As the 2025 NHL Playoffs reach the Conference Finals stage, the odds for winning the Stanley Cup have seen significant changes. The final four teams are the Dallas Stars facing the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference and the reigning champion Florida Panthers taking on the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference. Game 1 for the Panthers vs. Hurricanes series is set for Tuesday, followed by Game 1 for the Oilers vs. Stars on Wednesday. With only four teams remaining, oddsmakers, including BetMGM, have released updated Stanley Cup odds.
Sports expert Jimmie Kaylor has analyzed the latest betting trends and futures odds from BetMGM, providing his top selections for both the Stanley Cup winner and the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Kaylor has a history of successful predictions, including accurately calling the first goal scorer and the under 5.5 total in a previous final, resulting in a significant payout. He has also recently achieved high payouts on multi-leg parlays.
Based on his analysis of the current odds from BetMGM, Kaylor has finalized his top futures bets for the Stanley Cup and individual player awards.
2025 NHL Stanley Cup Odds (Updated 5/19 at BetMGM)
| Team | Current Odds | Opening Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Carolina Hurricanes | +300 | +1100 |
| Dallas Stars | +275 | +1000 |
| Florida Panthers | +250 | +900 |
| Edmonton Oilers | +240 | +1000 |
Highest Ticket %:
- Maple Leafs 11.4%
- Avalanche 10.4%
- Capitals 8.2%
Highest Handle %:
- Maple Leafs 12.8%
- Avalanche 11.1%
- Golden Knights 8.4%
Biggest Liabilities:
- Maple Leafs
- Avalanche
- Capitals
Kaylor notes that his initial Stanley Cup pick was the winner of the Stars-Avalanche first-round series. The Stars advanced from that series and then defeated the Winnipeg Jets. While acknowledging the challenge posed by Edmonton`s Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, he highlights Dallas`s depth and balanced roster as key strengths. In the Eastern Conference, his prediction remains the Florida Panthers reaching the Stanley Cup Final.
Stanley Cup Best Bet: Dallas Stars +275 (placed May 18)
2025 NHL Conn Smythe Trophy Odds (Updated 5/19 at BetMGM)
| Player | Current Odds | Opening Odds (1st Round) |
|---|---|---|
| Leon Draisaitl | +1100 | +2200 |
| Sergei Bobrovsky | +800 | +3000 |
| Frederik Andersen | +550 | +10000 |
| Mikko Rantanen | +400 | +3500 |
| Connor McDavid | +350 | +1300 |
While Connor McDavid won the Conn Smythe Trophy last year even though his team lost the Stanley Cup Final, Kaylor believes this is unlikely to happen again in 2025. Therefore, his top pick for the award is a player from the team he predicts will win the Stanley Cup. He identifies Dallas winger Mikko Rantanen as that player.
Conn Smythe Best Bet: Mikko Rantanen +400 (Placed May 19)
Conn Smythe Sleeper Pick: Sergei Bobrovsky (+800)
