The stage is set for the 2026 Stanley Cup Final.
We’ve got the Las Vegas Golden Knights, who have taken off since hiring John Tortorella as head coach at the end of March. They’re looking to complete a magical run through the playoffs, fresh off a surprising sweep of the Stanley Cup favorites, the Colorado Avalanche.
Vegas will go up against the Carolina Hurricanes, who have been absolutely dominant throughout the postseason, winning 12 of 13 games.
Can the Golden Knights slow down this relentless Hurricanes’ forecheck? Will they be able to generate enough scoring opportunities with how the Canes dominate puck possession?
As we get ready for the NHL Stanley Cup Final, let’s assess the latest Stanley Cup odds and update our winner predictions.
NHL Stanley Cup Winner Odds 2026
NHL odds referenced below are current as of Monday, June 1, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Carolina Hurricanes (-155)
- Vegas Golden Knights (+130)
Who Will Win the Stanley Cup 2026?
Vegas Golden Knights (+130)
After adding Mitch Marner in the offseason, Vegas was expected to take a step forward this year.
That didn’t really happen in the regular season, but the Golden Knights found their groove following a late-season coaching change that saw Bruce Cassidy replaced by John Tortorella.
Vegas won seven of its final eight games to top a crowded Pacific Division and has carried that momentum into the postseason, where it eliminated Utah and Anaheim in six games. Their sweep of the Avalanche came out of nowhere. That was extremely impressive, especially considering that they were the clear-cut favorites.
After a below-average campaign, Marner has come alive in the playoffs and currently leads the league in postseason points (21). On top of that, goaltender Carter Hart has been locked in throughout the postseason, putting up a 2.22 GAA and a .924 SV%.
With that in mind, I’m backing the Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup as one of my NHL best bets today.
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Stanley Cup Contender 2026
Carolina Hurricanes (-155)
Carolina has been the most dominant team in the Stanley Cup Playoffs thus far, winning 12 of 13 games so far.
It’ll be interesting to see if the Hurricanes can get it done against a Golden Knights team that just swept the Avalanche.
The hope will be that goaltender Frederik Andersen can continue his stellar form, as he has an otherworldly 1.41 GAA and a .931 SV% this year.
If Rod Brind’Amour’s team continues to limit opponents to just around a goal per game, the Canes will have a great chance to win their first Stanley Cup since 2006.
But I’m backing the Golden Knights here. I don’t think they’re going to lose after what they just did to Colorado.
