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NHL 2026-2026 Season Preview - Award Props Pt II

Now that we have actually looked at a few of the top groups in the league and my four favorite NHL groups to win the Stanley Cup and their conferences, it is time to dig into the NHL awards. I definitely love these markets, particularly novice of the year (the Calder). Today we will break down 2 more awards which I think have the most value and variation season over season. We'll look at my favorite choice for these awards and a runner up.
1. Vezina Trophy (leading goalie): Jake Oettinger +1500 on BetOnline:
The Stars have actually relied on Oettinger in net all season long and he might be the leading goalie this year
Why it's a strong bet: Last season Oettinger ended up 3rd in wins (36) with a 2.59 GAA and.909 SV%, a profile that keeps him on ballots due to the fact that Vezina voters still reward wins-especially when they come on a competitor. Dallas once again predicts as a high-win group after a Western Conference Final run in 2025.
Defense and Special Teams: Dallas returns a tough blue line headlined by Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley (Harley posted 15G, 47P last year) with Esa Lindell locked up-continuity that matters for shot suppression and net-front control. Destiny likewise completed top-5 on the penalty kill (~ 82%) and ran a 22% power play, a combination that game script, limits mayhem, and helps a goalie's GAA/SV% stabilize.
The Price is Right: Most books have Oettinger in the +1200 to +1500 range-outside the top 2 favorites however clearly in the first tier. That's a sweet spot for upside without paying the "preferred tax." And at this price it is easy to see why it's an NHL futures best option.
The Chalk Option: Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg) +350
Hellebuyck is coming off among the great contemporary goalie seasons-and a Vezina/Hart double-after leading the league in wins (47 ), posting a 2.00 GAA and.925 SV%, and backstopping Winnipeg to the Presidents' Trophy (116 pts). Books have him as the favorite to three-peat, and the Jets' protective environment (structure, shot suppression, and his enormous work) hasn't meaningfully altered. At ~ +310, you're getting an elite floor with real repeat probability-rare in goalie futures
2. Jack Adams Trophy (leading coach): André Tourigny (Utah) +750 on BetOnline:
Andre Tourigny will look to take the Jack Adams this year by leading the Mammoth to the playoffs
Why it's a strong bet: Voters love a turn-around story, and Utah has the components: a swelling young core (Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, plus newcomer J.J. Peterka) and real momentum. If the Mammoth await a playoff spot, Tourigny's narrative heat will spike-he's currently a co-favorite at several books at +750. Utah's depth charts/line forecasts show Tourigny has several scoring duos he can ride and a PP that might pop with Keller/Cooley/Peterka.
Roster context that helps: The forward group is measurably deeper than a year ago (extensions for crucial centers, the Peterka trade, and internal growth). If Utah clears the playoff bar, voters will provide Tourigny disproportionate credit. Let's not forget, that the Mammoth just missed out on the playoffs last season, all the while missing two of their leading four defensemen for nearly 3/4 of the season. This is a young group who was still growing. This season it seems like the Mammoth are prepared to reveal the NHL that the franchise is anything however extinct, making this a great NHL Best bet.
The other playoff hopeful: Lindy Ruff (Buffalo) - +2500. Lindy Ruff remains in a comparable area to Tourigny, however will have a much steeper hill to climb up. The Buffalo Sabres haven't made the playoffs for 15 years. And while the team does not look as strong on paper as the Mammoth, the balanced out that Buffalo has the ability to catch a playoff area could be adequate to award the veteran NHL coach the Jack Adams.