NHL 2026-2026 Season Preview - Award Props Pt I.

Now that we have looked at some of the leading teams 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 two of the four awards which I think have the most worth and variation season over season. We'll look at my favorite choice for these awards and a runner up.


With puck drop simply around the corner it is time to secure some NHL future bets to provide 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 initially, let's dissect the upcoming 2025-2026 NHL season, and see 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, group point totals and gamer 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, fairly heavy favorite 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 full season riding shotgun with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield on scoring lines and power play systems. Montreal just produced last year's Calder winner (Lane Hutson), and Demidov's ability set fits easily into a top-six role that ought to yield immediate points-exactly what voters reward.


Top Offensive Instincts: Demidov lit up the KHL before coming by to the NHL late last season.