It's early, but Toronto's rookie sensation faces stiff competition from Stenberg, Martone and other rising stars in an intriguing Calder Trophy betting race
The Toronto Maple Leafs coughed up one on the road last night, falling to the Utah Mammoth 5-4, but rookie sensation Gavin McKenna once again gave fans plenty of reason to pay attention. Bettors too.
Someone posted the other day that now’s the time to put money on NHL Calder Memorial Trophy futures for McKenna as rookie of the year. That’s the type of arrogance that drives the Leafs bashers insane. I get it, and it’s early in the season, but McKenna’s skill level is off the charts, if the last two games are any indication. That gets my attention if I am looking to bank some future bets.
Last night’s goal was a top-corner snipe that brought the Leafs back to within one goal. He made at least three A+ plays against the Avalanche Saturday, including one where he passed to himself off the end boards next to the Colorado net, then spun around and made a back pass across the slot to a waiting William Nylander, who deked the Avalanche goalie to put the Leafs on the board.
I’m seeing lob passes over multiple sticks through traffic to teammates, and I am seeing defensive acumen, a back check in his own end against the Avalanche that led directly to a later Auston Matthews goal.
In NHL betting at Betway, the odds for rookie of the year are tighter than you might imagine.
Gavin McKenna, Toronto Maple Leafs, +250
It’s not only his junior and college pedigree that makes him the betting favourite, but also the opportunities the Leafs are giving him.
It’s only a matter of time before he is entrenched on the Leafs’ No. 1 power-play unit. Matthews and Nylander clearly want that to happen. His transition to the NHL has shown flashes of the elite skating and playmaking that made him such a coveted prospect. Through seven games, he has two goals and three assists.
Porter Malone, Philadelphia Flyers, +400
Some might see Malone as having an edge over McKenna because he already has some NHL experience under his belt coming into the season. He currently has one goal in eight games.
The Leafs are heading north in the standings. The Flyers are a disaster so far – zero wins in eight games.
Last season, Malone played nine games for the big club, got ten points, and picked up some invaluable playoff experience.
He brings size, physicality and scoring ability, but he’s off to a slow start this year.
Ivar Stenberg, San Jose Sharks, +450
Remember pre-draft, when there was a lot of debate about who the Leafs should take with the No. 1 overall pick, and a lot of learned hockey minds were pushing for Stenberg over McKenna? Stenberg was more NHL-ready, the argument went.
Well, the Swede went No. 2 to the Sharks and could emerge as McKenna’s most dangerous challenger, especially with the offensive talent surrounding him in San Jose on the 3-3 Sharks. He has one goal and three assists in six games.
Keep an eye on the chemistry Stenberg is building with Macklin Celebrini on the West Coast.
Cole Hutson, Washington Capitals, +900
The young defenceman is the younger brother of Montreal’s talented Lane Hutson, a former Calder Trophy winner, and already has 10 points in 14 NHL appearances. Elite puck-moving ability, offensive instincts and willingness to join the attack for the 3-3 Capitals. He’s averaging 18:42 of ice time through six games so far. That’s considerable value at +900.
Roman Kantserov, Chicago Blackhawks, +900
Kantserov had a breakout performance last night against Pittsburgh, with two goals in Chicago’s 5-3 win. The Hawks are terrible again, though, so the question remains: usage. As Chicago drifts further back, do they give him more opportunities to showcase and develop, putting him more in the Calder Trophy conversation?
Kantserov has three goals in seven games for Chicago so far. He’s getting a lot of ice time, and with Connor Bedard returning from shoulder surgery, his offensive opportunities should increase. One impressive week doesn’t make a season, though.
I am going to put money on McKenna at +250 before those odds potentially shorten. I think the difference is the opportunities the Leafs are giving him, and will continue to give him, as the season plays out, allowing him to pad his point totals. Playing in a hockey-mad market will only boost attention if he keeps producing highlight-reel performances.
