Now that we have actually taken a look at some of the top groups in the league and my four preferred NHL groups to win the Stanley Cup and their conferences, it is time to dig into the NHL awards. I absolutely enjoy 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 disparity season over season. We'll look at my preferred choice for these awards and a runner up.

With puck drop just around the corner it is time to secure some NHL future bets to provide you something to root for all season. And don't forget, Betting News will be dropping sharp NHL player props, game scripts and bets to keep your bankroll rolling for the whole 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 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 totals and player props in the Betting News NHL future bet series.

1. Calder Trophy (top novice): 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 market has Demidov as the early, relatively heavy favorite after a buzzy late-season debut (goal + help in his first NHL game, power-play usage in the playoffs) and he'll now spend a complete season riding shotgun with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield on scoring lines and power play units. Montreal just produced last winner (Lane Hutson), and Demidov's ability fits cleanly into a top-six role that must yield instant points-exactly what citizens reward.

Top Offensive Instincts: Demidov illuminated the KHL before coming by to the NHL late last season. This is an unique player who only 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 North America. Demidov had 19 objectives and 49 points in his very first complete season in the KHL, proving he can currently play with guys. He might be the most ready to bet the caliber of players in the NHL out of all the novices, making him an excellent NHL futures bet.

Roster context that assists: Habs' depth chart points to Demidov getting real power-play time on a group that's trending up after last spring's playoff push; a 60-point rookie year is within reach if implementation sticks. While Montreal only had the 17th most goals for per game played, this is a number that could sky rocket with more depth. Demidov assists this group's scoring go deeper down the lineup, meaning he may not constantly see the oppositions top defensemen.

A Tricky Option: Zayne Parekh (Flames) +1200.

Calgary's 2024 ninth-overall pick is an offending defenseman who scored 107 points in 61 OHL video games in 2015 and even scored in his NHL launching. If he lands PP1 in time, he has the toolkit to spike counting statistics as a rookie blueliner-excellent long-odds equity. Parekh has the type of eye popping offending abilities that are reminiscent of Erik Karlsson or in 2015's Calder winner Lane Hutson.

2. Norris Trophy (leading defenseman): Cale Makar +150 on BetOnline:

Cale Makar is the 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 goals, helps and points, and opened the year with a 13-game point streak. That mix of elite 5-on-5 impact and power-play use is precisely what wins this award repeatedly. Even with Colorado's forward group reshuffling after Mikko Rantanen's departure, Makar stays stapled to Nathan MacKinnon on PP1 and will again chew huge 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 community; short, yes, but should have provided the profile and repeat capacity, making him a top NHL futures best option.

Roster context that assists: Colorado still forecasts a crammed PP1 (MacKinnon-Nichushkin-Necas with Makar up top), and Bednar leans hard on Makar in all circumstances. That keeps the counting stats (and the "best defenseman" eye test) flowing. We know that the Norris award generally means "the top scoring defenseman" and Colorado ranked 3rd in goals for per game played and had the 7th best power play. This all bodes well for Makar to set up huge numbers as soon as again.

The Avalanche look a bit deeper on paper this season. Yes they lost Rantanen, now Necas will have a full season on the group and they get their captain Landeskog back. Plus the addition of Brock Nelson as a real second line center will trigger matchup 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 piling up 298 SOG-if Columbus takes another action, he has the stat line and story to upset the favorites at a juicier cost. Now heaven Jackets are a really young group, and could take a step back from the 7th ranked team for objectives for per video game. But they are loaded with young players who could simply as quickly take another advance. If this offense can keep clicking then Werenski has an opportunity to complete as the top scoring defenseman, making this long shot an NHL futures best bet.