Betting on futures in the NHL can be very profitable if you do your homework. The best thing about a future is you bet on it when the season starts so during the year it is easy to hedge off of or to change up to make sure you come out on top. One of the possible NHL Futures to bet on is who will win the rookie of the year. The rookie of the year trophy, otherwise known as Calder Memorial Trophy is for the best player in the NHL in their first year. In the past it has been awarded to such superstars as Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin. This year there is a decent crop of young players and here is a look at some of the favorites to be in the race for the Calder Memorial Trophy. For up to date Odds check out Diamond Sportsbook

John Tavares, New York Islanders

(Latest Odds +200)

One of the things that you want to look at when placing a wager on the potential for rookie of the year is playing time. That will not be a concern for John Tavares. The Islanders are bad and they have little talent and depth. He should get solid playing time from the start. He can handle the stick and was born o score and could very easily finish in the top ten in scoring. He needs to work on his skating but he protects the puck well enough to make up for it. 

Nikita Filatov, Columbus Blue Jackets

(Latest Odds +300)

Columbus is a team that is on the verge of getting much better and it is players like Nikita Filatov that will make all the difference. This kid can score and it won’t be too long before he is a constant fixture on a scoring line for Columbus. He is deadly accurate and can score from all angles. The only downside is that he is not a big kid and defensemen may be able to muscle him around. With a full season under his belt he will be in the race for MVP at season’s end. 

Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche  
(Latest Odds +350)

Tavares has the edge on everyone else in this race and unless something drastic happens these guys will finish second in the race or further down the line. Duchene is an excellent prospect but he still needs some time to develop. The playing time will be there and the fast start from the Avalanche should get him noticed. He has an outside shot in this race.

Evander Kane, Atlanta Thrashers

(Latest Odds +350)

The exact opposite may be said for Evander Kane of the Atlanta Thrashers. He has the skill set that can be used in the NHL right now. He is ready to make the move to full time player but is not on top of the depth chart. He will have to work his way into a starting role and that could hurt his chances. 

These are just a few of the rookies that will hit the ice this year with hopes of helping the team and being the best first year player in the league. Taking a flyer on a player now gives you the chance to win in the long run and take a chance on a hedge. This will be a great season on the ice!