NHL 2026-2026 Season Preview - Award Props Pt I.
Now that we have looked at some of the top groups in the league and my 4 favorite NHL groups to win the Stanley Cup and their conferences, it is time to go into the NHL awards. I definitely love these markets, specifically rookie of the year (the Calder). Today we will break down 2 of the 4 awards which I believe have the most worth and disparity season over season. We'll take a look at my preferred pick for these awards and a runner up.
With puck drop simply around the corner it is time to lock in 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 just how much of the script we can get right.
Make sure to keep you eyes out for more NHL future bets pieces here at Betting News. In the next couple weeks we will highlight whatever from NHL awards, team point overalls and player props in the Betting News NHL future bet series.
1. Calder Trophy (leading 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 market has Demidov as the early, relatively heavy preferred after a buzzy late-season launching (goal + help in his very first NHL video game, power-play usage in the playoffs) and he'll now invest a full season riding shotgun with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield on scoring lines and power play systems. Montreal simply produced in 2015's Calder winner (Lane Hutson), and Demidov's ability fits cleanly into a top-six role that must yield instant points-exactly what voters reward.
Top Offensive Instincts: Demidov lit up the KHL before coming over to the NHL late last season. This is a special gamer who just fell in the 2024 NHL draft since of his nationality and the unknowns of Russian player's determination to come to The United States and Canada. Demidov had 19 objectives and 49 points in his very first complete season in the KHL, showing he can currently play with guys. He may be the most ready to bet the of gamers in the NHL out of all the novices, making him an excellent NHL futures bet.
Roster context that helps: Habs' depth chart indicate Demidov getting real 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 only had the 17th most goals for per game played, this is a number that might sky rocket with more depth. Demidov assists this group's scoring go deeper down the lineup, indicating he might not always see the oppositions top defensemen.
A Tricky 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 launching. If he lands PP1 with time, he has the toolkit to increase counting statistics as a rookie blueliner-excellent long-odds equity. Parekh has the kind of eye popping offensive abilities that are reminiscent of Erik Karlsson or in 2015's Calder winner Lane Hutson.
2. Norris Trophy (top defenseman): Cale Makar +150 on BetOnline:
Cale Makar is the very best defenseman in the NHL, and wants to prove it when again
Why it's a strong bet: Makar simply won the 2025 Norris in a landslide after a historical 30-goal, 92-point season-he led all defensemen in objectives, helps 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 exactly what wins this award consistently. Even with Colorado's forward group reshuffling after Mikko Rantanen's departure, Makar remains stapled to Nathan MacKinnon on PP1 and will again chew huge minutes with Devon Toews-the volume and function 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 potential, making him a top NHL futures finest bet.
Roster context that assists: Colorado still predicts a loaded PP1 (MacKinnon-Nichushkin-Necas with Makar up top), and Bednar leans hard on Makar in all situations. That keeps the counting statistics (and the "best defenseman" eye test) flowing. We understand that the Norris award normally implies "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 set up huge numbers when again.
The Avalanche look a bit deeper on paper this season. Yes they lost Rantanen, today Necas will have a complete season on the group and they get their captain Landeskog back. Plus the addition of Brock Nelson as a true 2nd line center will cause match fits for other teams.
The Honorable Mention: Zach Werenski (Blue Jackets) +1200
Werenski ended up second in voting last year and published 23-59-82 while leading NHL defensemen in ice time and piling up 298 SOG-if Columbus takes another step, he has the stat line and narrative to distress the favorites at a juicier cost. Now heaven Jackets are a really young group, and might take an action back from the 7th ranked team for objectives for per game. But they are packed with young players who could just as quickly take another advance. If this offense can keep clicking then Werenski has an opportunity to complete as the leading scoring defenseman, making this long shot an NHL futures best option.