Now that we have actually taken a look at a few of the leading teams in the league and my four favorite NHL teams to win the Stanley Cup and their conferences, it is time to go into the NHL awards. I definitely enjoy these markets, specifically novice of the year (the Calder). Today we will break down 2 of the four awards which I believe have the most worth and variation season over season. We'll look at my favorite pick for these awards and a runner up.

With puck drop just around the corner it is time to lock in some NHL future bets to offer you something to root for all season. And do not forget, Betting News will be dropping sharp NHL gamer 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 just 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, team point overalls and gamer 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, fairly heavy favorite after a buzzy late-season debut (goal + assist in his very first NHL game, power-play usage in the playoffs) and he'll now spend a full season riding shotgun with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield on scoring lines and power play units. Montreal simply produced last year's Calder winner (Lane Hutson), and Demidov's ability set fits easily into a top-six function that must yield instant points-exactly what voters reward.

Top Offensive Instincts: Demidov lit up the KHL before coming over to the NHL late last season. This is an unique gamer who just fell in the 2024 NHL draft because of his nationality and the unknowns of Russian gamer's desire to come to North America. Demidov had 19 goals and 49 points in his very first full season in the KHL, showing he can already play with guys. He may be the most prepared to play versus the quality of gamers in the NHL out of all the novices, making him a terrific NHL futures bet.

Roster context that helps: 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 novice year is within reach if implementation sticks. While Montreal only had the 17th most goals for per game played, this is a number that might sky rocket with more depth. Demidov assists this team's scoring go deeper down the lineup, implying he might not constantly see the oppositions leading defensemen.

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

Calgary's 2024 ninth-overall pick is an offensive defenseman who scored 107 points in 61 OHL games in 2015 and even scored in his NHL launching. If he lands PP1 gradually, he has the toolkit to surge counting stats as a rookie blueliner-excellent long-odds equity. Parekh has the kind of eye popping offensive skills 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 very best defenseman in the NHL, and wants to show it when again

Why it's a strong bet: Makar just won the 2025 Norris in a landslide after a historic 30-goal, 92-point season-he led all defensemen in objectives, assists and points, and opened the year with a 13-game point streak. That mix of elite 5-on-5 effect and power-play use is exactly what wins this award repeatedly. Even with Colorado's forward group reshuffling after Mikko Rantanen's departure, Makar remains stapled to Nathan MacKinnon on PP1 and will once again chew big minutes with Devon Toews-the volume and role are as bankable as it gets. Market-wise, books are still pricing him as a clear favorite in the +150 area; 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 loaded PP1 (MacKinnon-Nichushkin-Necas with Makar up leading), and Bednar leans hard on Makar in all situations. That keeps the counting stats (and the "finest defenseman" eye test) streaming. We know that the Norris award generally indicates "the top scoring defenseman" and Colorado ranked 3rd in goals for per video game played and had the 7th best power play. This all bodes well for Makar to install huge numbers once again.

The Avalanche look a bit deeper on paper this season. Yes they lost Rantanen, today Necas will have a complete season on the team and they get their captain Landeskog back. Plus the addition of Brock Nelson as a real 2nd line center will cause match suitable for other groups.

The Honorable Mention: Zach Werenski (Blue Jackets) +1200

Werenski finished 2nd in voting last year and published 23-59-82 while leading NHL defensemen in ice time and stacking up 298 SOG-if Columbus takes another action, he has the stat line and narrative to distress the favorites at a juicier cost. Now heaven Jackets are an extremely young team, and could take a step back from the 7th ranked team for goals for per game. But they are packed with young gamers who might just as easily take another advance. If this offense can keep clicking then Werenski has an avenue to complete as the top scoring defenseman, making this long shot an NHL futures best choice.