NHL odds 2021-22: Avalanche, Lightning once again Stanley Cup favorites

The leaves are falling. The weather is getting chillier.

Yes, the NHL season is just around the corner. So, of course, it's only apropos to look all the way to June and see who oddsmakers think will lift the Stanley Cup.

2021-22 SEASON: Key Dates | Players ready for normalcy

While it may be a new season, the usual suspects are still atop the list, with the high-octane offense of the Avalanche leading the charge. Not too far behind sit the two-time defending champion Lightning, then the Golden Knights in third.

Sitting in fourth place are the Maple Leafs. With the likes of Mitch Marner, William Nylander and 2021 Rocket Richard Trophy winner Auston Matthews, the Toronto squad is always in the mix. Could the city's 54-year Cup drought ending at 55 come June?

Watch the 2021-22 NHL season on ESPN+

There's plenty of road to travel before the NHL gets to the last team standing — and a lot can change between now and the postseason. Here's how things shake out before the 2021-22 regular season gets underway:

2022 Stanley Cup winner odds

Odds as of Sept. 29 and provided by FanDuel.