The NHL offseason is largely concluded, with most significant free agents having found new teams for the 2025-26 season. As teams finalize their rosters for training camp this fall, sportsbooks are releasing their early betting odds for the league`s major individual awards. This provides an opportune moment for bettors to place their wagers on potential winners, potentially finding value picks among the top players.
Here’s a closer look at some of the major awards and the players poised for a chance at winning the hardware this coming season.
All odds referenced are from FanDuel Sportsbook.
Hart Trophy
Awarded annually to the NHL`s Most Valuable Player, the Hart Trophy has seen varied winners recently. Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck claimed the honor in 2024-25, becoming the first netminder since Carey Price in 2014-15 to do so. Before that, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin was the last player to win it in consecutive years (2007-08, 2008-09).
Favorite: Connor McDavid (+200)
Unsurprisingly, Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid is the clear frontrunner. Despite not winning in 2024-25, McDavid has secured the Hart Trophy twice in the past five seasons, joining an elite group of players like Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Eddie Shore, and Bobby Orr with at least three career wins. Coming off a second consecutive Stanley Cup Final loss, McDavid might be exceptionally motivated, especially if 2025-26 is his final season with the Oilers before a potential contract decision next summer.
Under the radar: Auston Matthews (+1900)
Beyond the top contenders like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nikita Kucherov, Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews presents an intriguing `under-the-radar` option. With Mitch Marner`s departure to the Vegas Golden Knights this summer, Matthews is poised to carry a significantly larger offensive burden on Toronto`s top line. He previously won the Hart in 2021-22 with a 60-goal season, demonstrating his capability to dominate games. Given his increased responsibility, Matthews could easily reclaim this prestigious honor.
Longshot: Mitch Marner (+6000)
Mitch Marner`s move to the Vegas Golden Knights was a major offseason splash. Teaming up with star center Jack Eichel on the top line, Marner will have ample chances to showcase his playmaking abilities. His final season in Toronto saw him achieve a career-high 100 points (27 goals, 75 assists). While winning the Hart would require an extraordinary, career-defining performance, his prominent role on a Stanley Cup contender provides an outside chance.
Calder Trophy
The Calder Trophy recognizes the NHL`s top rookie. In 2024-25, Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson took home the award with 66 points (6 goals, 60 assists), marking the third time in six years a blueliner earned the honor. Unlike some past seasons, the 2025-26 rookie class doesn`t feature a clear `generational` talent guaranteed to step directly into the NHL, meaning top picks like Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa aren`t absolute locks for opening night rosters.
Favorite: Ivan Demidov (+280)
Montreal Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov, selected fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, is the favorite. He got a taste of NHL action late in the 2024-25 season, scoring a goal and an assist in two regular-season games, including finding the back of the net in his first career game. Despite limited NHL experience (seven games including playoffs), Demidov`s exceptional vision and hockey IQ position him strongly for the Calder, especially with the Canadiens eyeing a playoff push following the acquisition of defenseman Noah Dobson this offseason.
Under the radar: Michael Misa (+1200)
The San Jose Sharks bolstered their forward depth by drafting Michael Misa second overall. Misa is an elite offensive talent, amassing 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) with the OHL`s Saginaw Spirit in 2024-25. While his immediate placement on the Sharks` opening night roster is uncertain, his immense potential makes him a strong candidate for the Calder Trophy if he ends up playing in the NHL next season.
Longshot: Zayne Parekh (+2100)
Similar to Ivan Demidov, Calgary Flames defenseman Zayne Parekh gained NHL experience late in the 2024-25 regular season, scoring in his debut against the Los Angeles Kings. The 2024 first-round pick brings significant offensive prowess, evidenced by his 107 points (33 goals, 74 assists) with the OHL`s Saginaw Spirit before joining the Flames. Parekh is fairly likely to make the Flames` opening night roster, particularly if the team trades fellow blueliner Rasmus Andersson before the new season begins.
Vezina Trophy
The Vezina Trophy is awarded to the league`s best goaltender. Winnipeg Jets netminder Connor Hellebuyck has dominated this category recently, winning both the Vezina and Hart Trophies in 2024-25, and the Vezina in the season prior. Hellebuyck now boasts three Vezina wins in the last six seasons, making him the clear favorite again, despite a strong field of challengers for 2025-26.
Favorite: Connor Hellebuyck (+310)
Given his consecutive Vezina wins, Connor Hellebuyck is the undeniable favorite to win the award once again. In 2024-25, he posted an impressive 47-12-3 record with a 2.00 goals-against-average and a .925 save percentage. Hellebuyck`s consistent dominance and spectacular performances make him the benchmark. Until another goaltender consistently outshines him, he remains the player to beat.
Under the radar: Dustin Wolf (+1500)
Calgary Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf, who finished second in the 2024-25 Calder Trophy race, is an `under-the-radar` Vezina candidate. After becoming Calgary`s No. 1 goaltender following the Jacob Markstrom trade, Wolf had an impressive rookie season, recording a 29-16-8 record with a 2.64 goals-against-average and a .910 save percentage (tied for ninth in the NHL). His strong play was crucial to the Flames` playoff push last season. While a Vezina win in his second full season would be a huge leap, Wolf possesses the talent to contend throughout the season.
Longshot: Sergei Bobrovsky (+1900)
Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky continues to perform at an elite level, aging like fine wine. The veteran netminder had a sensational 2024-25 season, posting a 33-19-2 record with a 2.44 goals-against-average and a .905 save percentage, contributing to the Panthers` Stanley Cup victory. His 2.44 GAA was the fifth-lowest in the league, and he ranked fourth in wins. When on top of his game, Bobrovsky is among the league`s most skilled goalies, placing him in the Vezina conversation if Hellebuyck were to have a down year.
Norris Trophy
The Norris Trophy recognizes the NHL`s top defenseman. Colorado Avalanche blueliner Cale Makar has been a dominant force, winning the award in two of the last four seasons, including 2024-25. Other recent winners include Adam Fox, Erik Karlsson, and Quinn Hughes, indicating a competitive field despite Makar`s impressive success over the past few seasons.
Favorite: Cale Makar (+135)
Entering the 2025-26 season, Cale Makar is a strong favorite for the Norris Trophy. He is arguably the most offensively dynamic defenseman in the league. In 2024-25, Makar set career highs with 92 points (30 goals, 62 assists), leading all defensemen in points, goals, assists, and power-play goals. He has consistently scored double-digit goals in five of his six professional seasons, including at least 21 goals in three of the last four campaigns. Similar to Hellebuyck, Makar is the clear frontrunner until another defenseman proves they can surpass his exceptional play.
Under the radar: Zach Werenski (+950)
While Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes has the second-best odds, Columbus Blue Jackets blueliner Zach Werenski is a compelling `under-the-radar` choice for top defenseman. After being limited by injury in 2022-23, Werenski had a career-best 82 points and 23 goals in 2024-25, accumulating 139 points over the last two seasons. At +950 odds, Werenski offers significant value and could easily enter the Norris Trophy conversation if Makar or Hughes have a down year.
Longshot: Evan Bouchard (+3000)
For the Norris Trophy, offensive statistics often play a significant role, which benefits Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. Bouchard is one of the league`s most skilled playmakers from the blueline. He has scored 32 goals over the past two seasons and even finished fifth in Norris Trophy voting in 2023-24. Playing with elite forwards like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman certainly helps pad his statistics. While his chances of winning the award may be slim, it wouldn`t be surprising to see him in the mix given his offensive upside.
