Golden Knights Second Favorite To Win Stanley Cup Next Season

The 2020-21 NHL season for the Vegas Golden Knights ended with an upset loss to the Montreal Canadiens in the Western Conference finals. Of course, Montreal went on to lose the Stanley Cup Final to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

This was the second straight year the Golden Knights lost in the third round of the playoffs. While disappointing, Vegas reached the postseason for the fourth time in as many years of franchise existence. It should not be lost that this team has never missed the playoffs.

Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury won the Vezina Trophy for the best goaltender in the NHL for the first time. He and fellow goaltender Robin Lehner took home the William M. Jennings Trophy. This award goes to the goaltenders on the team that allowed the fewest goals during the regular season.

Naturally, the Golden Knights’ recent success combined with the standout performances of important position players, oddsmakers continue to support Vegas as a championship contender.

So, now that the NHL season is over, it’s time to get ready for next season.

What are the 2021-22 Stanley Cup odds?

The Golden Knights’ odds to win the Stanley Cup next season are +650 (6.5-1) at BetMGM sportsbooks. The team is the second favorite to win it all behind the Colorado Avalanche, listed at +500. Vegas defeated the team from Denver during the playoffs this season.

Both the Golden Knights and Avalanche stand far and above the other teams that are expected to play in the Pacific Division next season. Here’s a look at BetMGM Stanley Cup odds for the other teams the Golden Knights are expecting to share a division with if realignment goes as previously planned.

• 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 will join the NHL next season, and the league will officially announce conference realignment soon. Once realignment is official, the league should release a schedule for next season. There are plans to have an 82-game regular season from October to April, but that will depend on how the COVID-19 pandemic plays out.

Expect to see more NHL futures odds after the league announces its schedule and conference realignment.

Vegas Golden Knights offseason

Last season wasn’t bad for the Golden Knights despite the disappointing loss to the Canadiens in the playoffs. Most of the roster will remain intact with only three notable free agents: Alec Martinez, Tomas Nosek and Mattias Janmark.

The core offensive players  — Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, Jonathan Marchessault and William Karlsson — remain under contract. Both goalies, Marc-Andre Fleury and Robin Lehner, are also signed for next season.

The Golden Knights are just over $6 million under the salary cap next season. Most of the roster should remain the same, but there’s a little wiggle room to add a player or two if needed.

There should be plenty of trades in the NHL this summer surrounding the expansion draft for the Seattle Kraken. The Golden Knights won’t lose any players to the newest NHL team as they’re exempt from the draft which will take place July 17-20. Vegas will participate in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft a few days later, July 23-24.

Looking ahead to 2021-22 season

The Golden Knights will play a preseason game versus the Los Angeles Kings in Salt Lake City on Sept. 30. This will be the first year of three Frozen Fury games between the Kings and Golden Knights.

Fast-forward to the middle of the NHL season, when the Golden Knights will host All-Star Weekend at T-Mobile Arena. The exact dates haven’t been announced since the schedule isn’t ready.

The event has traditionally been held in late January or early February.