Which NHL teams look like early Stanley Cup favorites?

Even though we are only a few weeks into the 2024-25 season, a number of teams are showing they have what it takes to make deep runs this coming spring.

Prior to the new campaign kicking off, there were a few teams that people believed would be in the running to take home Lord Stanley’s Cup. The defending champion Florida Panthers still have a talented group that can go back to the Final, while the reigning President’s Trophy-winning New York Rangers have a lineup that is going to be tough to beat.

That said, a couple of teams have surprised folks with hot starts. The Winnipeg Jets are the only truly undefeated team thus far, winning each of their first seven games of the season. Also, the Calgary Flames and Los Angeles Kings are up near the top of the Pacific Division, thanks to some good play early on.

During “The Inner Circle” segment of Friday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss teams that are showing signs of being Stanley Cup contenders.

Frank Seravalli: For the Rangers…even after a 5-0-1 start, they were somehow getting booed at Madison Square Garden, which is crazy. I’ve got the Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, who have been unbelievable. They’ve played to their identity. The [Edmonton] Oilers have been scuffling, but I’m taking the long-term view for a team that started so poorly last year…and the Vegas Golden Knights — given the way this team has started, I really like their strength of their tandem in net. I think Vegas is right in that group.

Tyler Yaremchuk: I only have four teams in the inner circle, one from each division. I have Florida in, which you didn’t…they’re 5-3-1. What’s so special about that? They’re winning games without [Aleksander] Barkov, they’re winning games without Matthew Tkachuk as well. That roster, and the way Paul Maurice continually has his team playing, is so impressive.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…