The NHL enters one of its quieter phases as the league transitions from late July to late August. During this period, many insiders take a break, players share glimpses of their summer weddings and vacations on social media, and teams typically refrain from making significant roster changes. This lull in activity also brings stability to betting odds, making it an opportune moment to explore anticipated future bets for the 2025-26 season ahead of the preseason excitement.

One emerging option is the Florida Panthers, currently favored to win the Eastern Conference at +310, according to odds sourced from Moneyline. While predicting the conference champion always poses a challenge, many analysts view the Panthers as the team to beat this year. Conversely, placing a wager on any other team to surpass them appears less appealing. In the Western Conference, the Minnesota Wild are positioned at -150 to secure a playoff spot, which has raised eyebrows given the contrasting odds for the Los Angeles Kings, listed at -350. The Wild seem to offer a more favorable chance, suggesting bettors may want to capitalize on this opportunity.

The Pittsburgh Penguins face a unique situation as they aim for a playoff berth, contrasted with potential underperformance expectations set at under 78.5 regular-season points at -120. With the need for a rebuild becoming apparent, the coming season could present challenges, even for their star player, Sidney Crosby. In terms of value bets, the Dallas Stars appear poised to compete for the Central Division title at +225, amid uncertainty surrounding the Colorado Avalanche's roster stability. As the offseason progresses, the Stars could develop into division frontrunners with key player contributions and coaching adjustments. Meanwhile, the chance of the Kings missing the playoffs at +260 offers an interesting angle, especially after their unimpressive postseason exit. On the opposite end, the Detroit Red Wings may provide value at +260 to make the playoffs, thanks to a recent acquisition that bolsters their roster.

Other intriguing options include the Tampa Bay Lightning projected under 101.5 regular-season points at +100, and the Vegas Golden Knights below 104.5 points at -120. Despite the Lightning's historical success, the long-term sustainability of their performance is in question. Additionally, the Buffalo Sabres are projected under 84.5 regular-season points at +100, reflecting their struggles and maintaining the league's longest playoff drought. For a bold choice, the New York Rangers present an opportunity to win the Metropolitan Division at +550; with significant offseason adjustments and a star goaltender, they may surprise many observers this season. Lastly, while the Golden Knights made headlines with their offseason moves, including the acquisition of Mitch Marner, caution is advised against the prevailing sentiment that such changes guarantee success in the playoff race in an exceptionally competitive conference.