Opening Odds to Win 2020-21 Calder Trophy – Shesterkin Favored Over Lafrenière

• 2021 Calder Trophy odds for the NHL rookie of the year have been released
• Alexis Lafreniere was the number one selection in the NHL draft but is not listed as the favorite
• Here is a list of the top 10 contenders, their odds, and predictions for who could be the best bet to win the award

The New York Rangers have some prime prospects in the pipeline.

The Rangers made forward Alexis Lafreniere was the first overall pick in the NHL draft but, he’s not the favorite in the opening Calder Trophy odds. That honor goes to his teammate, goaltender Igor Shesterkin.

2021 Calder Trophy Opening Odds

Odds taken Nov. 16

Here’s a breakdown on Shesterkin and Lafreniere as well as a value pick lower on the board should you decide to fade the Rangers dynamic duo.

Rangers Stock Trending Up

The 2021 Stanley Cup odds don’t reflect how good this Rangers team could be. They have MVP nominee Artemi Panarin in the fold and now two young stars are set to contribute. Let’s start with the favorite for the Calder Trophy in Shesterkin. He played 12 games for New York last season but still qualifies as a rookie.

The reason for his current position atop the odds? He was 10-2-0 with a 2.52 goals against average (GAA) and .932 save percentage (SV%). The Rangers brass are so confident in his abilities they bought out the final year of Henrik Lundqvist’s contract.

So many fantastic goalie duos in the League today!

Who's cracking your Top 5 list? pic.twitter.com/Lw0Ps6iJCG

— NHL (@NHL) November 16, 2020

Shesterkin might be terrific, but there’s little doubting the newest star on Broadway is Lafreniere. He was a lock to go number one overall in the NHL draft and must have been pretty happy to land in New York. The league adjusted their lottery system due to COVID-19, allowing the Rangers a shot at landing the Rimouski Oceanic star. Lafreniere piled up the points in junior, finishing his final year with 112 points in 52 games played.

He also led Canada to a gold medal at the World Junior Hockey Championship. It really should be a coin flip for who will win the award between these two, and given Lafreniere’s odds he’s, likely the better pick if you’re eyeing a favorite.

Could An Avalanche Defenseman Win Two Years In A Row?

Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar captured the Calder Trophy this year after an incredible campaign. Talk about an embarrassment of riches on the back end, Colorado has another rookie on the back end in contention this year.

Bowen Byram is another standout from the Hockey Canada program. He was with Lafreniere on the gold medal-winning team at the WJHC and could provide a big boost for the Avalanche this year.

Tag someone who should get you this for the holidays 👀#ReverseRetro #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/94LDo9Lv1P

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) November 16, 2020

In his final junior season, Byram was dominant at both ends of the ice for the Vancouver Giants. He played 50 games and had 14 goals, 38 assists, 52 points, and a +19 rating. A dynamic defenseman hovering around a point per game while playing a responsible brand of hockey in his own end. Sounds a lot like Makar doesn’t it?

Consider Two Wagers On The Calder Trophy Winner

The best bet could be to take one favorite and one long shot here. Lafreniere presents the best value at the top, and Byram is a great option lower on the board, considering how similar he plays to last year’s recipient of the award.

The Picks: Alexis Lafreniere (+375) & Bowen Byram (+1500)