NHL 2026-2026 Season Preview - Award Props Pt I.
Now that we have taken a look at a few of the leading 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 absolutely enjoy these markets, particularly novice of the year (the Calder). Today we will break down 2 of the 4 awards which I think have the most value and disparity season over season. We'll look at my preferred pick for these awards and a runner up.
With puck drop just around the corner it is time to lock in some NHL future bets to provide you something to root for all season. And do not forget, Betting News will be dropping sharp NHL gamer props, video game scripts and bets to keep your bankroll rolling for the entire NHL season. But initially, let's dissect the upcoming 2025-2026 NHL season, and see just how much of the script we can get right.
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 rookie): 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 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 systems. Montreal just produced in 2015's Calder winner (Lane Hutson), and Demidov's ability set fits easily 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 player who only fell in the 2024 NHL draft since of his and the unknowns of Russian gamer's determination to come to North America. Demidov had 19 objectives and 49 points in his very first full season in the KHL, proving he can already have fun with guys. He may be the most ready to bet the quality of gamers in the NHL out of all the rookies, making him a great NHL futures bet.
Roster context that assists: Habs' depth chart points to Demidov getting genuine power-play time on a team that's trending up after last spring's playoff push; a 60-point rookie 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 helps this group's scoring go deeper down the lineup, suggesting he might not constantly see the oppositions top defensemen.
A Tricky Option: Zayne Parekh (Flames) +1200.
Calgary's 2024 ninth-overall choice is an offending defenseman who scored 107 points in 61 OHL video games in 2015 and even scored in his NHL launching. If he lands PP1 with time, he has the toolkit to increase counting stats as a rookie blueliner-excellent long-odds equity. Parekh has the type of eye popping offending skills that are similar to Erik Karlsson or in 2015's Calder winner Lane Hutson.
2. Norris Trophy (top defenseman): Cale Makar +150 on BetOnline:
Cale Makar is the finest defenseman in the NHL, and seeks to prove it when again
Why it's a strong bet: Makar just 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 effect and power-play use is precisely 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 once again chew big 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, however deserved offered the profile and repeat potential, making him a top NHL futures best option.
Roster context that assists: Colorado still forecasts 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 typically means "the top scoring defenseman" and Colorado ranked 3rd in goals for per video game played and had the 7th best 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, and now 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 second line center will cause match fits for other teams.
The Honorable Mention: Zach Werenski (Blue Jackets) +1200
Werenski completed 2nd in voting last year and posted 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 upset the favorites at a juicier price. Now heaven Jackets are a very young group, and could take a step back from the 7th ranked team for goals for per game. But they are filled with young gamers who might simply as quickly take another step forward. If this offense can keep clicking then Werenski has an opportunity to end up as the top scoring defenseman, making this long shot an NHL futures best bet.