The 2026–27 NHL season opens on September 29, and Canada gets a strong spotlight right away with Montreal visiting Toronto and Vancouver meeting Edmonton. Every team will play 84 regular-season games this year, two more than last season.
If the goal is to back one Canadian club this season, the sharpest long-shot futures case points to Montreal, while Edmonton looks more attractive for individual-game and scoring markets.
Why Montreal stands out for a championship wager
Montreal enters the new season with momentum that goes beyond promise. The Canadiens reached the Eastern Conference Final last season, and that playoff run gives their core something real to build on.
Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Ivan Demidov, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Lane Hutson give the roster a mix of finishing skill, creativity, and offensive upside. That combination is why Montreal has drawn serious preseason attention as a Stanley Cup threat.
For bettors, the key question is value. If Montreal’s outright Cup number is too short, an Eastern Conference future may be the better way to play the same belief in their ceiling.
Why Edmonton still attracts betting interest
Edmonton remains hard to ignore because Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can swing any matchup. That level of star power keeps the Oilers relevant in nearly every market, even when the team is uneven elsewhere.
The concern is still defense. Edmonton allowed 3.23 goals per game last season, which ranked 25th in the league, so the team’s results often depend on whether its offense can outscore the damage behind it.
That profile makes the Oilers more appealing in single-game betting than in long-term futures. Moneylines, puck lines, and over/under wagers can make sense, but those bets should always be shaped by opponent quality, goaltending, and recent form.
How to choose between the two teams
| If you want to bet on… | Best Canadian team to follow | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| A Canadian Stanley Cup run | Montreal Canadiens | The Canadiens have a young core, fresh playoff credibility, and rising expectations. |
| Individual games and goal totals | Edmonton Oilers | McDavid and Draisaitl keep the offense dangerous, but the defense creates betting volatility. |
A sensible betting plan is straightforward: use Montreal for futures only if the price offers value, and lean on Edmonton when the matchup and goaltending situation create an edge. A strong team can still be a bad bet if the number is too expensive.