Fantasy Picks, Futures, and EDGE Stats for the 2025 Stanley Cup Final: Spotlight on Marchand

Aaron Ekblad © Pinterest

The 2025 Stanley Cup Final rematch between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers, starting June 4, 2025 (8:30 p.m. ET; TNT, ESPN+, CBC, SN, TVAS), promises an electrifying showdown. As fantasy hockey enthusiasts prepare for Game 1, advanced NHL EDGE stats and projections offer critical insights for building championship rosters. This article highlights key fantasy picks, prop bets, and futures, with a spotlight on Florida’s Brad Marchand and other standout players, ensuring your lineup thrives in this high-stakes series.

Why Fantasy Picks Matter in the Stanley Cup Final

The Stanley Cup Final is the NHL’s ultimate stage, where every goal, assist, and shot carries immense weight. Fantasy hockey success in the playoffs hinges on selecting players who deliver under pressure, leveraging metrics like NHL EDGE stats—tracking skating speed, shot locations, and zone time. Unlike regular-season fantasy, playoff pools reward clutch performers in categories like goals, assists, shots on goal (SOG), and blocked shots. With only two teams left, stars like Marchand, Connor McDavid, and Aaron Ekblad stand out as fantasy game-changers.

Key Fantasy Picks and Prop Bets

Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida Panthers

Categories to Watch: Assists, Points, Shots on Goal, Blocked Shots
Ekblad leads Florida’s defensemen with 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 13 playoff games, including 8 even-strength points and 27 SOG. His first power-play unit role, tied with Seth Jones for 3 power-play points, boosts his fantasy value. Averaging over one blocked shot per game (17 in 14), Ekblad’s defensive contributions complement his offense. His 47.2% even-strength offensive zone time per game (highest among finalists, per NHL EDGE) signals scoring chances. With points in 9 of 14 games, he’s a multi-category asset.
Prop Bet: Ekblad to record a point in Game 1 (+225). His recent point streak (4 of 6 games) makes this a solid play.

Brad Marchand, F, Florida Panthers

Categories to Watch: Goals, Assists, Points
Acquired from Boston before the trade deadline, the 36-year-old Marchand has thrived on Florida’s third line with Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen, posting 15 points (6 goals, 9 assists) in 18 playoff games. His 13 5-on-5 points tie for second among playoff skaters, with 11 points in 8 road games, leveraging Florida’s 9-3 road record and +29 goal differential. NHL EDGE stats rank him in the 92nd percentile for midrange SOG (12) and 95th for even-strength skating distance (40.1 miles), reflecting his relentless pace. Marchand’s 13 points in 22 career Stanley Cup Final games add veteran savvy.
Prop Bet: Marchand to score a goal or assist in Game 1 (-125). His line chemistry and road dominance make this a high-value bet.

Evander Kane, F, Edmonton Oilers

Categories to Watch: Goals, Points, Shots on Goal
Fully recovered from a hip injury, Kane has 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) in 16 playoff games, with 8 at home, where Edmonton is 7-2 with a +12 goal differential. His 14 goals in 17 games during the 2022 playoffs highlight his postseason scoring knack. With 6+ shot attempts in 12 of 16 games, Kane ranks in the 94th percentile for midrange SOG (13) and 92nd for high-danger SOG (14) per NHL EDGE, making him a volume shooter.
Prop Bet: Kane to record 3+ SOG in Game 1 (+110). His shot consistency supports this wager.

Others to Highlight

• Carter Verhaeghe, F, LW/RW, FLA (Goals, Points): With 8 goals in 18 games, Verhaeghe’s clutch scoring shines. Prop: Over 0.5 points in Game 1 (+160).
• Connor McDavid, , C, EDM (SOG, Points): Leading with 31 playoff points, McDavid’s 142 speed bursts (20+ mph) dominate EDGE stats. Prop: Over 2.5 SOG in Game 1 (-115).
• Aleksander Barkov, C, FLA (Assists, Points): The Panthers’ captain has 12 assists in 18 games, excelling in playmaking. Prop: Over 0.5 assists in Game 2 (+200).
• Evan Bouchard, D, EDM (SOG): His 98.7 mph shot speed and consistent 2+ SOG make him a fantasy staple. Prop: Over 4.5 series SOG (+180).
• Jake Walman, D, EDM (Blocked Shots): Acquired from Detroit, Walman’s 20 blocks in 15 games ensure defensive value. Prop: Over 2.5 blocks in Game 1 (+200).

Futures Watch: Series Leaders and Conn Smythe Contenders

Potential Series Goal Leaders

• Connor McDavid, EDM: His 10 playoff goals and offensive dominance make him the favorite.
• Leon Draisaitl, EDM: With 12 goals, Draisaitl’s scoring is a constant threat.
• Carter Verhaeghe, FLA: His 8 goals and playoff heroics keep him in the race.
• Brad Marchand, FLA: His 6 goals and road scoring make him a sleeper pick.

Potential Series Shots Leaders

• Connor McDavid, EDM: High shot volume and speed drive his SOG totals.
• Evan Bouchard, EDM: Consistent 2+ shots fuel his candidacy.
• Sam Reinhart, FLA: Reinhart’s reliable shooting adds depth.
• Sam Bennett, FLA: His aggressive style drives frequent SOG.

Conn Smythe Trophy Candidates

1. Connor McDavid, EDM (-140): With 31 playoff points, the 2024 Conn Smythe winner leads the pack.
2. Sergei Bobrovsky, G, FLA (+240): Florida’s goaltender boasts a .938 save percentage.
3. Leon Draisaitl, EDM (+600): His 28 points make him a strong contender.
4. Aleksander Barkov, FLA (+900): A two-way force with 20 points.
5. Carter Verhaeghe, FLA (+2000): His goal-scoring could tip the scales.

Podcast Analysis: Strategic Insights

Fantasy hockey podcasts, such as NHL.com’s, underscore McDavid’s offensive ceiling, with his 24.1 mph top skating speed and 142 speed bursts setting him apart. Analysts highlight Florida’s road prowess (9-3, +29 goal differential) as a fantasy edge for Marchand, Lundell, and Luostarinen, whose 42 combined points excel away from home. Edmonton’s home dominance (7-2, +12) boosts Kane and Bouchard, while Ekblad’s multi-category output makes him a top defender. Experts recommend balancing stars like McDavid with value picks like Walman for optimal fantasy performance.

Why Marchand Stands Out

Marchand’s seamless integration into Florida’s lineup, paired with his playoff pedigree (58 career playoff goals), elevates the Panthers. His third-line synergy with Lundell and Luostarinen, generating 12 road goals, capitalizes on Florida’s aggressive forecheck. At 36, Marchand’s 40.1 miles of even-strength skating distance (95th percentile, per NHL EDGE) defies age, making him a fantasy standout for points and SOG. His 13 5-on-5 points tie for second in the playoffs, offering reliability despite a mid-season injury.

Conclusion

The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is a fantasy hockey crucible, with Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad, and Evander Kane poised to deliver. Leveraging NHL EDGE stats, targeting high-value props, and eyeing futures like McDavid’s Conn Smythe candidacy can elevate your roster. As the Panthers and Oilers clash, Marchand’s road warrior spirit and veteran savvy make him a fantasy star, but Edmonton’s offensive firepower demands attention. Dive into this epic rematch, and let your fantasy picks shine.

Source: article by Fantasy Hockey Staff on nhl.com, published on June 3, 2025.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer