Golden Knights Second Favorite To Win Stanley Cup Next Season

The Vegas Golden Knights concluded their 2020-21 NHL season with a surprising defeat to the Montreal Canadiens in the Western Conference finals. Montreal later lost the Stanley Cup Final to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

For the second consecutive year, the Golden Knights suffered a loss in the third round of playoffs. Despite the disappointment, it’s noteworthy that Vegas has made it to the postseason in all four years of its franchise history, never missing the playoffs.

Marc-Andre Fleury, a goaltender, clinched his first Vezina Trophy for being the best goaltender in the NHL. Alongside him, Robin Lehner, another goaltender, was awarded the William M. Jennings Trophy. This accolade is given to the goaltenders of the team that has conceded the least number of goals during the regular season.

Naturally, due to the recent success of the Golden Knights and the standout performances of key players, oddsmakers continue to view Vegas as a contender for the championship.

Now that the NHL season has concluded, it’s time to prepare for the upcoming season.

What are the 2021-22 Stanley Cup odds?

BetMGM sportsbooks have set the Golden Knights’ odds of winning the Stanley Cup next season at +650 (6.5-1). They are the second favorites to win behind the Colorado Avalanche, who are listed at +500. The Knights managed to beat the Denver team during this season’s playoffs.

The Golden Knights and the Avalanche are projected to outshine other teams expected to play in the Pacific Division next season. Here are the BetMGM Stanley Cup odds for other teams with whom the Golden Knights may share a division if the previously planned realignment takes place.

• Edmonton Oilers: +2800
• Calgary Flames: +4000
• Seattle Kraken: +5000
• Vancouver Canucks: +5000
• Los Angeles Kings +5000
• San Jose Sharks +6600
• Anaheim Ducks +8000

The Seattle Kraken is set to become a part of the NHL in the upcoming season. The league is soon to formally declare conference realignment. Following the official realignment, the league is expected to publish a schedule for the next season. It is intended to hold an 82-game regular season from October to April, although this depends on the developments of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After the league announces its schedule and conference realignment, expect to see more NHL futures odds.

Vegas Golden Knights offseason

Despite the disappointing loss to the Canadiens in the playoffs, the Golden Knights had a decent run last season. Most of the players will stay, but three significant free agents – Alec Martinez, Tomas Nosek, and Mattias Janmark – might leave.

The key offensive players – Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, Jonathan Marchessault, and William Karlsson – are still under contract. The two goalies, Marc-Andre Fleury and Robin Lehner, have also signed contracts for the upcoming season.

Next season, the Golden Knights will have just over $6 million left under the salary cap. While most of the team is expected to stay the same, there is a slight chance to bring in a player or two if necessary.

The Seattle Kraken’s expansion draft this summer is expected to stimulate numerous trades in the NHL. The Golden Knights, who are exempt from the draft, won’t lose any players to the newest NHL team. The draft is scheduled to occur from July 17-20. Following this, the Golden Knights will join the 2021 NHL Entry Draft on July 23-24.

Looking ahead to 2021-22 season

The Golden Knights are scheduled to face off against the Los Angeles Kings in a preseason game in Salt Lake City on Sept. 30. This marks the commencement of the three-year Frozen Fury series between the Kings and Golden Knights.

The exact dates for All-Star Weekend, which will be hosted by the Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena in the middle of the NHL season, have not been announced yet as the schedule is still being prepared.

Traditionally, the event takes place in late January or early February.