Given the 107-year historical past of the NHL, you’d assume that just about everybody has gained the Stanley Cup not less than as soon as. However as of final yr, with the Florida Panthers profitable for the primary time, simply 22 energetic groups have gained the Stanley Cup.
As we head into the NHL’s postseason, there are a selection of contenders who could possibly be bringing Lord Stanley’s Cup again to their fanbase for the primary time in workforce historical past.
Right here’s a rating of the 4 groups nonetheless in competition to get a playoff spot who’re most certainly to win their franchise’s first Stanley Cup.
1. Jets
The Winnipeg Jets have by no means gained the Stanley Cup by means of their two incarnations as an NHL franchise.
The primary Jets workforce was an NHL franchise between 1979 and 1996 earlier than transferring to Arizona. This model of the franchise started because the Atlanta Thrashers once they entered the NHL as an enlargement workforce in 1997. Earlier than relocating to Winnipeg in 2011, Atlanta by no means gained a playoff recreation and solely certified for the playoffs as soon as in 2007.
Whereas their fortunes have turned considerably since relocating, the Jets have nonetheless by no means made it to the Stanley Cup.
At +1100 odds proper now to win the Stanley Cup, they’re firmly within the combine on this yr’s playoffs. With Connor Hellebuyck, who briefly turned a Hart Trophy favourite, the workforce can count on to deal with one of the best of the Western Convention. They’re projected to be enjoying the St. Louis Blues within the first spherical of the playoffs.
2. Senators
The Ottawa Senators are one other workforce that had a run as an NHL franchise early within the league’s historical past after which returned within the Nineteen Nineties. However they’ve by no means gained the Stanley Cup as a workforce.
They made it to the 2007 Stanley Cup, their lone look as a franchise, however have been defeated in 5 video games by the Anaheim Geese.
Now, powered by a resurgent yr from goalie Linus Ullmark, who they acquired within the offseason, the Ottawa Senators are again within the playoffs. They clinched their first playoff look after an eight-year drought earlier this week.
As the primary Wild Card workforce, they’ll face an uphill battle in a powerful Japanese Convention. If the playoffs began immediately they’d be dealing with the Toronto Maple Leafs within the first spherical. They’re +3500 to win the Stanley Cup.
3. Wild
The Minnesota Wild have by no means gained the Stanley Cup within the 25 years they’ve been an NHL franchise.
The workforce performed their first season in 2001, taking up for the earlier Minnesota NHL workforce, the North Stars, who performed in Minnesota till 1993 earlier than transferring to Dallas.
Minnesota’s by no means gained the Stanley Cup nor have they ever appeared in a single.
They’ve been a reasonably constant playoff workforce within the final variety of years however haven’t been capable of make any noise to date.
At +4000, the Wild may even have a troublesome go of it this playoffs in a crowded and aggressive Western Convention. If the playoffs began immediately they’d be enjoying the Vegas Golden Knights within the first spherical.
4. Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are the one workforce on this checklist that’s not presently in possession of a playoff spot. However that doesn’t imply they’re completely out of the image.
After defeating the Washington Capitals 7-0 on Saturday, they’re now simply 5 factors behind the Montreal Canadiens for the ultimate Japanese Convention Wild Card spot.
Since getting into the league through enlargement in 2000, the Columbus Blue Jackets are one of some groups to have by no means reached the Convention Finals. Consequently, they’ve additionally by no means appeared in or gained the Stanley Cup.
Columbus has the longest odds to win the Stanley Cup at +75000.
