It's never too early to start planning for the future.
Less than 24 hours after the Chicago Blackhawks hoisted the Stanley Cup, the oddsmakers have pegged them as favorites to repeat in 2016.
That should come as no surprise, really, but there are a few notables from the complete list:
- The New York Rangers supplant the Tampa Bay Lightning as favorites to win the Eastern Conference.
- The Los Angeles Kings and Boston Bruins remain a good bet, despite failing to qualify for the playoffs this season.
- The Connor McDavid effect is real, on paper at least. The Edmonton Oilers have the 10th highest odds after drafting first overall on June 26.
- Don't count on Mike Babcock having the same effect, however, as the Toronto Maple Leafs remain well down the field.
- As for the best value pick, the Dallas Stars could bounce back in a big way after some retooling in net and on the blue line.
Here's a look at the complete list from Bovada:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Chicago Blackhawks | 7/1 |
| New York Rangers | 8/1 |
| Anaheim Ducks | 10/1 |
| St. Louis Blues | 12/1 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 12/1 |
| Los Angeles Kings | 14/1 |
| Minnesota Wild | 14/1 |
| Montreal Canadiens | 14/1 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | 14/1 |
| Boston Bruins | 16/1 |
| Nashville Predators | 16/1 |
| Washington Capitals | 18/1 |
| New York Islanders | 22/1 |
| Winnipeg Jets | 25/1 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 33/1 |
| Detroit Red Wings | 33/1 |
| Edmonton Oilers | 33/1 |
| Calgary Flames | 40/1 |
| San Jose Sharks | 40/1 |
| Vancouver Canucks | 40/1 |
| Ottawa Senators | 50/1 |
| Colorado Avalanche | 66/1 |
| Dallas Stars | 66/1 |
| New Jersey Devils | 66/1 |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 66/1 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 66/1 |
| Florida Panthers | 75/1 |
| Arizona Coyotes | 100/1 |
| Buffalo Sabres | 100/1 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | 100/1 |