Now that we have looked at some of the leading teams in the league and my four favorite NHL teams to win the Stanley Cup and their conferences, it is time to go into the NHL awards. I definitely like these markets, specifically rookie of the year (the Calder). Today we will break down 2 of the 4 awards which I think have the most worth and disparity season over season. We'll take a look at my favorite pick for these awards and a runner up.
With puck drop simply around the corner it is time to secure some NHL future bets to give you something to root for all season. And do not forget, Betting News will be dropping sharp NHL player props, game scripts and bets to keep your bankroll rolling for the entire NHL season. But first, let's dissect the upcoming 2025-2026 NHL season, and see how much of the script we can solve.
Be sure to keep you eyes out for more NHL future bets pieces here at Betting News. In the next couple weeks we will highlight everything from NHL awards, group point totals and player props in the Betting News NHL future bet series.
1. Calder Trophy (top novice): Ivan Demidov +200 on BetOnline:
Ivan Demidov of the Montreal Canadiens has the toolset to win the Calder
Why it's a strong bet: The marketplace has Demidov as the early, relatively heavy preferred after a buzzy late-season debut (objective + assist in his very first NHL game, power-play usage in the playoffs) and he'll now invest a complete season riding shotgun with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield on scoring lines and power play units. Montreal simply produced in 2015's Calder winner (Lane Hutson), and Demidov's capability fits cleanly into a top-six role that ought to yield immediate points-exactly what citizens reward.
Top Offensive Instincts: Demidov lit up the KHL before coming over to the NHL late last season. This is an unique player who only fell in the 2024 NHL draft due to the fact that of his citizenship and the unknowns of Russian gamer's desire to come to North America. Demidov had 19 goals and 49 points in his first full season in the KHL, showing he can already play with guys. He may be the most ready to bet the quality of players in the NHL out of all the rookies, making him an excellent NHL futures bet.
Roster context that assists: Habs' depth chart points to Demidov getting genuine power-play time on a group that's trending up after last spring's playoff push; a 60-point novice year is within reach if implementation sticks. While Montreal just had the 17th most objectives for per video game played, this is a number that might sky rocket with more depth. Demidov assists this group's scoring go deeper down the lineup, meaning he might not always see the oppositions leading defensemen.
A Sly Option: Zayne Parekh (Flames) +1200.
Calgary's 2024 ninth-overall choice is an offensive defenseman who scored 107 points in 61 OHL games last year and even scored in his NHL debut. If he lands PP1 gradually, he has the toolkit to surge counting stats as a rookie blueliner-excellent long-odds equity. Parekh has the type of eye popping offending abilities that are reminiscent of Erik Karlsson or in 2015's Calder winner Lane Hutson.
2. Norris Trophy (leading defenseman): Cale Makar +150 on BetOnline:
Cale Makar is the best defenseman in the NHL, and seeks to show it as soon as again
Why it's a strong bet: Makar simply won the 2025 Norris in a landslide after a historic 30-goal, 92-point season-he led all defensemen in goals, assists and points, and opened the year with a 13-game point streak. That blend of elite 5-on-5 impact and power-play usage is precisely what wins this award consistently. Even with Colorado's forward group reshuffling after Mikko Rantanen's departure, Makar stays stapled to Nathan MacKinnon on PP1 and will once again chew big minutes with Devon Toews-the volume and role are as bankable as it gets. Market-wise, books are still pricing him as a clear favorite in the +150 neighborhood; short, yes, but should have given the profile and repeat capacity, making him a top NHL futures best choice.
Roster context that helps: Colorado still predicts a crammed PP1 (MacKinnon-Nichushkin-Necas with Makar up leading), and Bednar leans hard on Makar in all circumstances. That keeps the counting stats (and the "finest defenseman" eye test) flowing. We understand that the Norris award usually indicates "the top scoring defenseman" and Colorado ranked 3rd in goals for per game played and had the 7th finest power play. This all bodes well for Makar to put up big numbers as soon as again.
The Avalanche look a bit deeper on paper this season. Yes they lost Rantanen, now Necas will have a complete season on the group and they get their captain Landeskog back. Plus the addition of as a true second line center will cause match suitable for other groups.
The Honorable Mention: Zach Werenski (Blue Jackets) +1200
Werenski finished second in voting in 2015 and published 23-59-82 while leading NHL defensemen in ice time and accumulating 298 SOG-if Columbus takes another action, he has the stat line and narrative to disturb the favorites at a juicier price. Now the Blue Jackets are a really young team, and might take a step back from the 7th ranked group for goals for per video game. But they are packed with young players who might simply as easily take another step forward. If this offense can keep clicking then Werenski has an avenue to complete as the leading scoring defenseman, making this long shot an NHL futures best bet.
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NHL 2026 2026 Season Preview Award Props Pt I.
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