Deep Dive on The Favorite
Ivan Demidov is the current favorite to win the Calder Trophy, as this will be his official rookie season. He made an impact in his first two games with the Montreal Canadiens, tallying a goal and an assist. Then, Demidov had two helpers in five playoff games against the Washington Capitals. Demidov is the clear favorite right now based on his pedigree, and his ability to get to the puck, which puts him above other rookies in his class.
Rookie of The Year Challengers
While Demidov is the clear favorite, others can definitely step up and take home the Calder Trophy. Here are some of the challengers that Demidov will face for the Calder Trophy.
Way To Early NHL Hart Trophy Odds
Jimmy Snuggerud (+1200)
Jimmy Snuggerud made his debut for the St. Louis Blues last season, tallying one goal and three assists over seven games. Then, he tallied two goals and two assists over seven playoff games. The young forward is now ready for a full rookie season and will have a great opportunity to continue evolving and possibly set himself up for the Calder Trophy.
Alexander Nikishin (+1400)
Alexander Nikishin made his NHL debut in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, scoring one assist over four playoff games. Now, the time is here for Nikishin to play a full season, and he will play a huge factor for the Carolina Hurricanes. The 2020 third-round pick is finally here, and will look to make his mark.
Michael Misa (+1400)
The only 2025 draft pick that ranks this high on the list will get his chance to make an impact in the NHL for the San Jose Sharks. After dominating the OHL with 134 points, there are higher expectations for him as he takes his first shift for the Sharks. Expect Misa to be right there in the mix as he is one of the most complete young players in the NHL.
Zeev Buium (+1600)
Zeev Buium is the first defenseman to make this list, and he will be looking to make his mark for the Minnesota Wild this season. He played four games for the Wild in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, scoring one assist over that span. Now, he will get an extended chance, and an opportunity to shine for the Wild in the 2025-26 season.
Zayne Parekh (+1600)
Zayne Parekh made his NHL debut in the final game of the season, scoring his first career goal in the process. Ultimately, there will be more golden opportunities for the 2024 ninth overall pick. The 19-year-old defenseman will play a pivotal role on the Flames' blueline, and will look to keep getting better to improve his Calder Trophy odds.
Alexander Nikishin Odds To Win Calder Trophy
Alexander Nikishin currently has the third-best odds (+1400) to win the Calder Trophy, and will look to cement his name on it this season for the Carolina Hurricanes. After playing in limited action for the Carolina Hurricanes, the time is now for Nikishin to show the NHL what he is made of. Nikishin will likely start the season on the third defensive pairing with Shayne Gostisbehere, but might move all over the blueline based on lineup needs.
Zayne Parekh Odds To Win Calder Trophy
After scoring a goal in his first career NHL game, Zayne Parekh has a chance to do even more in the 2025-26 season. At first, he will likely start on the bottom pairing to get used to the NHL. Depending on how he does in the NHL early on, his role could change. His odds of winning the Calder Trophy will certainly rise if he slots into the power play.
Rookie or Not?
NHL players must be 26 years or younger to win the Calder Trophy. Additionally, they must not have played more than 25 games in the previous season, or not have played in at least six games in each of the past two or more seasons. NHL players must be in their first full rookie season. There is some value to having some experience, but other "true rookies" like Connor Bedard, have won the Calder Trophy before.
Position Bias in Betting
Offensive stats are flashier, which is probably why forwards get more favoritism with bettors when it comes to the Calder Trophy. Additionally, they have more ice time in critical moments to showcase their mettle. While goalies have won the Calder before, there has not been a goalie winner since Steve Mason won it in 2009. Forwards usually get the first look, followed by the defenseman.
Media Impact
The Calder Trophy turns players into instant stars. Ultimately, the media will praise a player who is performing well, and it can shift the odds one way or another. When this happens, it provides more encouragement for voters to choose a player to win, and it also influences how fans might view a Calder Trophy candidate.
Value Hunting Strategy
The best time to pick a Calder Trophy winner is before the season starts, usually in the summer. Players like Jimmy Snuggerud have immensely higher value, as do Alexander Nikishin and Michael Misa. Picking either of those two to win could net a $300 payout on a $20 bet.
My Biggest Takeaway
The Calder Trophy has a clear favorite, with Demidov leading the charge. While I am intrigued by the possibility of Misa emerging, it's also important to remember that really young players typically have a tough time adjusting to the NHL at first. Demidov has an excellent opportunity to make a huge impact, and will do enough to snag the Calder Trophy.
Author
Robert B. Hayek has been writing about sports for over a decade and is currently a member of the Gambling.com Group team. In his spare time, he runs the largest sports meetup group in Orange County, CA, actively participating in every sport imaginable. He is also a published author of five thriller novels, all available on Amazon.