The 2026–27 NHL season opens on September 29, and Canadian viewers get a strong start with the Canadiens visiting the Maple Leafs and the Canucks meeting the Oilers. Every team will play 84 regular-season games this year, up from 82 last season.
Montreal offers the cleanest long-shot upside
If the goal is to find a Canadian club with true championship appeal, Montreal is the most intriguing option. The Canadiens reached the Eastern Conference Final last season, and that kind of playoff run matters because it gives a young core real postseason experience to build on.
Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Ivan Demidov, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Lane Hutson give Montreal a balanced mix of finishing talent and playmaking from the back end. That combination is why some preseason assessments have placed the Canadiens near the top of the Cup conversation.
The betting question is not whether Montreal is interesting; it is whether the price is usable. If the Stanley Cup number is too short for a team that has not yet reached the Final with this group, an Eastern Conference futures ticket may offer a better fit.
Edmonton is the better team for night-by-night wagering
Edmonton remains difficult to fade because Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can tilt almost any game. The Oilers still have one of the league’s most dangerous attacks, which keeps them relevant in moneyline and total-goals markets.
The concern is the defensive side. Edmonton allowed 3.23 goals per game last season, which ranked 25th in the NHL, so matchups, goaltending, and recent form matter a lot more than reputation alone.
That profile makes the Oilers more appealing for game-specific bets than for a broad championship futures play. They can score fast, but they also create volatility that sharp bettors have to price correctly.
How the two teams compare for bettors
| Betting goal | Team to watch | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Stanley Cup futures | Montreal Canadiens | A rising young core and recent playoff momentum make them the stronger long-range story. |
| Single-game and goal markets | Edmonton Oilers | Elite scoring power creates betting opportunities, while the defense keeps game results less predictable. |
The best value play depends on the number
Montreal is the stronger Canadian futures candidate, but only if the price leaves room for profit. Edmonton is easier to evaluate game by game, especially when lineups and starting goaltenders are confirmed.
The smartest wager is not always the most obvious one. Compare sportsbook prices first, then decide whether Montreal’s playoff ceiling or Edmonton’s nightly firepower offers the better edge.