The Stanley Cup Final is set to be a thrilling rematch between the defending champion Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers, and fans are buzzing with excitement. The question on everyone’s mind is whether the Panthers can become just the third NHL team in the last decade to repeat as champions, or if the Oilers can break Canada’s 32-year Cup drought. Both teams are loaded with talent, but the edge could go to the one playing with more confidence and urgency. This includes players returning from injury, those who underperformed last year, or those who may be on their first or last deep playoff run.
Brad Marchand (LW), $6.125 Million AAV
Brad Marchand is heading to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in his career with a team other than the Boston Bruins. Marchand, 37, has made it to the Cup Final three times, winning in 2011 against Vancouver and losing in 2013 and 2019. This time, he’s with the Florida Panthers, having been traded to the team during the final moments of the NHL trade deadline. If Marchand can bring the same intensity that helped him earn seven goals and 12 points in previous Cup runs, this could be his last chance to lift the Cup once again before his contract expires this summer.
Seth Jones (D), $9.5 Million AAV
After a challenging stint with the Chicago Blackhawks, Seth Jones is now making his Stanley Cup Final debut with the Florida Panthers. The defenseman was traded to Florida for Spencer Knight and a first-round pick in 2026, giving him a fresh start after some tough years in Chicago. In Florida’s impressive playoff run, Jones has contributed three goals and seven points, while also maintaining a plus-9 rating. At 30 years old, Jones has the opportunity to prove that he’s still an elite defenseman and help Florida secure another Cup.
Evan Rodrigues (C/W), $3 Million AAV
Evan Rodrigues has been a rising star for the Panthers as the playoffs progress. Notably, Rodrigues had a standout series against Carolina, scoring one goal and adding seven assists to his tally of 11 playoff points in just five games. Last year in the Stanley Cup Final against the Oilers, Rodrigues led the Panthers with four goals and seven points. If he can carry this momentum into another Cup Final appearance and produce a similar performance, it could be a significant boost for his career and his contract negotiations when his deal expires in 2027.
Leon Draisaitl (C), $14 Million AAV
Leon Draisaitl is one of the NHL’s most effective players, but the Stanley Cup has so far eluded him, just like his teammate Connor McDavid. Draisaitl had a tough final last year, registering only three points and a minus-2 plus-minus, although it was later revealed that he had been playing through injuries. Now fully healed and more determined than ever, Draisaitl has the chance to show that he can be the difference-maker for the Oilers and bring the Stanley Cup back to Edmonton.
Stuart Skinner (G), $2.6 Million AAV
Stuart Skinner’s rise has been one of the most impressive stories of the Oilers’ playoff run. After taking over from Calvin Pickard in a crucial series against Vegas, Skinner has posted a .931 save percentage and a 1.73 goals-against average over eight games, winning six of them. If Skinner can help lead the Oilers to a Stanley Cup for the first time in decades, it would not only transform his reputation but also significantly raise his value for future contracts. A strong performance in the final would cement his place as one of the league’s top goaltenders.
Evander Kane (LW/RW), $5.125 Million AAV
Evander Kane’s road to the Stanley Cup Final has been anything but smooth. After missing most of last year’s playoffs due to serious injuries—including two torn hip adductor muscles, two hernias, two torn lower abdominal muscles, and a knee injury—Kane has made a successful comeback. So far, he’s contributed five goals and 11 points in 15 games during this postseason. With his physicality and scoring touch, Kane is a crucial part of the Oilers’ lineup. If he can bring his edge and contribute gritty goals in the final, especially with his past success against Dallas, it could make a major difference for Edmonton.
The 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers promises to be a high-stakes, emotional battle, with several key players looking to prove themselves on the biggest stage. Whether it’s veterans like Brad Marchand, players on redemption tours like Seth Jones and Evander Kane, or rising stars like Leon Draisaitl and Stuart Skinner, the series will undoubtedly feature unforgettable moments. These players all have something to prove, and their performances could be the difference in determining the next Stanley Cup champion.
