2025-26 NHL Calder Trophy odds: Ivan Demidov leads BetMGM Rookie of the Year race

The new NHL season kicks off with a highly anticipated rookie class, and oddsmakers are already predicting a tight race for the Calder Memorial Trophy. BetMGM’s Sportsbook Early Series showcases a combination of generational potential and refined college elegance among top contenders. While a few names stand out, one player is clearly the front-runner for the spotlight.

Ivan Demidov enters his first NHL season with expectations and the support of the betting public. The former SKA St. Petersburg standout possesses skill, creativity and vision, and scouts are calling him one of the best Russian forwards for the NHL in years. Behind him, guard Zeev Buium, tight end Jimmy Snuggerud, center Michael Misa, forward Ryan Leonard and offensive bluelineman Zayne Parekh round out a talented group of rookies who will shape the storylines of the season.

Ivan Demidov leads the way

Ivan Demidov has the best odds to win the Calder Cup this year, and it’s easy to see why. BetMGM ranks the dynamic winger as the favorite due to his high-end skillset and instant offensive upside. Selected 10th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2024, Demidov made headlines long before he arrived in North America. His performance in the KHL showcased a rare confidence for a teenager, combining quick hands with elite hockey sense.

Montreal has relied heavily on his offensive instincts in the preseason, giving him more time to play with top-six talent. Demidov’s combination of speed, composure and creativity in tight spaces reflects the modern NHL’s emphasis on playmakers. He attacks defenders, executes clean zone plays, and isn’t afraid to shoot. If he can quickly adapt to the league’s smaller ice and physical conditions, he has a good chance of staying at the top of the odds.

Zeev Buium Anchor Blue Line

Ranked at +950 on BetMGM, Zeev Buium has a rare combination of defensive composure and back-end offensive instincts. The Colorado Avalanche’s 2024 first-round pick, No. 12 overall, has already impressed with his ability to control the tempo and transition the game. Buim was a standout out of Denver, and his skating and decision-making compare to modern two-way defensemen who can attack both ends of the ice.

Colorado’s stable system should allow Buium to thrive in a controlled environment. He reads the game well, maintains strong positioning, and knocks the puck out cleanly. If he can get consistent playing time against the top line, he could become the first back in more than a decade to win the Calder Trophy. If he starts scoring early in the season, his price could climb quickly.

Jimmy Snuggerud shows NHL readiness

Jimmy Snuggerud is a close second at +1050 and enters the season as one of the most proven prospects in the field. Drafted by the St. Louis Blues with the 23rd overall pick in 2022, he patiently followed the NCAA development route and finished his game at the University of Minnesota. His shot release, accuracy and power make him a consistent scoring threat, but it’s his hockey intelligence that sets him apart.

Snagrud’s willingness to adapt to the NHL system and his knack for spotting weaknesses in coverage should help ease his transition. The Blues plan to use him in a key offensive role, likely on the power play, where his quick release and timing increase his scoring opportunities. If he gets off to a strong start, St. Louis could have its first true Rookie of the Year candidate since the early 2000s.

Michael Misa brings flash and speed

Michael Misa, listed at +1150, brings another interesting dimension to the rookie scene. The Ontario Hockey League standout was drafted second overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2025 and has shown flashes of talent since reaching prominence as a 15-year-old. His acceleration, agility and finishing ability stood out in the youth game, and those traits have translated smoothly to the NHL pace.

Chicago views Misa as a long-term cornerstone of its rebuild alongside Connor Bedard. The organization’s confidence was clear — they immediately gave him a meaningful turnaround. His vision and up-tempo game complement Bedard’s skill set, a combination that could add to his early production. If his defensive performance and faceoff performance stabilize, Misa’s odds could shrink midway through the season.

Ryan Leonard’s grit and scoring touch

Ryan Leonard has odds of up to 1300 and has built a reputation for competitiveness and perseverance. Leonard was drafted eighth overall by the Washington Capitals in 2023, and his game is characterized by his relentless work ethic. A product of the U.S. National Team’s development program, he combines physical strength with goal-scoring touch, a balance that’s a perfect fit for Washington’s evolving roster.

Leonard’s north-south style and willingness to attack the crease may make him a fan favorite in Washington, D.C. He’s not shy about finishing checks or making contact in key scoring areas. While not as flashy as Demidov or Misa, his all-around impact could quietly elevate him to a top contender if he maintains solid defensive reliability.

Zayne Parekh adds offensive firepower on defense

Finally, Zayne Parekh has odds of +1350 and brings high-end offensive talent from the blueline. Parekh, drafted ninth overall by the San Jose Sharks in 2024, has been dominant in the OHL as a defender who can call plays and run power plays at quarterback. His puck movement and creativity have reached an NHL level, laying the foundation for San Jose’s defense for years to come.

The Sharks’ rebuilding phase ensures Parekh gets ample learning and leadership opportunities. His skating ability and confidence in transition make him a constant threat to join the rush, while his ability to find seams on the man advantage adds significant upside. Few young defensemen have the instinctive timing he needs to hit, which could allow him to put up the numbers that caught Calder’s attention while playing for a developing team.

An early line-up sets the stage for a tight race

BetMGM’s early odds highlight a rookie game filled with contrasting styles and storylines. Demidov’s talent and scoring upside made him the preseason favorite, but Buum, Snagrud, Misa, Leonard and Parek all have a chance to win the trophy if they can continue to make plays and perform well.

Every season, the underdog surprises the oddsmakers, but this year’s roster already looks incredibly strong. With multiple rookies expected to play important roles, the 2025-26 Calder Cup competition could go down as one of the most memorable in recent memory.