2013 Stanley Cup Odds, and You're Not Gonna Like the Favorites…

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.

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