5 Biggest NHL Threats to the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup Defense

Vegas Golden Knights

People have quietly started to forget about what this core group is capable of with the Vegas Golden Knights. That's not a good idea if you ask me. Despite some changes to their roster, the guts remain largely unchanged. The Golden Knights saw a first-round exit in the postseason last year to the Dallas Stars and should have some fresh legs this time around. The Pacific division isn't exactly a gauntlet, and the Golden Knights have the defense and star power to go on another Stanley Cup run.

Stanley Cup Odds: +1400

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Edmonton Oilers

Wouldn't it be something if the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers had a rematch of last year's Stanley Cup Final? As long as Connor McDavid is suiting up for the Oilers, it's pretty easy to make the case for Edmonton being Florida's biggest challenge to a repeat. The Oilers already came close to making history after erasing a 3-0 deficit to force a Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final last year. Edmonton made some smart moves this offseason and it's pretty easy to buy into them being better. McDavid and company definitely have the mix to take home the Stanley Cup this time around. 

Stanley Cup Odds: +850

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Colorado Avalanche

As long as Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen are healthy, the Colorado Avalanche will continue to be a perennial Stanley Cup contender. Goaltending is still somewhat of a question mark with this group, but their defense and star forwards continue to pave the way among the NHL's elite. The Avalanche won a playoff round last year, but this core group has much bigger aspirations to land another Stanley Cup. With the mix of talent, I certainly wouldn't put it past them. 

Stanley Cup Odds: +1100

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Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars probably haven't gotten the respect they deserve with the core they've built. The Stars are a perennial threat to hoist Lord Stanley. With a star goalie, deep forward group, and stars on defense, there's a really strong case to be made that the Stars can come out of the Western Conference this year. They fell just short against the Edmonton Oilers last year, and the band is largely back together for another run. With the quality team that Jim Nill has helped put together, it would be hard to fathom that they won't get over the hump at some point. 

Stanley Cup Odds: +1100

New Jersey Devils

After missing the postseason last year, the New Jersey Devils are expected to be a force again in 2024-25. Injuries were a big issue for this team last year, as was goaltending. With a healthy duo in net and their star power back up front and on the backend, sportsbooks are bullish that the Devils will make some serious noise this year. We already got a sneak peek of the Devils in Prague to kick off the season, and if that's any indication, this group has exactly what it takes to be a difficult out in the Eastern Conference. 

Stanley Cup Odds: +1100

Vegas Golden Knights

People have quietly started to forget about what this core group is capable of with the Vegas Golden Knights. That's not a good idea if you ask me. Despite some changes to their roster, the guts remain largely unchanged. The Golden Knights saw a first-round exit in the postseason last year to the Dallas Stars and should have some fresh legs this time around. The Pacific division isn't exactly a gauntlet, and the Golden Knights have the defense and star power to go on another Stanley Cup run.

Stanley Cup Odds: +1400

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