The new NHL season has begun with a highly anticipated rookie class, and oddsmakers are already predicting a close race for the Calder Memorial Trophy. BetMGM’s Sportsbook early lines show a mix of generational potential and refined collegiate polish among the top prospects. While several names stand out, one player has clearly drawn attention as the frontrunner.
Ivan Demidov enters his first NHL season with the expectations and the betting public behind him. The former SKA St. Petersburg standout brings elite skills, creativity and vision, leading scouts to call him one of the most NHL-ready Russian forwards in years. Behind him, defenseman Zeev Buium, winger Jimmy Snuggerud, center Michael Misa, forward Ryan Leonard and attacking blueliner Zayne Parekh complete a talented rookie class ready to shape the season’s storyline.
Ivan Demidov leads the pack
Ivan Demidov has the best odds of winning the Calder Trophy this year, and it’s easy to see why. BetMGM lists the dynamic winger as the favorite due to his high-end skillset and immediate attacking edge. Drafted tenth overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2024, Demidov made headlines long before he arrived in North America. His play in the KHL showed rare confidence for a teenager, combining quick hands with elite hockey sense.
Montreal has already leaned heavily on his offensive instincts during the preseason, giving him extended minutes with top-six talent. Demidov’s blend of speed, poise and creativity in tight quarters reflects what the modern NHL values in a playmaker. He attacks defenders, executes sharp zone entries and isn’t afraid to drive the net. If he quickly adapts to the smaller ice and physical nature of the competition, his chances of retaining the top spot in the odds are good.
Zeev Buium anchors the blue line
Listed at +950 on BetMGM, Zeev Buium offers a rare combination of defensive composure and attacking instincts from the back. The Colorado Avalanche’s 2024 first-round pick, taken 12th overall, has already impressed with his ability to control the tempo and change the game. A standout at the University of Denver, Buium’s skating and decision-making have drawn comparisons to modern two-way defensemen capable of impacting both ends of the rink.
Colorado’s stable system should allow Buium to thrive in a controlled environment. He reads the play well, maintains strong positioning and breaks the puck cleanly. If he earns consistent ice time against top lines, he could become the first defenseman to win the Calder in more than a decade. His value could rise quickly if he starts producing points early in the season.
Jimmy Snuggerud shows NHL readiness
Jimmy Snuggerud is right behind at +1050 and enters the season as one of the most mature rookies in the field. Drafted 23rd overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2022, he has patiently navigated the NCAA development path, completing his playing at the University of Minnesota. His shot release, accuracy and power make him a consistent scoring threat, but his intelligence off the puck sets him apart.
Snuggerud’s willingness to adapt to NHL systems and his knack for finding weak spots in coverage should help him make the transition smoothly. The Blues plan to use him in key attacking roles, likely on the power play, where his quick release and timing will increase his scoring chances. If he starts strong, St. Louis could have its first true Rookie of the Year candidate since the early 2000s.
Michael Misa brings flash and speed
Michael Misa adds another intriguing layer to the rookie field with odds of +1150. Drafted second overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2025, the Ontario Hockey League standout has shown flashes of brilliance since earning exceptional status at age 15. His acceleration, agility and finishing ability turned heads in the junior league, and those traits translate smoothly to NHL pace.
Chicago views Misa as a long-term cornerstone of their rebuild alongside Connor Bedard. The trust of the organization is clear: they immediately provide him with meaningful services. His vision and quick game complement Bedard’s skill set, and that combination could inflate his early production. If his defensive play and faceoff performance stabilizes, Misa’s chances could diminish midway through the season.
The grit and scoring touch of Ryan Leonard
Ryan Leonard enters with +1300 odds and a reputation built on competitiveness and perseverance. Drafted eighth overall by the Washington Capitals in 2023, Leonard’s play is defined by his relentless work ethic. A product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, he combines physical intensity with scoring prowess, a balance that fits perfectly into Washington’s evolving roster.
Leonard’s north-south style and willingness to attack the crease could make him a fan favorite in DC. He isn’t shy about completing checks or making contact in key scoring areas. While not as flashy as Demidov or Misa, his all-around impact could quietly lift him to the top if he can maintain steady production while maintaining his defensive reliability.
Zayne Parekh adds offensive firepower to the defense
Zayne Parekh rounds out the list with +1350 odds and brings quality offensive talent from the blue line. Drafted ninth overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2024, Parekh has dominated the OHL as a defenseman who can control the game and quarterback the power play. His puck movement and creativity are already NHL caliber, making San Jose a cornerstone on the back end for years to come.
The Sharks’ rebuilding phase will ensure Parekh gets plenty of opportunities to learn and lead. His skating and confidence in transition make him a constant threat to join the rush, while his ability to find the seams of the man advantage provides a significant advantage. Few young defenders possess his instinctive attacking timing, which allows him to post numbers that catch Calder’s attention despite playing for a developing team.
Early lines set the stage for a tight race
BetMGM’s early odds highlight a rookie race full of contrasting styles and storylines. Demidov’s flair and upside make him the preseason favorite, but Buium, Snuggerud, Misa, Leonard and Parekh all have a path to the trophy if they nail sustainable roles and production.
Every season an underdog surprises the oddsmakers, but this year’s lineup already looks unusually strong. With several rookies expected to play significant roles, the 2025-2026 Calder Trophy race could be one of the deepest in recent memory.
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