As the NHL enters a quieter phase from late July to late August, many involved in the league take a step back. Insiders retreat to their summer abodes, while players share glimpses of their vacations and personal milestones on social media. For fans and analysts, this lull offers a moment of respite with the understanding that teams are not expected to make significant roster changes during this period. Consequently, the betting landscape also experiences minimal movement, making it an opportune time to explore potential futures bets for the 2025-26 season before the preseason begins and lines begin to fluctuate.

DraftKings currently lists the Florida Panthers as favorites to win the Eastern Conference, with odds at +310. While predicting the conference champion is often a challenging endeavor, the Panthers have established themselves as formidable contenders. Concurrently, the Minnesota Wild hold odds of -150 to make the playoffs, a figure that raises eyebrows given the Los Angeles Kings' -350 odds. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Western Conference, the Wild's chances appear stronger than the odds suggest. On another note, the Pittsburgh Penguins are projected to accumulate under 78.5 regular-season points at -120. With an eye toward retooling, the Penguins' path to the playoffs may not be as straightforward this season, even with veteran Sidney Crosby at the helm.

In terms of value betting, the Dallas Stars are positioned at +225 to capture the Central Division title, trailing the Colorado Avalanche, favored at +215. The Stars have faced challenges in achieving a deep playoff run, but with consistent performances from players like Mikko Rantanen and a new head coach, they may emerge as legitimate contenders. Conversely, betting on the Kings to miss the playoffs at +260 could present an intriguing opportunity. Following a tumultuous offseason and a disappointing playoff exit, the Kings' prospects seem statistically undervalued. The Detroit Red Wings, on the other hand, present a compelling case at +260 to make the playoffs, bolstered by their acquisitions and significant improvement following a midseason coaching change. Conversely, the Tampa Bay Lightning are projected to finish under 101.5 regular-season points at +100, as high expectations juxtapose their current performance levels.

Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights are set at under 104.5 regular-season points at -120, as analysts express skepticism over their ability to maintain previous success. The Buffalo Sabres, who have struggled historically, are similarly projected to land under 84.5 regular-season points at +100, amidst concerns about their roster’s lack of significant enhancements. The New York Rangers offer an intriguing long-shot opportunity at +550 to win the Metropolitan Division, fueled by recent roster improvements and a talented roster led by notable goalie Igor Shesterkin. As the offseason progresses, analysts agree that the emergence of teams such as the Golden Knights, due to their significant free agency moves, does not guarantee success in the competitive Western Conference, where various teams—including the Stars, Avalanche, Wild, and Jets—remain potent threats.