The NHL preseason got underway this weekend, and we’re now just two weeks away from the regular season! With the season rapidly approaching, now is the time to get in on some NHL Awards Futures. Let’s take a look at one longshot bet for the Hart Trophy, Vezina Trophy, Norris Trophy, and Calder Trophy!
All of these odds are via our friends over at DraftKings Sportsbook! Use code SGP.
NHL Awards Futures: One Longshot Bet for Hart, Vezina, Norris, & Calder
NHL Awards Futures: Hart Trophy
Connor McDavid has won the Hart Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player in the NHL, in two of the last three seasons. He’s once again the odds-on favorite, and for good reason. But there’s no fun in betting someone at -105 to win the Hart.
Hart Trophy Longshot: David Pastrnak (+2000)
Boston Bruins sniper David Pastrnak finished second in Hart voting last season and would’ve won if McDavid didn’t put up an insane 153 points — 15 more than Leon Draisaitl’s 128 behind him. McDavid may end up besting the rest of the league again, but this is a good price for Pastrnak.
Some are worried that the Bruins could regress without Patrice Bergeron. However, Pastrnak still has newly anointed captain Brad Marchand in the top six with him.
After finishing fourth in 2020 and second last year, Pastrnak to win the Hart Trophy at +2000 is worth a look.
NHL Futures: Vezina Trophy
The Vezina Trophy is awarded to the league’s best goalie. A different player has won it in each of the past 10 seasons. It’s an NHL awards market where you can try to find a longshot or two.
Vezina Trophy Longshot: Jacob Markstrom (+3000)
Calgary goalie Jacob Markstrom went up in Flames last season after a stellar 2021-22 campaign. Markstrom finished second in Vezina voting in 2021 thanks to a career-best .922 save percentage and league-high nine shutouts.
Markstrom has the talent and notoriety to garner votes if he plays up to his potential. Along with a second-place finish in 2021, Markstro finished fourth in the shortened 2020 season.
If the Flames can play competently in front of him, there’s no reason Markstrom isn’t worth a stab at 30/1.
NHL Awards: Norris Trophy
The Norris Trophy for the league’s best defenseman has also seen a variety of winners in recent years. A different defenseman has won in each of the last eight seasons. Although awarded to the “best defenseman,” the Norris Trophy usually goes to the best offensive defenseman, as shown by Erik Karlsson last year.
Norris Trophy Longshot: Evan Bouchard (+5000)
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard had a coming-out party in last year’s playoffs after a strong finish to the season. In his final 19 regular-season games, Bouchard put up as many points (5 goals, 14 assists). He then went over a point-per-game pace in the playoffs with 17 (4 goals, 13 assists) in 12 games.
The 23-year-old defenseman should be quarterbacking the Oilers’ lethal power play. He’ll be able to rack up the points and is a great look for the Norris Trophy at 50/1.
NHL Futures: Calder Trophy
Connor Bedard is the odds-on favorite for this award. Much like McDavid and the Hart, though, this is a market where it may be better to find a longshot rather than laying the juice. While Bedard winning the Calder is the likeliest outcome, it may not be the smartest bet.
Calder Trophy Longshot: Matthew Knies (+2500)
Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Matthew Knies got a taste of the NHL at the end of last season with one point in three games. He is now ready for his first full campaign.
This is a bit of an opportunity play as Knies should play with either Auston Matthews or John Tavares. If he’s on the top line with Matthews and Marner, the University of Minnesota product has what it takes to fill the net. He put up 75 points (36 G, 39 A) in 73 games in his college career.
