I was watching Oilers–Stars a couple of weeks back, and something hit me: Canada hasn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1993. That’s not a typo. The country that gave us Wayne Gretzky, Tim Hortons, and hockey itself hasn’t lifted the Cup in over three decades.
That’s right, thirty-two years since Canada hoisted the Stanley Cup. That feels… impossible. Like hearing Italy hasn’t made good pasta in 30 years.
Canada’s in some weird hockey purgatory. They invented the game, breathe it, live it, bleed it… and yet the Cup keeps packing its bags and flying south every June.
Do any Canadian NHL teams have a shot to break the Stanley Cup drought this year?
A Cold, Hard Truth: No Canadian Cup Since 1993
I was a young football fan in 1993 when The Canadiens took down Gretzky and the Kings. I was more worried about Ninja Turtles than who hoisted the Stanley Cup.
Fast-forward to now: I’ve seen rent prices rise, crypto rollercoaster up and down, and Connor Bedard get drafted, but I haven’t seen a single Canadian team win it all.
There Have Been Some Close Calls
Since ‘93, Canada has been chasing the dragon. But it’s not like there haven’t been some close calls:
- Vancouver in 1994 – Lost to the Rangers in game 7.
- Calgary in 2004 – That non-goal in Game 6 still haunts Flames fans.
- Edmonton in 2006 – Roloson goes down, and the Hurricanes take Game 7.
- Ottawa in 2007 – Anaheim flattened them in 5.
- Vancouver again in 2011 – Lost in 7, then the riot. Brutal.
- Montreal in 2021 – Pandemic miracle run, then boom — Tampa.
- Edmonton in 2024 – Forced a Game 7 after being down 0–3, only to fall short to Florida.
Each time, Canada gets their hopes up. And each time, the Cup ends up in a sunbelt city where ice is more of a suggestion than a reality.
Is this the Year? The Stanley Cup Futures Odds for Canadian Teams (April 25th Update)
Short answer? Maybe. Long answer? The odds are where things get interesting — or painful if you’re north of the border.
The playoffs are knocking and a few Canadian teams are once again lining up to take their shot. But if you’re looking to wager on the Stanley Cup, sportsbooks aren’t exactly betting the farm on them.
Here’s how things look as of April:
| Team | BetUS (Offshore) | MyBookie (Offshore) | BetMGM (U.S.) | Caesars (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | +2500 | +3000 | +2500 | +2200 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +700 | +650 | +700 | +700 |
| Winnipeg Jets | +800 | +700 | +750 | +800 |
| Ottawa Senators | +25000 | +30000 | +20000 | +20000 |
| Montreal Canadiens | +15000 | +20000 | +20000 | +11000 |
| Vancouver Canucks | N/A Off the Board | N/A Off the Board | N/A Off the Board | N/A Off the Board |
| Calgary Flames | N/A Off the Board | N/A Off the Board | N/A Off the Board | N/A Off the Board |
Odds last updated on April 25, 2025 at 1:00pm EST
Edmonton Oilers: No Longer The Favorites Up North
You want a legit Stanley Cup contender from Canada? The Oilers have slipped out of that spot. Most books had Edmonton between +850 and +950 last week, but put them in the +2200 and up range now.
That’s a long shot, putting them far behind most of the pack at this point. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were still doing superhuman until the playoffs hit, but it hasn’t been enough. They made the Final last year, but this year is looking grim.
Winnipeg Jets: Quiet, but Potentially Dangerous
The Jets are interesting, improving their odds from around +1000 or so last week, to the +700 to +800 early in the playoffs. They’re not flashy, but they’re consistent, physical, and play with a bit of a chip on their shoulder.
They’ve never made the Final since moving from Atlanta. But if you’re looking for a dark horse from the Great White North, this is the team to keep an eye on. They aren’t far behind some of the US front runners either.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Big Hopes and Big Shifting Momentums
Toronto’s was sitting around +1200 last week, but after the first few playoff games, they are right around the +700 range at the moment. That makes this team a top-three contender now. Everyone calm down though… it’s the Leafs.
If you’ve ever met a Leafs fan, you know they’re teetering between hope and heartbreak every spring. That’s because they always look ok on paper, but they haven’t even made the Final since 1967. I wasn’t alive. My dad was barely alive.
Still — could this be their year? Very loose “maybe”
If anyone’s gonna end the drought as of today, the Leafs are your best bet. Literally. Just make sure you’re checking for the best lines for these guys because their odds are bouncing around with every game.
The Long Shots (a.k.a. Don’t Put the Mortgage On It)
Some Canadian teams are technically still in the race, but it’s more like that scene in a horror movie where the guy says “I think we lost him!” right before the monster eats him.
- Ottawa Senators are now around +20000 and up. A young, talented group — but this is not their year. Maybe next time say the sportsbooks.
- Montreal Canadiens? +11000 or worse. This isn’t 1993. They’re in full rebuild mode.
- Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks didn’t make the cut.
There’s always a potential miracle run lurking in hockey (see: 2021 Canadiens), but for these teams? It would take a Disney-level miracle and a whole lot of goalie magic.
Why Canada Keeps Coming Up Empty
From the outside looking in, it’s kind of wild. The NHL’s biggest fanbases are in Canada. Every kid there grows up on skates. So what gives? Why can’t Canada pull a Stanley Cup for the last 32 years?
People love to throw around theories. Here are a few I actually buy:
Inequality
The salary cap and exchange rates make it harder to hoard talent. No more stacked Canadian dynasties like the ’80s Oilers or ’70s Habs.
US Expansion
More U.S. teams equals more good U.S. teams. And when you’re facing the Lightning, Bruins, or Avalanche every year? Good luck.
Fan Pressure
Canadian fans are intense. The Leafs playing a Game 7 at home, is like defusing a bomb with 20,000 people screaming in your face. That’s not easy.
Betting on the Drought to End? Where’s the Best Value?
If you believe that Canada can take it, and you want to throw a few bucks down, which sportsbooks offer the best value? Historically, offshore books tend to hang longer odds on Canadian teams.
I’m seeing most books tighten up their lines right now as we get ready for the playoffs. So the current numbers are pretty close, but BetUS and MyBookie have the best line in most cases.
Bottom line? If you’re chasing value and you’re comfortable betting offshore, you can usually find a better number — especially on long shots or polarizing teams. Just make sure the site is reputable, and always, always check lines at more than one sportsbook to get the best value.
My Gut Feeling?
Honestly? I don’t know. The drought’s real. The pressure’s heavy. But hockey’s weird, and sometimes weird is all you need.
If I were betting this time around (I’m not), I’d probably ride with the Oilers out of the Canada bunch. They’ve got the talent, the firepower, and a chip on their shoulder from last year. But I wouldn’t be shocked if we’re sitting here in June watching the Rangers or Avs skate around with Stanley again.
That said — if a Canadian team finally pulls it off, I’ll be happy for our neighbors to the north. You guys brought us the game after all, you deserve a cup once in a while.
Over to You
Alright, your turn. After 30+ years, can the country that lives and breathes hockey finally bring the Cup home? The Oilers look ready, the Leafs are lurking, and the Jets might just surprise us all.
What do you think — is this the year Canada breaks through, or are they in for more heartbreak?
Drop your thoughts in the comments or argue with me on Twitter. I’m here for all of it.
About the Author
Alonzo Solano
The Boss of Betting, Editor-in-Chief & Sports Analyst
Alonzo Solano is an author, sports analyst, Editor in Chief of BossofBetting.com, and host of the 'NFL Latino TV' podcast.
Outside of family, his biggest passion is NFL football. Perhaps he is best known for his podcast 'NFL Latino TV,' where he shares his analysis and perspectives on the game with a worldwide Spanish-speaking audience.
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