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5 early favorites to win the 2017 Stanley Cup

By Dave Stevenson

Jun 12, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) holds the Stanley Cup after defeating the San Jose Sharks in game six of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) holds the Stanley Cup after defeating the San Jose Sharks in game six of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2015-16 season has just come to an end but here are five NHL teams in a good position to win the Stanley Cup for the 2016-17 season. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins are your 2015-16 Stanley Cup champions. That’s a phrase that nobody thought was possible back when Penguins center Evgeni Malkin guaranteed that the Penguins would make the playoffs on January 23. Thanks to a well-balanced team and some bold moves by general manager Jim Rutherford, the Penguins were able to win their fourth championship in franchise history and their first since 2009.

However, it is never too early to start looking at who are some of the favorites to raise the cup. The Penguins will face a very tough road if they want to repeat because there are a number of teams who look like they are going to be extremely good next season. It’s still very early and teams haven’t even started signing free agents yet. However, it’s obvious to see that some teams are in an extremely good position.

The Penguins became the first Eastern Conference team to win the championship since the 2010-2011 Boston Bruins. Will another team from the Eastern Conference win in 2016-17? Here are five early favorites to win the Stanley Cup next season.

Next: 5. Nashville Predators

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