The NHL offseason is typically characterized by a quiet period that extends from late July to late August. During this time, insiders often retreat to their cottages, players share glimpses of their summer weddings and vacations on social media, and the overall atmosphere is one of relative calm. Teams are unlikely to make significant moves during this timeframe, which translates to minimal changes in betting odds as well. This period presents an opportune moment to analyze the 2025-26 futures market, as enthusiasts may find some promising bets to consider before the preseason begins and adjustments to the lines take place.

Among the standout futures bets identified is the Florida Panthers, positioned as the favorites to win the Eastern Conference with odds set at +310. The unpredictable nature of playoff predictions makes it difficult to ascertain which team will emerge from the conference, but the Panthers appear to be leading the charge for the upcoming season. Their current positioning suggests that, while betting on them to win the East may be appealing, few would argue against their chances against other contenders.

Another interesting prospect comes from the Minnesota Wild, with odds of -150 to make the playoffs. The odds are curious given that the Los Angeles Kings are listed at -350. Despite the oddsmakers' positioning, there exists potential value in wagering on the Wild to secure a playoff spot. In the same vein, a bet on the Penguins to finish under 78.5 regular-season points at -120 reflects a belief that the team is not actively pursuing a playoff berth this year. As Sidney Crosby continues to push forward, a restructuring may be in order sooner rather than later, indicating the possibility of a seasonal downturn.