5 Biggest Early Winners of the 2024 NHL Offseason

Montreal Canadiens

You might wonder why we have the Montreal Canadiens on this list. The Canadiens weren't active in free agency this offseason, and that gives them bonus points in our book. The Habs young core needs another year of growth before they can start dishing out the money to some of these bigger free agents. Not spending money on July 1 can sometimes make you a winner, which is exactly the case here. Patience is paying off in Montreal, and there's no reason to expedite the process. In addition, the Habs also locked up former number one overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky to an 8-year deal. This contract has the chance to be a real bargain, especially with the NHL's rising salary cap. 

Stanley Cup Odds: +20000

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Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers were one win away from capturing the 2024 Stanley Cup. The Oilers early offseason moves have helped push them closer to that goal. Signing Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson on the cheap should help give the Oilers the depth scoring on the wings that they've been desperately searching for. The Oilers have the superstar talents up front to attract talent looking to win a Stanley Cup, and the moves they've made during the first week of July should benefit them as they head into a new season. 

Stanley Cup Odds: +850

Toronto Maple Leafs

Although some of the moves the Toronto Maple Leafs made this offseason won't necessarily elevate their ceiling during the regular season, that wasn't their purpose. The Maple Leafs have a clear goal to get over the hump and win their first Stanley Cup since 1967. The addition of Chris Tanev, one of the top shutdown defenseman in the NHL will only get them that much closer to their goal. Although one player won't change the makeup of their defensive core, Oliver Ekman-Larsson provides them more depth on the backend, even if they slightly overpaid. 

Stanley Cup Odds: +1500

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Florida Panthers

Yes, the Florida Panthers lost some key contributors from their Stanley Cup victory to free agency. That might not help them next season, but they should be glad they avoided some of the deals that were handed out on July 1. In addition, the Panthers were able to bring back Sam Reinhart, their most important free agent. The Panthers still have the nucleus of a team that can compete for a Stanley Cup. After back-to-back appearances in the Finals, the Panthers have had a quietly savvy offseason that will keep their window open. 

Stanley Cup Odds: +950

Montreal Canadiens

You might wonder why we have the Montreal Canadiens on this list. The Canadiens weren't active in free agency this offseason, and that gives them bonus points in our book. The Habs young core needs another year of growth before they can start dishing out the money to some of these bigger free agents. Not spending money on July 1 can sometimes make you a winner, which is exactly the case here. Patience is paying off in Montreal, and there's no reason to expedite the process. In addition, the Habs also locked up former number one overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky to an 8-year deal. This contract has the chance to be a real bargain, especially with the NHL's rising salary cap. 

Stanley Cup Odds: +20000

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