Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Golden Knights listed at 16-1 to win 2023 Stanley Cup

Golden Knights Fall to Sharks in Shootout

John Locher/AP

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud (2) skates onto the ice before an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks, Sunday, April 24, 2022, in Las Vegas.

It doesn't come as a surprise that the Golden Knights are among the top 25% of teams projected to win the Stanley Cup next year, but their odds are worse than in recent years.

Westgate SuperBook's futures for next season have Vegas at 16-to-1 ($100 to win $1,600) to hoist the Cup at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season. That's the same odds as the Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild.

The Colorado Avalanche are the overwhelming favorites at +450 after winning their first championship since 2001 on Sunday, defeating the previous two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. The Toronto Maple Leafs are right behind them at 8-to-1.

Since making the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season, the Golden Knights have been one of the top preseason betting choices. Following their first year, they made consecutive trips to the league's semifinals and came within two wins two years ago of getting back to the Final.

But missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history this past season has hurt Vegas' betting prospects. They're also on their third head coach after hiring Bruce Cassidy from Boston earlier this month.

Vegas was listed as high as 14-1 last season at most books to win the Cup.

The number could change depending on how the Golden Knights address their roster this offseason. They reportedly have a verbal agreement in place to extend Reilly Smith but still need to clear cap space for restricted free agents Nic Roy and Nic Hague, among others.

Danny Webster can be reached at 702-259-8814 or [email protected]. Follow Danny on Twitter at twitter.com/DannyWebster21.