NHL 2026-2026 Season Preview - Award Props Pt I.
Now that we have actually looked at some of the top teams in the league and my four preferred NHL groups to win the Stanley Cup and their conferences, it is time to go into the NHL awards. I absolutely enjoy these markets, specifically novice of the year (the Calder). Today we will break down two of the four awards which I believe have the most worth and disparity season over season. We'll take a look at my preferred choice 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 provide you something to root for all season. And don't forget, Betting News will be dropping sharp NHL gamer 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.
Make certain 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 overalls and player props in the Betting News NHL future bet series.
1. Calder Trophy (leading 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, fairly heavy preferred after a buzzy late-season launching (objective + assist in his very first NHL game, power-play use 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 simply produced in 2015's Calder winner (Lane Hutson), and Demidov's ability fits cleanly into a top-six role that must yield immediate points-exactly what voters reward.
Top Offensive Instincts: Demidov lit up the KHL before coming by to the NHL late last season. This is a who just fell in the 2024 NHL draft due to the fact that of his citizenship and the unknowns of Russian gamer's determination to come to The United States and Canada. Demidov had 19 goals and 49 points in his very first full season in the KHL, proving he can already play with males. He may be the most prepared to play versus the quality of gamers in the NHL out of all the rookies, making him a fantastic NHL futures bet.
Roster context that helps: Habs' depth chart indicate 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 release sticks. While Montreal just had the 17th most goals for per video game played, this is a number that could sky rocket with more depth. Demidov helps this team's scoring go deeper down the lineup, suggesting he may not constantly see the oppositions leading defensemen.
A Sneaky Option: Zayne Parekh (Flames) +1200.
Calgary's 2024 ninth-overall choice is an offensive defenseman who scored 107 points in 61 OHL games in 2015 and even scored in his NHL launching. If he lands PP1 with time, he has the toolkit to surge counting statistics as a rookie blueliner-excellent long-odds equity. Parekh has the type of eye popping offensive abilities that are similar to Erik Karlsson or last year'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 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 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 once again chew substantial 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 area; short, yes, but was worthy of given the profile and repeat capacity, making him a top NHL futures best bet.
Roster context that helps: Colorado still predicts a crammed PP1 (MacKinnon-Nichushkin-Necas with Makar up top), and Bednar leans hard on Makar in all scenarios. That keeps the counting stats (and the "best defenseman" eye test) flowing. We understand that the Norris award generally indicates "the leading scoring defenseman" and Colorado ranked 3rd in objectives for per game played and had the 7th finest power play. This all bodes well for Makar to set 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 team and they get their captain Landeskog back. Plus the addition of Brock Nelson as a real second line center will cause match fits for other teams.
The Honorable Mention: Zach Werenski (Blue Jackets) +1200
Werenski completed second in voting last year 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 distress the favorites at a juicier rate. Now heaven Jackets are a very young team, and could take a step back from the 7th ranked team for objectives for per game. But they are filled with young players who could simply as quickly take another advance. If this offense can keep clicking then Werenski has an opportunity to finish as the top scoring defenseman, making this long shot an NHL futures best choice.