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The off-season always brings a mix of bold trades, quiet signings, and unexpected coaching changes. Some teams focus on rebuilding, others just need a few tweaks to stay competitive. Based on the moves made so far, there are some clear winners who could surprise fans once the season gets going.
Favourites for the Next NHL Season
A lot of people are already guessing which teams will rise to the top this year. Some look at roster depth or coaching changes, while others pay attention to odds published on major sports sites. The growing interest in following NHL developments through platforms that review odds, updates, and analysis has become pretty common.
One area that’s drawn more attention is where fans are turning to place predictions, not just for the games, but for long-term outcomes. Plenty of platforms list updated NHL lines, along with notes about promo codes and other offers. These often include information about the bonus a new user might get, or a promo code that applied to early season bets.
Having that kind of detail available right away makes it easier for fans to understand what they’re signing up for and what kind of value they can expect. People who follow this side of the sport closely tend to check these sites not just for the odds, but for what’s offered alongside them.
1. Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim’s rebuild has quietly started to take shape. They added Chris Kreider, a reliable winger with a strong track record of scoring, and Mikael Granlund, a forward who can shift between lines without losing his edge. These aren’t flashy moves, but they bring the kind of veteran help that supports a fresh core.
The Ducks were already starting to improve last season. Defenseman Jackson LaCombe and center Leo Carlsson both had strong stretches, and Mason McTavish is becoming a key piece in the middle. With the Kreider-Granlund duo bringing more experience up front, Anaheim’s depth gets better without forcing their new players into tough minutes.
2. Montreal Canadiens
Montreal didn’t make a ton of noise this off-season, but their additions have real impact. They picked up Noah Dobson, a right-side defenseman who can play big minutes and move the puck well. They also added Zach Bolduc, a winger who plays a solid two-way game and showed good defensive instincts during his rookie season.
These moves help cover for some of the forwards and defensemen they let go, but the bigger picture is how they support Montreal’s direction. Dobson’s skill with the puck and Bolduc’s reliable play on both ends of the ice give the team more flexibility.
Meanwhile, Ivan Demidov is finally set to play a full NHL season. That makes the roster look even stronger. The Canadiens might not jump straight to the top of the Atlantic Division, but they should look much more competitive this year.
3. Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas made a bold move by bringing in Mitch Marner. Known for his passing and high hockey IQ, Marner has been one of the league’s best setup men over the last few seasons. That’s a big change, especially after they lost a few key pieces like Nicolas Roy and Nic Hague.
Even with concerns about veteran injuries, including Alex Pietrangelo’s future, Vegas isn’t backing down. He’s played under pressure before and fits right into a group that knows how to win. The Knights didn’t need a full rebuild, but they did need one more high-skill forward, and that’s exactly what they got.
Conclusion
The NHL off-season often shifts expectations. Some teams make minor changes that barely move the needle. Others, like Anaheim, Montreal, and Vegas, make adjustments that could change their season paths entirely.
Whether it’s a key signing, a coaching switch, or a breakout player finally stepping up, these clubs made real moves that could push them closer to playoff spots. With the new season approaching, these changes will be worth watching closely.
