2025-26 NHL Awards Betting Preview: Odds, Predictions, Best Bets

Hart Memorial Trophy Odds, Prediction, and Betting Pick

It isn’t even Christmas yet, and the Hart Trophy race for league MVP is already down to just two players. According to the latest Hart Trophy odds, Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid are the clear frontrunners.

MacKinnon has emerged as the odds-on favorite to win the Hart at -190, which gives him a 65.5% implied probability. This award factors in both team and individual success, and MacKinnon has excelled in both for the Avalanche.

Colorado has started the season impressively, posting a 21-2-7 record and leading the NHL with 49 points. MacKinnon has been a dynamic force at both ends of the ice. The 2023-24 Hart Trophy winner currently leads the league with 51 points through 30 games.

Nathan MacKinnon wins the race to 50 points for the second straight year! 🏃‍♂️

With an assist today, he's up to 50 points in just 30 games 😳 pic.twitter.com/hQCTjRluT3

— NHL (@NHL) December 10, 2025

MacKinnon has tallied 24 goals and 27 assists, boasting an incredible +35 rating. McDavid sits second with 44 points and a -5 rating. While McDavid is on a hot streak and could close the gap, his Oilers haven’t matched Colorado’s success.

With MacKinnon at -190, he still offers solid value for those making NHL award picks.

Calder Memorial Trophy Odds, Prediction, and Betting Pick

New York Islanders’ defenseman Matthew Schaefer (-225) has established himself as the clear favorite to win the Calder Memorial Trophy for top rookie. I backed Schaefer in mid-November at -105 odds and wasn’t surprised to see his price jump to -225.

At -225, Schaefer has a 69.2% chance to win the Calder, but his odds for this category should probability be higher than -225. He has been a dominant player on both sides of the ice for Patrick Roy’s team.

Along with Schaefer being an elite puck mover in the defensive zone, he is a playmaker on the blue line. The No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NHL Draft has scored eight goals and 14 assists in 31 matchups. He also sports a +8 +/- rating in his rookie season.

MATTHEW SCHAEFER HAS HIS FIRST NHL GOAL‼️ #NHLFaceOff pic.twitter.com/zwByXMLoP2

— NHL (@NHL) October 12, 2025

He’s a do-it-all defenseman in the same mold as Cale Makar. Schaefer isn’t at that level yet, but the 18-year-old isn’t that far off. So, at -225, that’s a steal for your best NHL awards betting picks.

Rocket Richard Trophy Odds, Prediction, and Betting Pick

MacKinnon (+150) has the shortest odds to win the Rocket Richard Trophy for most goals in the regular season. At plus odds, MacKinnon has a 40% implied probability, so he isn’t in the clear.

In any event, MacKinnon is in the driver’s seat to win the award. He’s scored 24 goals to lead the NHL through 30 games. Boston Bruins’ forward Morgan Geekie is having a breakout season and trails MacKinnon by only two goals.

Nevertheless, I expect Geekie to regress in the second half and fail to keep pace with MacKinnon, Leon Draisaitl, and Jason Robertson. Robertson is tied for third with Bo Horvat, burying 19 goals this season. Despite having the second-best odds to win the Rocket Richard, Draisaitl has some work to do.

The Oilers’ superstar is tied for the eighth-most goals. He’s tallied 17 goals to put him seven goals behind MacKinnon. There is still a lot of time left in the regular season for Draisaitl, but MacKinnon’s odds offer value at +150.

ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING OT WINNER BY NATHAN MACKINNON 🤮

TOE DRAG TO THE BACKHAND TOP SHELF GWG 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3hq1FSURNg

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 6, 2025

I bet on MacKinnon to win the Rocket Richard Trophy at +420 odds last month. Obviously, that price is long gone, but +150 presents a solid opportunity for betting on the leading goalscorer in 2025-26.

Vezina Trophy Odds, Prediction, and Betting Pick

Logan Thompson (+190) has emerged as the betting favorite to win the Vezina Trophy. Last month, I placed a bet on Thompson at +550 odds, so is he still a good value at +190?

Thompson’s impressive start between the pipes proves that last season’s performance wasn’t a fluke, despite many believing otherwise and his omission from Canada’s 4 Nations roster.

Now, with a 1.96 GAA and a .925 save percentage through 21 games, Thompson’s sample size is large enough to warrant serious respect. The 28-year-old from Calgary, AB, has allowed two or fewer goals in five of his last six starts after navigating a rough patch.

“I think I owe a big thanks to the two organizations that gave me a chance … Couldn’t be happier to get to 100 wins with Washington as well.”

Logan Thompson after becoming just the 17th goaltender in NHL history to reach 100 victories in 170 games or fewer.#CapsJackets pic.twitter.com/abf2ugoyZ2

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) December 8, 2025

The Washington Capitals’ netminder remains at the top of my Vezina list. With no other goaltender clearly asserting themselves, Thompson remains the best Vezina Trophy pick at +190.