Chicago Blackhawks already favorite to win 2016 Stanley Cup
The Chicago Blackhawks began the 2014-2015 season as the Stanley Cup favorites and finished as the champions. They've already been anointed the favorites for next season, too.
The Westgate SuperBook opened the Blackhawks as 6-1 favorites to win the 2016 Stanley Cup this week. Chicago defeated theTampa Bay Lightningin six games to hoist this year's Cup.
The New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks, both at 8-1, are the second choices in 2016, followed by the runner-up Lightning and Los Angeles Kings at 10-1. The Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues are all at 12-1.
The Buffalo Sabres andArizona Coyotesare the biggest long shots at 200-1.
Last October, the Blackhawks were listed at 11-2 to win the Stanley Cup at the SuperBook. They remained among the favorites for the majority of the season, before besting the Lightning in the finals with Monday night's 2-0 victory.
Chicago has won three Stanley Cup championships since 2010.
The free-agent market isn't expected to be impactful, but the trade market is intriguing. Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp and Rangers forward Rick Nash are some of the big names that could be on the move this offseason.
