We're now a month removed from the start of the NHL's free agent period, and the action has slowed to a crawl. A handful of recognizable names are still holding out, including several players of enormous consequence depending on where they land, and you can't eliminate the possibility of another blockbuster trade either. What we're getting at though is teams are in the process of finalizing their rosters for the season ahead, so without further adieu, who are the favorites to hoist the Stanley Cup next June?
Why that would be none other than the Pittsburgh Penguins at 8/1, followed very closely by the New York Rangers at 9/1.
Of course, neither is really very surprising. Despite their embarrassing first-round exit, the Pens were considered the favorites in the playoffs this past year, and any team with Sidney Crosby is going to command that type of respect from oddsmakers. The reigning Atlantic Division Champion Rangers caused a big splash by acquiring Rick Nash, and they came just a few games short of reaching the Finals last season. No arguments there.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
The good news is only a pair of teams have better odds than the Flyers at 13/1 -- the Vancouver Canucks (11/1) and Los Angeles Kings (12/1). Even though the Orange and Black have come up short in several ways this offseason, they are still viewed among the cream of the crop in the NHL this season.
Here is the full list of odds, including for some reason the Columbus Blue Jackets, whose entire team apparently has a better chance at getting struck by lightning.
Odds to win the 2013 Stanley Cup (Current Odds as of 8/2/12 provided by Bovada.lv)
Pittsburgh Penguins 8/1
New York Rangers 9/1
Vancouver Canucks 11/1
Los Angeles Kings 12/1
Philadelphia Flyers 13/1
Chicago Blackhawks 14/1
Detroit Red Wings 15/1
Boston Bruins 16/1
St. Louis Blues 16/1
Minnesota Wild 18/1
San Jose Sharks 20/1
Buffalo Sabres 22/1
Carolina Hurricanes 22/1
Nashville Predators 25/1
Tampa Bay Lightning 25/1
Washington Capitals 25/1
New Jersey Devils 28/1
Edmonton Oilers 30/1
Toronto Maple Leafs 35/1
Florida Panthers 40/1
Anaheim Ducks 40/1
Colorado Avalanche 40/1
Montreal Canadiens 40/1
Ottawa Senators 40/1
Phoenix Coyotes 40/1
Calgary Flames 50/1
Dallas Stars 50/1
Winnipeg Jets 50/1
New York Islanders 75/1
Columbus Blue Jackets 100/1