The landscape for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top rookie, is always dynamic, with past seasons demonstrating how quickly favorites can shift. For the 2026-27 season, forwards Porter Martone and Gavin McKenna are positioned as co-favorites, each at +300 odds, to claim the award. However, a less-heralded defenseman, Albert Smits of the New York Rangers, presents a compelling long-shot option at 100/1.
Mckenna, the first overall pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs, is expected to secure a top-six role from the outset. Martone, already a fan favorite with the Philadelphia Flyers, made an impact in their playoff run, notching five points in 10 games. Other notable contenders include Ivar Stenberg (+600), Anton Frondell (+900), and Cole Hutson (+900).
Despite the buzz around Martone and McKenna, other players are being identified as potential value bets. Konsta Helenius of the Buffalo Sabres, available at 18/1, showed promise in a brief call-up last season, recording four points in nine regular-season games and two goals in four playoff contests. Helenius also demonstrated strong performance in the AHL, with 63 points in 63 games, and was instrumental for Finland at the World Championships, scoring the championship-winning goal.
Viggo Björck of the Winnipeg Jets, priced at 40/1, is anticipated to be given a significant opportunity as the team's second-line center. Selected eighth overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, Björck is viewed as NHL-ready and could provide an immediate spark for the Jets, who are eager to energize their fanbase. His role could position him for substantial offensive output.
Albert Smits, a defenseman for the New York Rangers, is described as the most NHL-ready defenseman from the 2026 draft class. Having played in top leagues in Finland and Germany, Smits brings considerable experience against older competition. He also represented Latvia at the 2026 Olympics, averaging nearly 19 minutes of ice time per game against high-caliber opponents. His previous experience and readiness suggest he could earn a regular role with the Rangers, making him an intriguing, albeit distant, contender for the Calder Trophy.
