The echoes of the previous NHL season are fading, and a new chapter is on the horizon. With the flurry of free agency largely behind us, teams have solidified their rosters, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling 2025-26 campaign. As the hockey world holds its collective breath, sportsbooks – those modern-day oracles – have already begun whispering their predictions, unveiling the early favorites for the league`s most prestigious individual honors. While the puck is yet to drop, the speculation machine is in full swing, offering a tantalizing glimpse into who might etch their name into history next summer.
The Crown Jewel: Hart Trophy (Most Valuable Player)
The Hart Trophy, awarded to the player judged most valuable to his team, is the league`s ultimate individual accolade. History tells us it`s rarely a repeat performance, with Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck being an interesting anomaly last season. But for 2025-26, the smart money, and frankly, common sense, points elsewhere.
The Reigning Force: Connor McDavid (+200)
Is anyone truly surprised? Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid remains in a league of his own. Despite his unparalleled individual brilliance, the ultimate team prize – the Stanley Cup – has eluded him, particularly after consecutive Finals losses. This burning desire, coupled with the speculative narrative of his potential contract situation next summer, could fuel an MVP campaign of historic proportions. McDavid isn`t just a player; he`s a force of nature, and when motivated, he`s virtually unstoppable.
The Lone Sniper: Auston Matthews (+1900)
With Mitch Marner departing Toronto, Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews faces an elevated challenge. The burden of offensive generation will largely fall on his shoulders, a role he`s more than capable of handling, as evidenced by his 60-goal Hart Trophy season in 2021-22. This increased responsibility, far from being a disadvantage, could be the catalyst for another monstrous year, showcasing his unmatched ability to take over games.
The Desert Spark: Mitch Marner (+6000)
A fresh start in Vegas with Jack Eichel sounds like the perfect recipe for a playmaker of Marner`s caliber. Coming off his first 100-point season, Marner has proven he can be an elite offensive engine. While a Hart Trophy might seem a longshot, a revitalized Marner, playing on a Cup contender, could put up numbers that make even the most skeptical bettors reconsider. It`s the kind of narrative shift that often precedes surprising award runs.
The Fresh Face: Calder Trophy (Top Rookie)
The Calder Trophy celebrates the league`s best rookie, often a glimpse into the future of NHL stardom. Unlike seasons graced by generational talents like Crosby or McDavid making immediate splashes, 2025-26 appears to be a wide-open race, rich with promising, albeit not yet proven, talent.
The Russian Revelation: Ivan Demidov (+280)
Selected 5th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2024, Ivan Demidov has already given fans a taste of his potential, netting a goal and an assist in limited action late last season. His tremendous vision and hockey IQ suggest he`s ready for prime time. Playing on a Canadiens team looking to make a playoff push, Demidov could quickly become a focal point, his natural offensive instincts making him the early favorite.
The OHL Phenom: Michael Misa (+1200)
The San Jose Sharks continued their rebuild with Michael Misa, the 2nd overall pick. Misa`s offensive toolkit is undeniably elite, as evidenced by his staggering 134 points in the OHL last season. The question remains if he`ll crack the Sharks` roster out of camp, but if he does, his scoring prowess could immediately translate, making him a serious contender for rookie honors. He`s the kind of player who makes you gasp with his skill.
The Blueline Firecracker: Zayne Parekh (+2100)
Calgary Flames defenseman Zayne Parekh, another 2024 first-rounder, also got a brief NHL stint, scoring in his debut. His 107-point OHL season screams offensive dynamism. With a potential clear path to the Flames` roster, especially if a certain fellow blueliner is traded, Parekh could bring an exciting, high-octane brand of defense that catches the eyes of voters. Who said defensemen can`t be exciting?
The Last Line of Defense: Vezina Trophy (Top Goaltender)
The Vezina Trophy honors the NHL`s premier goaltender, a position often defined by superhuman consistency and game-stealing performances. For the past two seasons, one name has dominated this conversation, making him the obvious frontrunner again.
The Iron Wall: Connor Hellebuyck (+310)
Winnipeg`s Connor Hellebuyck isn`t just good; he`s been historically dominant, capturing back-to-back Vezinas and even the Hart Trophy last season. His stats – 47 wins, a 2.00 GAA, and a .925 save percentage – are simply staggering. Until another netminder proves they can match his unwavering excellence, Hellebuyck is the benchmark. He`s less a favorite and more a default setting for this award.
The Howling Challenger: Dustin Wolf (+1500)
Calgary Flames` Dustin Wolf made a strong case for the Calder last season, establishing himself as a legitimate NHL starter after the Jacob Markstrom trade. His rookie year stats, including a .910 save percentage, hint at a bright future. A Vezina in his sophomore season would be a meteoric rise, but Wolf has the talent and the starting role to make some serious noise. The kid can stop pucks, and he does it with style.
Fine Wine in Pads: Sergei Bobrovsky (+1900)
Florida Panthers veteran Sergei Bobrovsky continues to defy Father Time, playing a pivotal role in his team`s Stanley Cup victory last season. His 33 wins and 2.44 GAA demonstrate a goaltender who still possesses elite capabilities. While Hellebuyck`s consistency is tough to beat, Bobrovsky`s ability to lock in and deliver clutch performances makes him a dangerous longshot if the favorite falters. He`s a reminder that experience, like a good vintage, only gets better.
The Blueline Baron: Norris Trophy (Top Defenseman)
The Norris Trophy is awarded to the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability at the position. For the past several seasons, this award has largely been a two-man race, with one particular offensive dynamo frequently leading the charge.
The Offensive Maestro: Cale Makar (+135)
Colorado Avalanche`s Cale Makar isn`t just a defenseman; he`s an offensive cheat code on skates. With a career-best 92 points last season, leading all blueliners in goals, assists, and power-play goals, Makar has redefined the position. His blend of explosive skating, elite puck handling, and offensive vision makes him almost impossible to defend. Until someone else can replicate his video-game numbers, the Norris Trophy is essentially his to lose.
The Quiet Ascent: Zach Werenski (+950)
While Quinn Hughes often gets the runner-up nod, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski is quietly building an impressive resume. A career-high 82 points last season, following an injury-shortened 2022-23 campaign, shows a defenseman hitting his stride. Werenski offers exceptional value and could easily enter the Norris conversation if Makar or Hughes have a comparatively “down” year. He`s the dark horse who could surprise everyone by just how good he truly is.
The Power-Play Architect: Evan Bouchard (+3000)
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard certainly benefits from quarterbacking a power play featuring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, crediting his success solely to his linemates would be disingenuous. Bouchard is a gifted playmaker with a heavy shot, registering 32 goals over the past two seasons and even finishing fifth in Norris voting previously. He`s not just riding coattails; he`s an integral part of one of the league`s most potent offenses. If the Oilers dominate, Bouchard`s numbers will follow, making him a tempting longshot.
The Unpredictable Symphony
As the NHL prepares for another electrifying season, these early odds are merely whispers of what could be. Hockey, after all, thrives on its unpredictability, its sudden upsets, and its unexpected heroes. The narratives will unfold on the ice, through spectacular goals, dramatic saves, and tireless efforts. While the predictions offer a framework, the true drama lies in watching these athletes chase greatness, vying not just for personal accolades, but for the ultimate glory that comes with triumphing in the world`s fastest game. The stage is set; let the games begin.
