There’s been an explosion of talent in the NHL brought about by the last few entry drafts.Â
Two of the players in the running for the Hart Memorial Trophy this season, Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini, were selected with the first overall picks within the last three years. And three of the top four players currently leading the league in points were drafted in the previous three years: Celebrini in 2024 and Bedard and Anaheim’s Leo Carlsson in 2023.Â
Maybe some players from the 2025 NHL Draft Class could become Hart candidates someday but right now those guys are more concerned about the Calder Trophy, the award given to the league’s best rookie.Â
Here’s an updated look at which player has the best odds to win the Calder Trophy as of December 4.Â
Calder Trophy Odds
| Rank | Player | Team | Odds |
| 1 | Matthew Schaefer | Islanders | -650 |
| 2 | Ivan Demidov | Canadiens | +550 |
| 3 | Beckett Sennecke | Ducks | +1600 |
| 4 | Jesper Wallstedt | Wild | +8000 |
| 5 | Ryan Leonard | Capitals | +12500 |
| 6 | Oliver Kapanen | Canadiens | +12500 |
| 7 | Jacob Fowler | Canadiens | +20000 |
| 8 | Yaroslav Askarov | Sharks | +25000 |
| 9 | Emmitt Finnie | Red Wings | +25000 |
| 10 | Igor Chernyshov | Sharks | +25000 |
Who’s Favored to Win the 2025-26 Calder Trophy?
Matthew Schaefer, D, Islanders (-225)
The Islanders’ 18-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer is now a prohibitive favorite to win the Calder Trophy.
If Schaefer wins the Calder Trophy this season, it would be only the second time in league history that the award was given to a defenseman in consecutive years after Montreal’s Lane Hutson won the award last year. The last time this happened was in 1964 when Montreal’s Jacques Laperriere won it after Toronto’s Kent Douglas.Â
Schaefer’s performance this season hasn’t just been elite for a rookie defenseman, or even a young defenseman. He’s now in the top ten of the league for defensive point share with 2.1. He’s currently behind Nate Schmidt of the Mammoth and in front of Vladislav Gavrikov of the Rangers.Â
Additionally, Schaefer is third in goals scored by a defenseman this season and also near the top in assists as well.Â
There could be some competition from Schaefer from some other talented rookies like Ivan Demidov on the Canadiens so don’t expect him to be a lock for the award in any way. But Schaefer has made a strong case for himself through the first quarter of the season.Â
Place NHL Bets at BetMGM
At BetMGM, you have access to updated NHL odds at the best online sportsbook.
From daily NHL betting odds to NHL playoff odds and props, BetMGM is your ticket for ice hockey betting the entire year.
If you don’t have an account, register today with BetMGM’s welcome offer. Once you have an account, check for daily sports betting promos.
The content provided in this blog is intended for entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are the authors and reflect their individual perspectives on sports, betting, and related topics. This content should not be considered professional betting advice or the official views of BetMGM LLC. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to gambling, seek help from a licensed health professional. This blog is not liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from betting activities.
