NHL Futures - Calder Trophy - V is for Versteeg

Now that we’re approximately a quarter of the way though the NHL season, it seems like the appropriate time to start evaluating Calder Trophy futures for all the eager hockey bettors out there.

Just as the ‘pretender’ teams have shown their true colors by now, rookies who had been playing over their heads have leveled off as well. It’s very common to see a rookie burst onto the scene and score a few quick points before opposing blue liners catch on, which usually sends fans and sports betting enthusiasts into a frenzy—remember Bobby Ryan?

Similarly, there were several freshmen with hot starts, namely Nikolai Kulemin of the Toronto Maple Leafs, whose goal in the first game of the season had Leaf Nation anointing him the next Darryl Sittler. However, after Kulemin managed just two more points in the month of October, fans quickly jumped on the more reasonable Mikhail Grabovski train. The East German-born pivot has 14 points, including nine goals on the season—which led the team as of November 27. In order for Grabovski to take home the Calder however, head coach Ron Wilson will need to accord him more ice time.

That being said, there are three main contenders for the Rookie of the Year award this year, and they’re all enjoying prominent roles on their respective squads. The early favorite to take home the hardware is Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty, who has put up very impressive numbers—especially for a rearguard on a bad team. As of press time, the former OHL standout was sporting a plus-6 rating on a team that was dead last in its division, and only Kyle Quincey had amassed more points from the Kings blueline. Doughty will likely entice the sympathy voters (see: Barrett Jackman) who will vote for his skill, more than his actual performance.

Another leading candidate is Derrick Brassard of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who has helped more than a few sports betting enthusiasts throughout the year by leading his lowly team to victory. Brassard was tied with Nash for the team lead in points at press time, with 19 in 20 games. The Quebec native was a consistent scorer throughout his junior hockey career, and has continued that in the big leagues. Aiding him is the fact that head coach Ken Hitchcock is committed to keeping him on the top line with Nash and Kristian Huselius.

However, those looking for value in NHL futures and Calder Trophy betting should have their eyes on Kris Versteeg of the Chicago Blackhawks. In mid-season fan voting, Versteeg has roughly been third behind Doughty and Brassard; however that is bound to change. The late-bloomer is playing on one of the hottest lines in the NHL, alongside Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. New bench boss Joel Quenneville is giving him all kinds of power play time, due to his proficiency around the net—thanks to a super long reach. Versteeg has taken full advantage, posting 20 points in 20 games, to lead all NHL rookies.

If you’re looking to cash in on NHL futures betting, be certain to hop on the early NHL betting lines and select Kris Versteeg as the Calder Trophy winner!