The 2021-22 NHL season is less than a month away, which means that a lot of people are looking into individuals odds races before the campaign has even begun. One of the awards that will be up for grabs is the Calder Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL’s best rookie in any given year. A lot of talented freshmen will be competing for the honors, however, it’s Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras who is Bovada’s favorite to win it. The 20-year-old’s Calder Trophy odds currently sit at +100.
The ninth overall pick at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Zegras has already impressed in his limited professional action. After being a point-per-game player for Boston University, the Bedford, NY native split the 2020-21 season between the Ducks and their American Hockey League affiliate, the San Diego Gulls.
Fortunately, Zegras didn’t look out of place at either level. He recorded 13 points in 24 games with Anaheim while also tallying 10 goals and 11 assists in 17 contests for the Gulls. Overall, Zegras wowed on-lookers with his poise and playmaking ability, which many hope he can take to the next level in 2021-22.
The 2021 World Juniors MVP is in a great situation to succeed. The Ducks aren’t expected to be competitive this year, which means Zegras should see more ice time and opportunities. He averaged 15:24 time on ice last year, but that should see an increase this season. Combine that with the fact that he has all the tools to be a top player and the Ducks could really have something special on their hands this season. Whether or not Zegras wins the Calder Trophy, the future looks bright in Anaheim.
2021-22 NHL Calder Trophy Odds
Odds via Bovada as of Tuesday, September 21
- Trevor Zegras (+100)
- Cole Caufield (+200)
- Moritz Seider (+250)
- Lucas Raymond (+300)
- Alex Newhook (+400)
- Vasili Podkolzin (+750)
- Philip Tomasino (+1000)
- Quinton Byfield (+1200)
Complete odds list is available at Bovada.lv.
Cole Caufield Calder Odds
Another player who has a lot of pressure on their shoulders heading into the new season is Montreal Canadiens right winger Cole Caufield. The 2021 Hobey Baker Award winner made his NHL debut last season — two years after getting drafted. He scored four goals in the 10 regular season games that he played, with two of those tallies being overtime game-winning goals.
While some thought that was him being a flash in the pan, Caufield proved that he could consistently produce during the Canadiens’ run to the Stanley Cup Finals. The rookie played 20 postseason games, finishing with four goals and eight assists. That’s not bad for a player fresh out of college and now he owns +200 odds to win the 2021-22 Calder Trophy.
Caufield should continue seeing a lot of opportunities with Montreal this season. The Canadiens don’t have another right winger who’s as dynamic as he is, which means that he should easily be on the top line for most of the season. He’s proven to have chemistry with No. 1 center Nick Suzuki, so there’s no reason to split them up. Assuming that this duo sticks together, Caufield should remain in Calder Trophy consideration.
Moritz Seider Calder Trophy Odds
At +250 odds, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider has the third-best shot at winning the 2021-22 NHL Calder Trophy.
A former sixth overall pick, Seider is seen by many people as one of the most promising defenseman prospects around. The 20-year-old made his North American hockey debut in the 2019-20 season for Detroit’s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins. He suited up in 49 games for the team, finishing with a pair of goals and 20 assists — a performance that’s pretty impressive from someone who was a teenager at the time.
Seider spent the 2020-21 season playing for Rogle BK Angelholm in the Swedish Hockey League when the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the start of the North American hockey year. The move ended up proving to be a good one as Seider racked up 28 points in 41 games and was named the SHL’s best defenseman. Now, he’ll look to carry that success into his first season with Detroit. He’s proven that he has the tools to be a top defenseman and an up-and-coming Red Wings roster will give him a great stage to demonstrate that.
Only time will tell if he can take his game to the next level and second defenseman in three years to win the Calder Trophy.
