NHL Western Conference Winner Odds & Predictions 2024/25: Oilers Back in the Playoff Picture

• The Minnesota Wild and Winnipeg Jets are tied for first in the Western Conference standings

• The Edmonton Oilers are the current betting favorite to win the Western Conference championship

• Dallas Stars offense ranks top-10 in Expected Goals For in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play

After having to sit out for a few weeks with an injury, Edmonton’s Zach Hyman has managed to make his return and help keep the Oilers offense afloat. Hyman has been one of the Oilers main sources of offensive production and a major reason why they rank eighth overall in Expected Goals For in All Situations. Every bit of his production will be needed to help spark a hot stretch of play as the Oilers currently have just a one game lead for the first wildcard spot in the playoffs in the wildcard standings.

As for the rest of the field, the Dallas Stars odds to win the Western Conference continue to grow while their defense steadily improves after a slow start to the season. With a stable level of production at all three areas of the ice, the Stars are one of the most well rounded teams in the league. The Winnipeg Jets meanwhile continue to build a case for being one of the deserving favorites to win the conference as they are currently tied for first in the Western Conference standings with the Minnesota Wild.

NHL Western Conference Championship Odds 

Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Click on the odds in the table below to head to Caesars Sportsbook and place your bets. Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Bets.

Rest of the conference listed at +800 or higher

NHL Western Conference Championship Predictions and Favorites to Win 

After retaining their stars, oddsmakers believe the Oilers are in a position to be the first back-to-back Western Conference champions since the Red Wings did it in 2008-2009.

Edmonton Oilers (+420) at Caesars

After a slow start to the season, the Edmonton Oilers are back in the playoff picture as they currently have a one game lead in the wildcard standings for the first wildcard spot. Better yet, Zach Hyman has managed to make his return from injury to help bolster the Oilers offense. Hyman has been one of their more consistent sources of offensive production this season as the Oilers forward is averaging 0.52 Expected Goals per game.

With their offense intact, it will be up to the defense to decide how far they can go. Their back line has excelled in coverage this season as the Oilers currently rank third overall in Expected Goals Against in All SItuations with an average of 2.72 Expected Goals Against per game. Unfortunately for Edmonton, their success has not helped Stuart Skinner get out of a rut as the starting goalie is still underwhelming in his starts. Until they find more stability in net, then pass on the Oilers current odds to win the conference title.

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Colorado Avalanche (+625) at Caesars

Like the Oilers, it has also been an underwhelming start to the season for the Colorado Avalanche who entered the year listed as one of the betting favorites for the Stanley Cup. Unfortunately for Colorado, they are currently out of the playoff picture as they are two points back from Dallas for the third spot in the Central division standings and one point back from Calgary for the last wildcard spot in the wildcard standings.

A stunning start to the year for a unit that ranks above league average in both Expected Goals For and Expected Goals Against in All SItuations, yet their lack of goaltending continues to bring in a high amount of variance. Alexandar Georgiev has been horrendous this season as the Avs starting goalie is averaging 3.38 Goals Against per game and a .874 Save Percentage. Until Georgiev drastically improves, or the Avs make a change, then pass on their current odds to win the Western Conference championship.

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Winnipeg Jets (+850) at FanDuel

Even though the Winnipeg Jets are tied for first in the Western Conference standings, negative regression looms large as their defense has struggled mightily as of late. After spending a majority of the year ranked in the top-3 in Expected Goals Against in All Situations, the Jets cold stretch of play has knocked them down to 15th overall. That brings in a higher amount of variance into their contests, lessening the chances of them sustaining their current pace of points.

Fortunately for the Jets, reigning Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck has managed to mask their lack of production with his own high level of play in net. In 22 starts, their starting goalie is making a case to repeat for the award as he is averaging just 2.14 Goals Against per game and a .925 Save Percentage. While he is a star talent in his own right, he still needs help from his back line to help maintain his high marks in net. Pass on the Jets for now, but be prepared to lay a wager should they round back into form.

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Who Will Win the Western Conference Championship - My Pick 

Dallas Stars (+420) at Caesars

Now that the Stars defense has rounded back into form after a prolonged cold stretch of play, Dallas has been steadily creeping up the Central division standings. Not only have they been chipping away at the gap between them and the Winnipeg Jets for first place in the division, but they have also strengthened their chances of making the playoffs by pulling away from the rest of the wildcard contenders.

Their improved level of play on defense has also been beneficial for their goalies as both Jake Oettinger and Casey DeSmith are under less duress while their back line smothers opposing shot attempts. With lower quality Shots on Goal being sent towards their net, both goalies are in a great position to maintain their top-25 marks in Goals Against per game. Factor in the Stars offense ranking near the top of the board in Expected Goals For in All Situations and Dallas is built to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Who Won the NHL Western Conference Championship in 2023/2024?

The Edmonton Oilers won the Western Conference in 2023-2024, claiming their 8th conference title.

NHL Western Conference History

Since its inception in 1982, the Western Conference has been dominated by the Edmonton Oilers as they currently lead the West with eight total conference championships in 11 appearances. Even as one of the betting favorites to win the West this season, history has shown that it is not easy to repeat as a conference champion as no one has done it since the Detroit Red Wings did it back in 2008-2009.

Past MHL Western Conference Winners

How to Choose the Best Sportsbook for Betting on the NHL Western Conference Championship

When making a wager on the Western Conference Championship futures market, it’s important to have access to as many sportsbooks as you can get. This gives you the ability to lineshop as odds can drastically vary for the conference winner. The Dallas Stars for example can be found as low as +400 at FanDuel and as high as +420 at Caesars to win the Western Conference. That is a difference of $20 in profit for a $100 bettor.

Another major benefit of collecting multiple sportsbooks is that you can receive their unique signup bonus. This gives you a boost to your bankroll, giving you a headstart ahead of the NHL season. FanDuel Sportsbook for example is giving new users $150 in bonus bets after creating an account and winning your first bet of at least $5 wagered.

*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

How to Read NHL Western Conference Winner Odds

When making any type of wager, it’s vital to know how listed odds work. Should you bet the Stars to win the conference at their current odds of +420, then a $100 wager would profit you $420 should they win the Western Conference. Should you decide to wait and see if they make it to the Western Conference Finals and are listed with a minus sign in front of their number (ex: -130), then you would need to wager $130 to profit $100 if they win the Western Conference.