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The NHL season is fast approaching, with fans looking ahead to another year of fast-paced action featuring the most dynamic hockey talents on the planet. This season promises to be a thrilling one, with a big reason being the young talent that is set to emerge on the big stage.
There are numerous rookie-eligible players who have emerged as betting favourites to break out and compete for the Calder Trophy, the NHL’s rookie of the year award. These dynamic talents are being touted by fans and bettors and are poised to take the league by storm. Below, we’ll look at some players who have the top odds of earning this prestigious trophy.
Ivan Demidov
Ivan Demidov is the undeniable betting favourite on sportsbooks for the Calder Trophy. Many of the best betting sites in Canada, listed on BettingTop10.ca, have him as the top pick. It isn’t hard to see why. Demidov is a rare talent, big, physical, and skilled.
He was a high-level contributor in the KHL last season, with nearly 50 points, showing he is ready for the professional game. He had a brief appearance in the NHL, as well, with four points across seven games. Considering the Canadiens are expected to be a highly competitive team, and Demidov could be one of their premier scorers, it is no wonder the sportsbooks are so high on him
Ivan Demidov is the undeniable betting favourite on sportsbooks for the Calder Trophy. According to BettingTop10 Canada, there are dozens of betting sites in Canada, and he is the favourite on each one. It isn’t hard to see why. Demidov is a rare talent, big, physical, and skilled. He was a high-level contributor in the KHL last season, with nearly 50 points, showing he is ready for the professional game. He had a brief appearance in the NHL, as well, with four points across seven games. Considering the Canadiens are expected to be a highly competitive team, and Demidov could be one of their premier scorers, it is no wonder the sportsbooks are so high on him.
Isaac Howard
Isaac Howard has found himself in a surprising second-place spot on many betting sites for this award. He is no guarantee to make a hugely talented Edmonton Oilers roster that is eying a Stanley Cup run. However, if he does wind up making the team, expect massive things. Howard tore up the college ranks last season, with 52 points in 37 games. He earned the Hobey Baker award, showing he is a cut above the competition at that level. Howard had some early career drama with the Tampa Bay Lightning and was sent to Edmonton. Now, he’ll look to show that he’s ready for the big leagues, and potentially, playing with superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Zeev Buium
Zeev Buium was selected with the 12th overall pick in 2024, and he has very quickly shown that he is ready for the NHL. The skilled defenceman was a dominant force in college, with 48 points in 41 games for the University of Denver. He also played for the U.S. in the Ice Hockey World Championship against NHL players and did not look out of place. Now, he’s poised to join a Minnesota Wild defence group that can use another skilled puck mover. He’ll likely have an opportunity to drive things from the back end and play on the power play. The Wild look strong, and Buium could benefit from the attention that will bring.
Michael Misa
Michael Misa had a year for the ages last season, absolutely dominating the OHL for 134 points in 65 games. It was very clear that Misa was far beyond the competition, and the San Jose Sharks jumped at the opportunity to draft him second overall in the 2025 draft. He recently signed his entry-level contract and will look to join a young forward group with recent high draft picks like Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund. If his dynamic playmaking and speed translate, Misa could make his relatively low odds look foolish. He has true superstar potential, though it might not happen in year one.
Jimmy Snuggerud
Jimmy Snuggerud may not have the name recognition of some of the other players on this list, but he appears very ready for the NHL game. He is a big, physical forward who will slot into a St. Louis Blues roster that could use another dynamic talent alongside Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas. Snuggerud was one of the top college players in the country last year and impressed enough to earn a call-up for the Blues. He played 14 games across the regular season and playoffs, and did not look out of place, scoring eight points. It seems like Snuggerud will be a quality betting sleeper at this spot.
Matthew Schaefer
Fans and bettors may be surprised to see the first overall pick ranked this low. Matthew Schaefer struggled with injuries last year, but when on the ice, he showed he is as skilled a defenceman as there is, with game-changing speed, unmatched skating, and great hands. The New York Islanders will give him all the opportunity in the world to learn and grow. They might not be a highly competitive team, given the stage their rebuild is at, but Schaefer will still likely clear the 40-point mark. This may be an oversight by betting sites, given Schaefer’s pedigree, as this low ranking could offer fans some great value.
