NHL Calder Trophy Odds: Matthew Schaefer Leads the Race for 2026

The NHL season is back in full swing, and all eyes are on New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who is currently a staggering -6000 favorite on the Calder Trophy odds board. If Schaefer maintains this momentum, he will make history as the first Islander to clinch the prestigious rookie honor since Matthew Barzal did so in 2018.

For those unfamiliar with how betting odds work, sportsbooks typically display them in an American format. A player with a minus sign (-) preceding their odds indicates they are the frontrunner. In this case, a bettor would need to wager $400 to secure a profit of $100 on Schaefer’s success. In contrast, other contenders may show plus (+) odds, where a $100 bet could yield a profit of $900.

If American odds aren’t your preference, converting them to decimal or fractional formats is easy with available online tools. Most sportsbooks also provide options to view odds in your preferred format, making it accessible for all bettors.

As the race for the Calder Trophy heats up, it’s worth noting the recent winners and the teams they represented, highlighting the competitive landscape of rookie talent in the league.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.