Matthew Schaefer: A Calder Trophy Favorite
As the NHL season heats up once again, New York Islanders’ defenseman Matthew Schaefer has emerged as the overwhelming favorite for the 2026 Calder Trophy, currently listed at an astounding -6000 in betting odds. This achievement would mark the first time an Islander secures the prestigious rookie honor since Matthew Barzal claimed it in 2018, making Schaefer’s potential win particularly significant for the franchise.
Post-Olympic Performance
After entering the recent break at -1000, Schaefer’s performance has soared post-Olympic hiatus, netting four goals in just three games. His early dominance in the season has cemented his status as the frontrunner, leading many to speculate that he may already have the award clinched well before the official announcement.
Understanding the Calder Trophy Odds
For context, the Calder Trophy recognizes the standout rookie in the NHL each season. The odds presented by sportsbooks generally adopt an American format, showcasing favorites with a minus sign (-). Therefore, for Schaefer to reward a bettor with a win of $100, they would need to wager $6000 based on his current odds. In contrast, other competitors such as Ivan Demidov have odds set at +3500, implying a much higher but far less likely payout of $3500 for every $100 bet.
Betting Landscape and Support
Interestingly, the betting landscape reveals a keen interest in Schaefer, who has not only attracted the highest overall betting handle at 30.8% but also the most tickets at 16.6%, indicating a strong support base amongst bettors.
Calder Trophy History
Reviewing the history of the Calder Trophy, it becomes evident that the award is a significant career milestone for NHL players. Just eight first overall draft picks have managed to secure this trophy, while only 16 goaltenders have ever won the title—Steve Mason being the last in 2009. Furthermore, Sergei Makarov holds the record as the oldest recipient at the prime age of 31 in 1990. This adds depth to Schaefer’s remarkable status as he strives to make his mark in NHL history.
Recent Calder Trophy Winners
A snapshot of recent Calder Trophy winners showcases the evolving talent within the league:
- 2024-25: Lane Hutson (Montreal Canadiens)
- 2023-24: Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks)
- 2022-23: Matty Beniers (Seattle Kraken)
- 2021-22: Moritz Seider (Detroit Red Wings)
- 2020-21: Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild)
- 2018-19: Elias Pettersson (Vancouver Canucks)
- 2017-18: Mathew Barzal (New York Islanders)
This year appears ripe for an Islander’s return to glory, with Schaefer currently leading the pack as a historical rookie contender.
