Brent Burns, 40, leads the OGWAC (Old Guys Without a Cup) list as the Colorado Avalanche defends its +290 Stanley Cup odds. The veteran defenseman, known for his fiery demeanor and iconic beard, seeks redemption after near-misses with the Sharks and Hurricanes. Playing for the Avalanche—favorites to win—Burns embodies the OGWAC spirit: relentless pursuit of hockey’s ultimate prize despite age and past playoff heartbreak.

The Minnesota Wild field two candidates: Nick Foligno (38), a leader chasing his first Cup with his younger brother Marcus (34), and Mats Zuccarello (36), a trailblazer as the first Norwegian in a Cup Final. Foligno’s tenure with the Wild—a team still seeking its first title—adds narrative weight. Meanwhile, Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn (36) aims to cement his legacy as the franchise’s Cup-winning skipper after near-misses in 2020 and recent conference finals.

San Jose Sharks forward Ryan Reaves (39), a playoff warrior, and Dallas’ Benn highlight the OGWAC’s emotional core: players who’ve dedicated decades to the game. Even free agent Jeff Skinner (33), a Cup Final veteran with the Oilers, could resurrect his legacy if he joins a contender. Coreys Perry (40) and Connor McDavid (29) loom large as well, with Perry chasing his first Cup since 2007 and McDavid facing "bridesmaid" fatigue despite his generational talent.

Brent Burns’ path to glory hinges on the Avalanche’s dominance. With a roster stacked with young stars like Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon, Burns could become the oldest first-time Cup winner in NHL history. His story—blending grit, longevity, and a dash of superstardom—epitomizes why fans rally behind OGWAC hopefuls: they represent hockey’s soul, where perseverance meets destiny.