Oilers Already 2026 Stanley Cup Favorites

The Edmonton Oilers are already the odds-on favorite to win the Stanley Cup in 2026.
Jun 14, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Florida Panthers during the third period in game five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Jun 14, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates his goal with teammates against the Florida Panthers during the third period in game five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images / Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
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The Edmonton Oilers have lost in the Stanley Cup Final in back-to-back years, yet the expectations are already high for the 2025-26 season. Not even a full day after losing to the Florida Panthers for the second straight year, the Oilers are already the betting favorite to win the Stanley Cup in 2026.

According to DraftKings, the Oilers have the best odds to win the 2026 Cup at +650. It’s barely better than the Panthers at +700, but the Oilers are already being looked at as favorites.

An offseason of trades, free agent signings, and surgeries hasn’t even started yet and the oddsmakers already believe Connor McDavid can carry the Oilers to a championship.

McDavid and superstar teammate Leon Draisaitl must be a huge reason for the odds to lean in the Oilers’ favor this early. When a team has two of the best players in the entire sport, it’s just a matter of time before they finally break through.

History is not on the Oilers’ side, however, as they ride back-to-back Stanley Cup Final defeats into another offseason full of questions.

While last year it was if/when would Draisaitl sign a massive contract extension, this time all eyes will be on McDavid and if he follows suit. McDavid is about to enter the final year of his contract, making him eligible for an extension.

Rumors have started to swirl that McDavid may consider a new direction following another brutal defeat in the Cup Final. He is yet to speak on the situation but after a decade of falling short of the ultimate goal, does he want a change of scenery?

If McDavid is looking for the Cup, he just might win it with the Oilers. At least DraftKings believes the 2025-26 season will finally be their year.

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Nick Horwat
NICK HORWAT

Nick Horwat is a contributor with Breakaway On SI. He was previously a credentialed reporter for The Hockey News covering the Pittsburgh Penguins. A Pittsburgh native, Nick graduated from Point Park University and started reporting on news and sports with KDKA Radio and 93.7 The Fan. After hosting a Penguins talk radio show in college, he morphed the show into a podcast. The Tip of the Ice-Burgh Podcast has been a leading Penguins podcast since 2019. Follow him on Twitter @NickHorwat41.