Who is the favorite to win the Calder Trophy Race This Year?
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Lane Hutson was the favorite to win the 2024-25 Calder Trophy, and he did win it. The odds for 2025-26 are officially out, and there are plenty of new faces to look at, and a few who could win it.
| ⭐ Player | 📊 Odds |
|---|---|
| Matthew Schaefer | -180 |
| Ivan Demidov | +300 |
| Beckett Sennecke | +450 |
| Jesper Wallstedt | +1400 |
Breakdown Of Best ROY Odds
Ivan Demidov and Alexander Nikishin started the offseason as the favorites to take the Calder Trophy. However, there have been some changes in the race since it started.
Matthew Schaefer
Matthew Schaefer has emerged for the New York Islanders and is already showing why they drafted him with the top pick. Schaefer has made a name for himself early, and will look to cement himself as a Calder Trophy contender. Schaefer is the current favorite.
Ivan Demidov
Ivan Demidov has the highest odds this coming season. The only question is if he will play. The Montreal Canadiens drafted Demidov in the 2024 NHL Draft. Demidov debuted late in the 2024-25season for the Habs, and is eligible to compete for the Calder Trophy this season. He currently has the second-best odds.
Beckett Sennecke
Beckett Sennecke has come out of nowhere, and is establishing himself as one of the favorites to win. His energy and skills early have wowed many, and he has inserted himself into the Calder Trophy race.
Close Contenders for the Calder Trophy
As always, other close contenders can emerge from the pack. This goalie might make some waves.
Jesper Wallstedt
Jesper Wallstedt has given the Wild a huge boost in goal, combining sharp reflexes with impressive composure to anchor their defensive efforts. His standout performances night after night have made him one of the early favorites in the Calder Trophy race.
🔥 OTHER NHL ODDS PAGES:
- Stanley Cup Odds
- NHL Playoffs Odds
- MVP Trophy Odds
- Maple Leafs Playoff Odds
- Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup Odds
How to Bet on the NHL Rookie of the Year
Want to place a bet on the Calder Trophy winner? Go to your favorite online sportsbook or app, find the NHL tab and then click on the awards section. Once there, you'll find the odds for the Calder Trophy and other NHL postseason awards. Then all you have to do is study the odds, make your pick and then place your bet.
How the Calder Trophy Voting Works
Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association cast votes for the Calder Trophy. Each member ranks his or her top five candidates on a 10-7-5-3-1 points system with 10 points going to the player that the voter thinks should win. The trophy is handed out to the winner at the NHL Awards ceremony on June 26, 2024.
The criteria for the award is rather simple. It goes to the player "selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League." Calder winners must be 26 years old or younger on September 15 of their rookie season.
How to Find the Best Odds
There are a number of apps and online sportsbooks that place odds on NHL games, Stanley Cup odds and NHL awards. DraftKings, BetMGM and FanDuel are some of the popular sports betting web sites that offer odds on all things NHL. If you're new to sports betting, many of the sites offer signup bonuses and other promotions so be sure to take advantage.
Recent NHL Calder Trophy Winners
Player | Team | Season |
|---|---|---|
Lane Hutson | Montreal Canadiens | 2025 |
| Connor Bedard | Chicago Blackhawks | 2024 |
Matty Beniers | Seattle Kraken | 2023 |
Moritz Seider | Detroit Red Wings | 2022 |
Kirill Kaprizov | Minnesota Wild | 2021 |
Cale Makar | Colorado Avalanche | 2020 |
Elias Pettersson | Vancouver Canucks | 2019 |
Mathew Barzal | New York Islanders | 2018 |
Auston Matthews | Toronto Maple Leafs | 2017 |
Artemi Panarin | Chicago Blackhawks | 2016 |
Aaron Ekblad | Florida Panthers | 2015 |
Nathan MacKinnon | Colorado Avalanche | 2014 |
Jonathan Huberdeau | Florida Panthers | 2013 |
Evgeni Malkin | Penguins | 2012 |
Gabriel Landeskog | Colorado Avalanche | 2011 |
Jeff Skinner | Carolina Hurricanes | 2010 |
Tyler Myers | Buffalo Sabres | 2009 |
Steve Mason | Columbus Blue Jackets | 2008 |
NHL Calder Trophy Award FAQ
Matthew Schaefer is currently the favorite to win the Calder Trophy in 2026. After making a brief cameo at the end of the 2024-25 season, Schaefer is projected to play a full season and make significant contributions for the Islanders.
There are certainly some surprises that could happen. Currently, the rookies that could make the most impact include Michael Misa, while Yaroslav Askarov can certainly put himself in the conversation if he can play some significant minutes for the San Jose Sharks.
Yes. It has happened several times, but it is a rare occurrence. Notable players such as Tony Esposito, Ed Belfour, Mario Lemieux, and Daniel Alfredsson all successfully won the Calder Trophy and another major award during their rookie seasons.
Author
Ray has worked in sports journalism for the past 26 years, covering Super Bowls, Stanley Cup Finals, Final Fours and BCS national championship games.
