Anaheim Ducks show a favorable shift, with their odds improving from 10,000 to 5,500.

Contenders tier lists New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, Edmonton Oilers, and Dallas Stars as serious threats in the title race.

In Bleacher Report’s tiered system, Pretenders include teams such as Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Utah Mammoth, and New York Rangers, reflecting midseason skepticism about their title chances.

Colorado Avalanche have surged to clear Cup favorite status after a strong start, with their odds tightening significantly over 20 games.

Nashville Predators have seen a sharp spike in odds, moving from modest to markedly worse after a disappointing start to the season.

The Bleacher Report framework categorizes teams into six tiers: Gavin McKenna Tier, Rebuilding or in need of a miracle, Pretenders, Dark Horses, Contenders, and Top Tier.

The Rebuilding or in need of a miracle tier highlights clubs like the Islanders, Sabres, Blue Jackets, Canucks, Blues, and Red Wings as outliers in the league’s competitive balance.

Top Tier features the leading favorites, including the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, and Colorado Avalanche, as the frontrunners.

Gavin McKenna Tier maps low-probability teams such as the Sharks and Blackhawks at the bottom, with mid-pack teams like Nashville and Calgary also positioned there.

The Dark Horses tier includes teams like the Winnipeg Jets, Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals, and Toronto Maple Leafs, signaling potential upsets or late-season surges.