The 2025-26 Western Conference regular season was defined by the dominance of the Colorado Avalanche, who secured the Presidents’ Trophy. However, the West remains a gauntlet featuring a revitalized Anaheim squad and the playoff debut of the Utah Mammoth. With Connor McDavid fresh off another Art Ross Trophy win and Vegas holding the Pacific’s top seed, the path to the Cup is as treacherous as ever.
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2026 Western Conference Odds to Reach the Stanley Cup Finals
Odds estimated based on current market projections.
- Colorado Avalanche: +250
- Edmonton Oilers: +350
- Vegas Golden Knights: +450
- Dallas Stars: +600
- Minnesota Wild: +900
- Anaheim Ducks: +1200
- Utah Mammoth: +2200
- Los Angeles Kings: +2500
The Favorites: The “New Big Three”
Colorado Avalanche (+250)
The Presidents’ Trophy winners are the heavy favorites. After a massive roster overhaul that brought in veterans like Brent Burns and Brock Nelson, plus a 100-point season from Martin Nečas, the Avs are deeper than their 2022 championship squad. Nathan MacKinnon remains the engine, and the defensive pair of Makar and Toews is still the league’s gold standard.
Edmonton Oilers (+350)
Coming off back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, the Oilers are desperate to finally get over the hump. Connor McDavid just claimed another Art Ross, and Leon Draisaitl remains a playoff monster. The question remains: can Connor Ingram provide the elite goaltending needed to survive four rounds?
Vegas Golden Knights (+450)
The Golden Knights reclaimed the Pacific Division throne this year. They continue to be the masters of the salary cap, entering the playoffs with a fully healthy (and massive) defensive corps. Their “heavy” style of play is built specifically to wear down teams like Colorado and Edmonton over a seven-game series.
The First-Round Matchups
(C1) Colorado Avalanche vs. (WC2) Los Angeles Kings
This is a mismatch on paper. Colorado is the highest-scoring team in the league, while the Kings have struggled with consistency all year, barely squeaking into the second Wild Card spot.
- The X-Factor: MacKinnon. Colorado can rely on multiple players to provide the offensive output, but having MacKinnon on top of that doesn’t hurt.
- My Prediction: Avalanche in 5.
(C2) Dallas Stars vs. (C3) Minnesota Wild
A classic Central Division grudge match. Dallas remains a balanced threat, but Minnesota has become one of the league’s toughest teams to play against under their current system.
- The X-Factor: Wyatt Johnston. The young Stars forward has evolved into a true superstar. If he outplays the Wild’s top centers, Dallas moves on.
- My Prediction: Stars in 6.
(P1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (WC1) Utah Mammoth
The first-ever playoff series for the Utah Mammoth. Salt Lake City will be electric, but they are facing a Vegas team that knows exactly how to win in the playoffs.
- The X-Factor: Playoff Experience. Utah has the speed, but Vegas has the “scar tissue.” Expect the Golden Knights to physically overwhelm the newcomers.
- My Prediction: Golden Knights in 5.
(P2) Edmonton Oilers vs. (P3) Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks are back in the dance with a core of young stars that have finally matured. However, facing McDavid (and possibly Draisaitl) in the first round is a “welcome to the big leagues” moment for Anaheim’s youth.
- The X-Factor: Special Teams. Edmonton’s power play is historically dominant. If Anaheim plays an undisciplined series, it will be a short one.
- The Lean: Oilers in 6.
The Dark Horse: Minnesota Wild (+900)
The Wild have been the most improved team in the second half of the season. They have the goaltending to steal a series and a defensive structure that can frustrate even the most high-powered offenses. If they can get past Dallas, they have the physical profile to give Colorado trouble in the second round.
The Pick: Colorado Avalanche (+250)
It is hard to bet against the Presidents’ Trophy winners when they are this deep. The additions of Martin Nečas and Brock Nelson have fixed the second-line scoring issues that plagued them in previous years. While the goaltending tandem of Wedgewood and Blackwood is unproven in a deep run, the sheer volume of talent in front of them should be enough to secure a return to the Finals.
Western Conference Winner: Colorado Avalanche
Or will we be talking about the President’s Trophy Curse in a few days?
Read my predictions for the Eastern Conference where I predict a few upsets.
