Will the Florida Panthers Remain Competitive Enough to Repeat?

The Florida Panthers are entering the 2024-25 NHL season with high expectations, aiming to defend their Stanley Cup title amidst significant roster changes. Despite these shifts, they remain a strong contender for the championship, with the odds of winning the 2025 Stanley Cup at +900, tied with the Dallas Stars. Their odds of clinching the 2025 Eastern Conference Championship, according to Ontario betting sites, stand at +500.

The Panthers face several challenges this upcoming season, including adjusting their defense, solidifying their goaltending, and maintaining energy after consecutive deep playoff runs. But first, they made two moves to solidify their top six. Sam Reinhart, last season’s leading goal-scorer, has been retained with an eight-year, $69 million deal, and Anton Lundell has committed to a six-year contract extension.

However, the team has experienced notable blueline departures that could impact performance. Brandon Montour left for the Seattle Kraken on a seven-year contract. Montour’s departure is significant; he led the team in ice time and contributed to regular and power-play points. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, another key defenseman, has joined the Toronto Maple Leafs, further exacerbating the defensive gaps left by these exits.

In response to these losses, the Panthers have adopted a “defense by committee” approach, signing Dmitry Kulikov to a four-year contract and adding Nate Schmidt and Adam Boqvist on one-year deals. It’s difficult to see the pair filling the void left by Montour and Ekman-Larsson, but both Schmidt and Boqvist will have something to prove after being bought out in June.

The goaltending situation also presents a challenge. With Anthony Stolarz moving to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Panthers have reacquired Chris Driedger, who will compete with Spencer Knight for the backup position behind Sergei Bobrovsky. Knight had a strong season in the AHL, while Driedger’s performance with the Coachella Valley Firebirds was commendable. This competition aims to ensure a reliable backup for Bobrovsky, a critical component of the Panthers’ success.

A significant challenge for the Panthers is sustaining energy after playing more playoff games than any other team over the past three seasons. This extensive schedule could lead to physical and mental fatigue. To repeat as champions, the Panthers must reach the Finals for a third consecutive year, a feat last accomplished by the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2020 to 2022. General Manager Bill Zito acknowledges this challenge but remains confident that the team’s professional staff will manage fatigue and maintain their competitive edge.

Western Conference Favorite

As the Florida Panthers prepare to defend their Stanley Cup title in the 2025 NHL season, they face a competitive field with several teams vying for the top spot. The Panthers, who clinched their first Stanley Cup in 2024, are co-favorites to repeat with odds of +900, alongside the Dallas Stars. Despite losing key players like Brandon Montour and Ryan Lomberg, the Panthers have retained their core, including Sam Reinhart and Anton Lundell, and made strategic offseason acquisitions such as defenseman Adam Boqvist.

The Edmonton Oilers, another top contender, are slightly favored with odds of +850. The Oilers had a strong 2023-24 season, finishing second in the Pacific Division and reaching the Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the Panthers in a dramatic seven-game series. Edmonton has bolstered its roster with new additions like Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, aiming to capitalize on their offensive prowess led by Connor McDavid.

The Colorado Avalanche, with odds of +1100, remains a formidable opponent despite not making significant improvements in the offseason. They continue to rely on their star players, Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, but face questions about their depth and goaltending. The Dallas Stars, also at +1100, have been consistent performers, reaching the Western Conference Finals in consecutive seasons. However, they face challenges in maintaining their defensive strength after losing Chris Tanev.

The Boston Bruins, with odds of +2000, are looking to bounce back after a second-round exit in the 2024 playoffs. They have made vital signings, including Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov, to strengthen their lineup and aim for a deeper playoff run. The Vegas Golden Knights, who won the Stanley Cup in 2023, are at +1600 odds. They have undergone significant roster changes, losing several key players but acquiring new talent like Ilya Samsonov to fill the gaps.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Panthers and other top contenders are gearing up for a highly competitive race to the Stanley Cup. With strategic offseason moves and a strong core, the Panthers are well-positioned to defend their title. Still, they will face stiff competition from teams like the Oilers, Avalanche, and Stars, each eager to claim hockey’s ultimate prize.