Navigating the NHL Offseason: Key Futures Bets Ahead of the New Season

As the NHL enters a quieter phase of the offseason, it is common for fans and analysts alike to observe a slowdown in activity throughout the league. From late July to late August, insiders tend to retreat from the public eye, while players share glimpses of their summer activities on social media. During this period, significant roster moves by teams become less likely, resulting in relative stagnation in betting odds. This quiet time presents an opportunity to reflect on potential futures bets for the upcoming 2025-26 season before preseason begins and lines start to shift.
One noteworthy futures bet highlights the Florida Panthers, who are favored to win the Eastern Conference at +310. Surprising as it may be to predict a frontrunner, the Panthers' strong performance makes them the most logical choice for the title. Although betting on them may not guarantee a return, predicting another team’s victory over them seems improbable. Additionally, the Minnesota Wild’s odds at -150 to make the playoffs raise eyebrows, especially considering the somewhat lower stakes placed on the Los Angeles Kings at -350. The Wild seem to present better value for playoff positioning, and such odds suggest more than a reasonable likelihood of their success.
Further down the board, a few intriguing bets emerge. The Pittsburgh Penguins are expected to struggle, evident in their under 78.5 regular-season points line at -120. With the organization in a retooling phase, this figure seems more than feasible. Conversely, the Dallas Stars at +225 to win the Central Division provide an interesting opportunity, especially given the challenges faced by the Colorado Avalanche as -215 favorites. Key additions, alongside the prospect of other teams potentially losing talent, might elevate the Stars' chances as the season progresses. Other notable calls include the Los Angeles Kings at +260 to miss the playoffs and the Detroit Red Wings at +260 to make the postseason. Both teams are in transitional phases that could sway outcomes significantly.
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s line of under 101.5 regular-season points at +100 reflects the surrounding expectations for the franchise. While they remain respected, claiming over 101 points presents a daunting task. In contrast, the Vegas Golden Knights are positioned at under 104.5 regular-season points at -120, suggesting a potential downturn from their previous high standards. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres’ under 84.5 regular-season points at +100 spotlights their struggle to break free from a lengthy playoff drought, with trading away player JJ Peterka not likely to inspire confidence in improvement.
Lastly, potential value can be seen in backing the New York Rangers to win the Metropolitan Division at +550. Acknowledging the team’s recent adjustments and the presence of standout goaltender Igor Shesterkin offers a sense of optimism. Against a backdrop of divisional uncertainty, this bet could represent an exciting opportunity for those looking to place early wagers, before significant moves unfold closer to the start of the season. As the NHL offseason continues to develop, closely monitoring the actions of various teams may reveal the best prospects amid this uniquely quiet period.








