2026 Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions: Who Wins the Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe & More Picks
As we prepare for the start of the 2026 NHL postseason, we have delved into the realm of possibilities with our predictions for the Stanley Cup playoffs. We have analyzed the Stanley Cup odds to determine the finalists, the eventual winner, the Conn Smythe winner, and more.
As a sports bettor, there is no greater thrill than placing a futures bet with odds as rare as a Taylor Swift concert waitlist and watching it pay off. It’s an indescribable feeling, akin to taking that first sip from the Stanley Cup, although I may never experience that myself.
The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs kick off this Saturday with six games scheduled for the weekend. By the end of Monday, all eight first-round series will have started.
Our Stanley Cup betting guide offers more reliable predictions than the Magic 8 Ball I used as a kid. Here, we provide insights on the most popular Stanley Cup playoff futures markets from top NHL betting sites.
Stanley Cup winner: Hurricanes
This may seem like a predictable prediction, but our top sports betting sites are unanimous in naming the Carolina Hurricanes as the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Despite the lack of evidence, I have joined the Hurricanes’ bandwagon after their loss to the Florida Panthers in last season’s Eastern Conference Final.
Despite facing numerous injuries, the Hurricanes came just one round shy of achieving pure joy. Rod Brind’Amour, who won the Stanley Cup as a player with Carolina, is determined to do the same as the team’s coach. Leading arguably the most balanced team in the league, Brind’Amour has instilled a culture of winning. As they head into the playoffs with a fully healthy lineup, the Hurricanes have a lot to prove.
Top pick: Bet on the Hurricanes to win at +700 odds with Caesars.
Terms and conditions apply.
Stanley Cup Final matchup: Hurricanes vs. Stars
Even though the Dallas Stars put up a strong fight, they will ultimately be defeated by the Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Final, which showcases two teams that reached the Western and Eastern Conference Final in the previous season.
If this actually happens, it would be unfortunate for some of the veteran players in Dallas, especially Ryan Suter and Joe Pavelski. They are ranked first and third, respectively, among active players with the most regular-season games played without winning a Stanley Cup. Surprisingly, the second spot belongs to Brent Burns, a current Hurricanes defenseman and former Shark.
In this situation, Burns would have the opportunity to boast about his Stanley Cup victory to his former teammates.
Top picks: Hurricanes vs. Stars exact outcome (+2300 via FanDuel) | Hurricanes favored over the Stars (+4000 via FanDuel)
This offer is exclusive to new customers. Simply deposit a minimum of $5, place a bet of $5 or more, and if your bet wins within 72 hours, you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets.
Conn Smythe winner: Jake Guentzel
The latest 2026 Conn Smythe odds place Jake Guentzel as the third favorite to win the prestigious individual award for the playoffs. With the Hurricanes poised to win the Cup, Guentzel’s chances of lifting the Conn Smythe Trophy are as fitting as Cinderella’s glass slipper – even if she had a bunion.
In his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016-17, Guentzel lifted the Stanley Cup. His move to Carolina at the trade deadline and subsequent success with the Hurricanes seems like a story straight out of a Disney movie. Guentzel has quickly made his mark on his new team, tallying 25 points in just 17 games, ranking 10th in the league during that span.
Top choice: Jake Guentzel is the favorite to win the Conn Smythe Trophy with odds of +2500 on FanDuel.
Only new customers are eligible for this offer. You must deposit a minimum of $5 and place your first bet of $5 or more. If your bet wins within 72 hours, you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets.
First No. 1 or No. 2 seed to be eliminated: Canucks
Although there isn’t a specific prop bet for this selection, you can support the Nashville Predators to defeat the Vancouver Canucks, with DraftKings offering odds at +130. Visit our Stanley Cup playoffs upset picks to see why the determined Predators are expected to surpass the Canucks.
Here’s something to consider: Predators’ veteran defenseman Ryan McDonagh has played 185 playoff games, which is five more than the entire Canucks’ team excluding Ian Cole. McDonagh is just one of many seasoned Nashville veterans with extensive playoff experience. While being experienced is not a requirement for playoff success, it certainly can be beneficial.
Top choice: Predators favored to defeat the Canucks with odds of +130 on DraftKings.
Terms and conditions apply.
3+ first-round series go to Game 7
In three of the last five playoffs, including the 2021-22 and 2026-23 seasons, there have been at least three Game 7s. The Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs have gone the distance in their last three series, while matchups between Nashville-Vancouver and Colorado-Winnipeg seem likely to lead to a seventh and deciding game.
Washington-New York and New York-Carolina can likely be removed from consideration, narrowing the options down to Tampa Bay-Florida, Vegas-Dallas, and Los Angeles-Edmonton. It would be ideal if at least one of these matchups goes to a Game 7, as the tension and excitement of a decisive final game is unmatched.
Top choice: Bet on 3 or more first-round series to go to Game 7 with +100 odds on FanDuel.
This offer is only available to new customers who deposit a minimum of $5. Place your first bet of $5 or more, and if it wins within 72 hours, you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets.
2026 Stanley Cup playoffs betting previews: Round 1
Check out our selection of first-round preview material to prepare yourself for the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
- Stanley Cup betting guide
- Stanley Cup playoffs predictions
- NHL playoff upsets
- Eastern Conference betting preview
- Western Conference betting preview
Here are our best NHL betting sites:
- Caesars Promo Code: SBRBONUS1000 | Read our Caesars Review
- BetMGM Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetMGM Review
- bet365 Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our bet365 Review
- BetRivers Promo Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetRivers Review
- FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
- DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review
*Bonuses are not available in Ontario. If you have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Related pages
- Best Sports Betting Sites | Best Underscoreg Promos (U.S. only)
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