NHL preseason: Panthers lead early Stanley Cup betting odds

NHL preseason Stanley Cup odds Florida Panthers Carolina Hurricanes hockey betting

As the 2026–27 NHL season approaches, the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes are engaged in preseason action. In a recent exhibition game, the Panthers defeated the Hurricanes 6–3. Florida utilized a veteran-heavy lineup featuring Aleksander Barkov and the Tkachuk brothers, while Carolina relied primarily on AHL prospects and depth players.

The Panthers are currently positioned as early favorites in the Stanley Cup championship market with odds of +640. Their roster saw significant changes during the offseason, including the addition of Brady Tkachuk and the departure of goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to Toronto. Jacob Markstrom is expected to take on a primary starting role in net.

In other league news, the Vancouver Canucks are scheduled to face the Calgary Flames on September 22, 2026. Additionally, trade speculation continues to circulate regarding the Carolina Hurricanes, with some analysts suggesting the team could be a potential landing spot for Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid in a major blockbuster deal.