Furthermore, on the final night of the regular season, he shared a five-leg NHL parlay that won with a payout of almost 13-1.

Kaylor has examined the updated NHL odds and has selected his best futures bets for the Stanley Cup and NHL player awards. For predictions on every NHL playoff game from experts, including Kaylor, and from a computer simulation model, you can find more information at SportsLine.

2025 NHL Stanley Cup Odds (Updated 4/21)

Key Betting Trends:

• 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, the Blues and Canadiens are currently the sportsbook`s biggest liabilities. Rasp noted the public is overlooking favorites like the Panthers and Lightning, while the sportsbook`s largest liabilities for winning the Stanley Cup are the Blues and Canadiens.

With initial games played in several playoff series, the 2025 Stanley Cup odds have seen significant shifts. The Stars` odds lengthened considerably to +2200, while the Avalanche have become the clear favorites, and the Maple Leafs have overtaken the Panthers in the Eastern Conference.

Colorado remains the predicted Stanley Cup winner, but Toronto`s Game 1 performance was also impressive.

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

Sleeper: Maple Leafs +1200 (placed April 17)

2025 NHL Playoff Odds to Win the Eastern Conference (Updated 4/21)

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

While the odds for the Hurricanes (+350) and Panthers (+340) may not offer the best value, Florida is still the pick for the Eastern Conference. The Toronto Maple Leafs are considered a sleeper pick.

Best Bet: Panthers (+340)

Sleeper: Maple Leafs (+575)

2025 NHL Playoff Odds to Win the Western Conference (Updated 4/21)

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

The Stars and Avalanche are facing each other in the first round, in what is considered a matchup between two of the strongest Western Conference teams. The winner of this series will likely become the favorite for the 2025 Stanley Cup. Colorado is favored in this series, especially with injuries affecting the Stars. Vegas is seen as a potential sleeper.

Best Bet: Avalanche (+380)

Sleeper: Vegas Golden Knights (+450)

2025 NHL Odds to Win the Conn Smythe Trophy (Updated 4/21)

Historically, the Conn Smythe Trophy is usually awarded to the best player on the Stanley Cup-winning team. Last year, McDavid was an exception, winning it despite his team not winning the Cup. This year, it`s expected the winner will again be a Stanley Cup champion, and the team emerging from the Stars-Avalanche series is likely to produce this champion.

When Colorado last won the Stanley Cup, Makar received the Conn Smythe. While Nathan MacKinnon at 14-1 odds is attractive, Makar at 22-1 offers better value.

Valeri Nichushkin is a potential sleeper for the Conn Smythe, especially if Colorado makes 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 (Updated 4/21)

These four teams are considered the top contenders in their respective conferences. Colorado is expected to win their first-round series against the Stars and ultimately win the Western Conference. The Panthers are also expected to win the Eastern Conference for a second consecutive year.

Best bet: Avalanche vs. Panthers (+1600)