It’s almost unbelievable in hindsight, but Matthew Schaefer wasn’t the top contender for the Calder Trophy on the opening night of last season. Surprising as it may seem now, Schaefer didn’t even rank as the second choice.
Ivan Demidov, who eventually finished a distant runner-up in the race to No. 48, was the clear preseason favorite, with odds set at +185 on Opening Night. Following closely were Zeev Buium, Michael Misa, and Jimmy Snuggerud, each with odds ranging between +800 and 12/1. Schaefer was listed at 13/1. It seems almost absurd now, but it highlights just how unpredictable this market can be.
A similar scenario unfolded in the 2024-25 season. Anticipation was high for that rookie class, headlined by the likes of Matvei Michkov and Macklin Celebrini. Yet, it was Lane Hutson, another talented debutante, who stole the spotlight and clinched the coveted award.
This year’s NHL rookie lineup might not boast the historical prestige of its predecessors, but it still features standout prospects: Gavin McKenna and Porter Martone lead the charge.
Selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs, McKenna is expected to secure a prominent spot on the roster straight out of training camp, likely assuming a top-six role. Meanwhile, Martone has already earned a devoted following in Philadelphia after an impressive playoff run, where he notched five points over the course of 10 games last spring.
The two are co-favorites to win the 2026-27 Calder Trophy at +300, just ahead of Sharks’ rookie winger Ivar Stenberg (+600), 2025 No. 3 overall pick Anton Frondell (+900), and Cole Hutson (+900) of the Capitals.
All five figure to be handed big roles this season, which is a critical part of handicapping this market, but there are a lot of other players who tick that box, too. And their prices are a lot more appealing:
2026-27 Calder Trophy picks
Konsta Helenius, Buffalo Sabres (18/1, bet365)
It flew under the radar because so much was going right for the Sabres last year, but Konsta Helenius was the goods in his brief spin with the big club.
He tallied four points in nine games during the regular season, and then added a pair of goals in four playoff contests. The former No. 14 overall pick passed the eye test, too, as he was a ball of energy in Buffalo’s middle six.
Helenius was also a beast in the AHL, registering 63 points in 63 games, and was one of the best players for Finland at the World Championships, scoring the golden goal and notching six points.
Helenius is almost certain to get a prime role with the Sabres next season, and he’s already proven he can compete at the varsity level.
Viggo Björck, Winnipeg Jets (40/1, bet365)
By all accounts, the Jets are going to give Viggo Björck every opportunity to break camp as their No. 2 center.
Winnipeg needs a shot in the arm, and fair or not, Björck is going to be the one asked to provide it.
Björck, who was picked No. 8 overall at the 2026 NHL Draft, was tabbed as an NHL-ready prospect, and the Jets are in a position to let the Swede learn on the fly. He fills a need for them down the middle, and the franchise desperately wants to give its small-but-rabid fanbase a reason to be excited.
If the Jets do let Björck roll out of the gates, he’ll be in a plum position to put up big numbers.
Betting on the NHL?
Albert Smits, New York Rangers (100/1, bet365)
Constantly highlighted as the most NHL-ready defenseman of the 2026 NHL Draft, Albert Smits should be given a real chance to break camp with the Rangers in September.
The big Latvian has already played two stints in Finland’s top league, as well as one in Germany’s, so he’s got plenty of experience playing against much older players. He was also a force to be reckoned with for Latvia at the 2026 Olympics, playing nearly 19 minutes a night against some outstanding competition.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.