NHL Odds Have Caps as Second Tier Contender

Oddsmakers are still relatively high on the Caps’ chances for 2025-26. FanDuel Sportsbook’s latest NHL odds have Washington at +2800 to win the Cup, solidly in the second tier of contenders.

After watching this year’s playoffs and how the Florida Panthers dismantled the Edmonton Oilers, is contending in 2025-26 realistic for the Capitals?

Ovechkin is Still Elite

Ovi put together a season for the ages in 2024-25, scoring 44 goals and surpassing Wayne Gretzky as the all-time NHL goal scorer despite breaking his leg early in the season. Ovechkin’s pursuit of 895 fueled the Capitals down the stretch, with the Caps finishing as President’s Trophy runners-up. 

Yet, one has to wonder how long Ovi can continue this level of play. He’ll turn 40 before the season begins, and I don’t think another 40-plus goal season is probable. 

Ovi may prove me wrong, but I think a season like 2023-24 where he scored 31 (still very good), is more likely. And as Ovi’s decline comes, the Caps will swoon in the standings. 

Heavy and Deep Wins Playoff Games

The Capitals had no answers for the Carolina Hurricanes in the playoffs this year. The Canes held the Caps’ offense to seven goals through five games and neutralized the Washington stars. 

It’s a matter of philosophy and style. Teams like the Hurricanes and Florida Panthers play a punishing, physical game. They win time of possession and dominate Corsi metrics, while a team like the Capitals prefers scoring on the rush. 

As we saw in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, teams who live by the rush are DOA against a sustained physical attack. And the Caps don’t have the depth and physicality to make a deep run in the postseason. 

Can The Caps Fill Their Holes?

GM Chris Patrick is in a tough position. This Caps team must prepare for life after Ovechkin, but they’re also a playoff team. The rebuild will come, but the organization owes its franchise player and fanbase one more bite at the apple.  

If they’re to compete in the 20205-26 Eastern Conference, Patrick will have to get aggressive in free agency. The good news? The Caps have assets.

T.J. Oshie retired, and Niklas Backstrom is a UFA. Lars Eller and Anthony Beauvillier also come off the books, giving Washington ample cap space to pursue top-six depth. 

Players like Nikolaj Ehlers and Sam Bennett are the jewels of the current UFA crop. Patrick pursuing one of those high-end players isn’t out of the question, especially because the Caps were unable to score consistently during the playoffs. 

Caps NHL Odds +2800 to Win 2026 Stanley Cup Make Sense

The Caps are a great regular-season team, even as they transition from the Ovechkin era. While speculation abounds about Ovi’s future, he’s still capable of scoring 30-plus goals in a season. 

And with Backstrom and Oshie gone, Washington has an opportunity to revamp their roster in hopes of another Cup before the Great 8 returns to Russia. 

I like the Caps at +2800 to win the 2026 Stanley Cup.