How Hughes and Kubalik are Closing in on Maker’s Calder Trophy Odds
by Ryan Gilbert
The Calder Trophy odds for the NHL’s best rookie are heating up. Cale Makar is at the top as the lone favorite, but Quinn Hughes isn’t far behind. There is a slight drop-off after that in terms of the odds, but not in terms of chances. A darkhorse has emerged over the past month in Dominik Kubalik.
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The Case for Cale (Cale Makar Calder Trophy Odds: -250)
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar missed eight games due to an upper-body injury in December but still leads all rookies in points despite missing time and being a defenseman.
Makar has 11 goals and 26 assists for 37 points in 41 games this season. He has a plus-seven rating while averaging over 20 minutes (20:37 to be exact) of ice time per game. Makar is what you want in a defenseman in the modern NHL. He holds his own in the defensive aspect of the game, has a great hockey sense and skills, and is incredibly gifted offensively.
There are many reasons why Makar is the favorite to win the Calder Trophy. He is a stalwart on the Avalanche blue line and is a key in their run to the playoffs.
The Avalanche have been successful this season and so has Makar. Could that continue into the NHL Awards in June?
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Quinn Making it a Question? (Quinn Hughes Calder Trophy Odds: +250)
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes has been right there with Makar every step of the way. Hughes is only three points behind Makar with 34 points (five goals, 29 assists), but he has played in eight more games than Makar. He also has a minus-eight rating to Makar’s plus-seven, but he does play nearly a minute more per game (21:36 to Makar’s 20:37).
While Hughes is behind Makar in points, his abilities are right up there. He is being relied upon as a top-pairing defenseman and playing more minutes, while also having played in more games – which can be a benefit.
Hughes had a very strong start to the season with 22 points in 16 games in October and November, but he has slowed down with just 12 points in 22 games in December and January. If he can get back up to his early-season pace, he should be able to catch – and surpass – Makarin points, but that is a big if.
Kubalik From Off the Board? (Dominik Kubalik Calder Trophy Odds: N/A)
Chicago Blackhawks forward Dominik Kubalik currently doesn’t have odds listed for the Calder Trophy, but that needs to change soon. If you can bet on him, do it.
Kuablik is the only other rookie with more than 30 points (in fact, more than 27 points) with 32 points (21 goals, 11 assists) in 49 games. His 21 goals lead all rookies and are five more than Victor Olofsson, who is in the midst of a five-to-six week injury absence.
Kubalik has come on strong recently with 14 points (10 goals, four assists) in 10 January games and 22 points (15 goals, seven assists) in his last 22 games overall.
A chance to play with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane should allow Kubalik to keep up the pace. If he can, jump on those odds when they come out. 335559740″:240}”>
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