2026-06-17 · Florida Hockey Now

The Florida Panthers are already being considered among the betting favorites to win the Stanley Cup again in 2027, despite a disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs for the first time since 2019. The Panthers, who have won the championship twice, faced significant challenges during the 2025-26 season, including injuries to key players like Sasha Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Aaron Ekblad. These injuries hampered their performance, leaving them eight points out of playoff contention as the season concluded. As the NHL offseason approaches, many analysts believe that last season was an anomaly for a team built for success. Currently, the Panthers are listed as one of the top five favorites to capture the Stanley Cup, with betting odds varying across different sportsbooks. FanDuel offers the best odds for the Panthers at +1300, meaning a $100 bet could yield $1,300 if they win. Other sportsbooks, such as Caesars and DraftKings, have them listed at +1200 and +1100, respectively. The competition remains fierce, with teams like the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche also favored to win. As the Panthers prepare for the upcoming offseason, they will look to regroup and strengthen their roster through the NHL Draft and free agency. The NHL Draft is set for June 26-27, where the Panthers hold the 9th overall pick, and free agency opens on July 1. With a focused approach, the Florida Panthers aim to return to their championship form in the 2026-27 season.