{"id":34886,"date":"2026-08-09T18:07:36","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T13:07:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=34886"},"modified":"2026-08-09T18:07:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T13:07:36","slug":"rangers-albert-smits-is-a-long-shot-worth-backing-to-win-the-calder-trophy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=34886","title":{"rendered":"Rangers&#8217; Albert Smits is a long-shot worth backing to win the Calder Trophy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<aside class=\"commerce-disclosure\">\n\t\t<i>Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our <a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/betting-editorial-standards\/\">editorial standards<\/a> for more information.<\/i><br \/>\n\t<\/aside>\n<p>It\u2019s hard to believe now, but Matthew Schaefer wasn\u2019t the favorite to win the Calder Trophy on Opening Night last season. Heck, Schaefer wasn\u2019t even the second choice.<\/p>\n<p>Ivan Demidov, who finished a distant second to No. 48 in the voting, was the runaway chalk at +185 on Opening Night. Behind him were Zeev Buium, Michael Misa, and Jimmy Snuggerud, all of whom were between +800 and 12\/1. Schaefer was 13\/1. Seems crazy now, but it\u2019s a reminder of just how volatile this market is. <\/p>\n<p>A similar situation played out in 2024-25, too. That season\u2019s rookie class was expected to be generational, with Matvei Michkov and Macklin Celebrini leading the way, but it was a different debutante, Lane Hutson, who took over the race and brought home the award.<\/p>\n<p>This year\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/betting\/nhl-betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-nyp-affiliate=\"true\">NHL<\/a> rookie class may not be considered as elite as the past two, but there are a couple of clear headliners: Gavin McKenna and Porter Martone.<\/p>\n<p>McKenna, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs, is a shoo-in to make the team out of camp and play in a top-six role. Martone is already a fan favorite in Philadelphia after he registered five points in 10 playoff games last spring. <\/p>\n<p>The two are co-favorites to win the 2026-27 Calder Trophy at +300, just ahead of Sharks\u2019 rookie winger Ivar Stenberg (+600), 2025 No. 3 overall pick Anton Frondell (+900), and Cole Hutson (+900) of the Capitals.<\/p>\n<p>All five\u00a0figure\u00a0to be handed\u00a0big\u00a0roles this season, which\u00a0is a critical part of\u00a0handicapping this market, but\u00a0there are a lot of\u00a0other players\u00a0who tick that box, too.\u00a0And their prices are a lot more appealing:<\/p>\n<aside class=\"single__inline-module aligncenter wp-block-nypost-editor-primary-tag\">\n<\/aside>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2026-27 Calder Trophy picks<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Konsta Helenius, Buffalo Sabres (18\/1, <a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/betting\/bet365-bonus-code\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bet365<\/a>)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>It flew under the radar because so much was going right for the Sabres last year, but Konsta Helenius was the goods in his brief spin with the big club. <\/p>\n<p>He tallied four points in nine games during the regular season, and then added a pair of goals in four playoff contests. The former No. 14 overall pick passed the eye test, too, as he was a ball of energy in Buffalo\u2019s middle six.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><button class=\"button button--modal-trigger\" aria-label=\"Open the image in a modal.\" data-modal-image=\"40242055\"><br \/>\n\t<default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"icon-plus\" fill=\"#fff\" viewbox=\"0 0 1033 1000\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\"><default:path d=\"M380 364V0h273v355h380v290H653v355H380V645H0V355h380v9z\"\/><\/default:svg><br \/>\n<\/button><br \/>\n<img style=\"aspect-ratio:1.54449472;display:block\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-modal-image=\"40242055\" width=\"911\" height=\"590\" src=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Philadelphia Flyers right wing Porter Martone (94) controls the puck against New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech (3).\" class=\"wp-image-40242055\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?quality=75&amp;strip=all 4415w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=300,194&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 300w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=768,498&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 768w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=1024,663&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1024w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=1536,995&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1536w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=2048,1327&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 2048w, 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https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=180,117&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 180w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=107,69&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 107w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=62,40&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 62w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=108,70&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 108w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=83,54&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 83w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=200,130&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=231,150&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 231w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=322,209&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 322w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=664,430&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 664w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=93,60&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 93w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=123,80&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 123w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=1200,777&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 1200w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=87,56&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 87w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=234,152&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 234w, https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/controls-puck-ahgainst-new-york-124971107.jpg?resize=50,32&amp;quality=75&amp;strip=all 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 911px) 100vw, 911px\"\/><figcaption>Flyers right wing Porter Martone (94) controls the puck against Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech (3). <span class=\"credit\">Noah K. Murray for NY Post<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Helenius was also a beast in the AHL, registering 63 points in 63 games, and was one of the best players for Finland at the World Championships, scoring the golden goal and notching six points.<\/p>\n<p>Helenius is almost certain to get a prime role with the Sabres next season, and he\u2019s already proven he can compete at the varsity level. <\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Viggo Bj\u00f6rck, Winnipeg Jets (40\/1, bet365)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>By all accounts, the Jets are going to give Viggo Bj\u00f6rck every opportunity to break camp as their No. 2 center. <\/p>\n<p>Winnipeg needs a shot in the arm, and fair or not, Bj\u00f6rck is going to be the one asked to provide it. <\/p>\n<p>Bj\u00f6rck, who was picked No. 8 overall at the 2026 NHL Draft, was tabbed as an NHL-ready prospect, and the Jets are in a position to let the Swede learn on the fly. He fills a need for them down the middle, and the franchise desperately wants to give its small-but-rabid fanbase a reason to be excited.<\/p>\n<p>If the Jets do let Bj\u00f6rck roll out of the gates, he\u2019ll be in a plum position to put up big numbers. <\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Betting on the NHL? <\/h2>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Albert Smits, New York Rangers (100\/1, bet365)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Constantly highlighted as the most NHL-ready defenseman of the 2026 NHL Draft, Albert Smits should be given a real chance to break camp with the Rangers in September.<\/p>\n<p>The big Latvian has already played two stints in Finland\u2019s top league, as well as one in Germany\u2019s, so he\u2019s got plenty of experience playing against much older players. He was also a force to be reckoned with for Latvia at the 2026 Olympics, playing nearly 19 minutes a night against some outstanding competition.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Trust New York Post Betting<\/h2>\n<p>Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. It\u2019s hard to believe now, but Matthew Schaefer wasn\u2019t the favorite to win the Calder Trophy on Opening Night last season. Heck, Schaefer wasn\u2019t even the second choice. Ivan&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34887,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/08\/crop-40242017_67efd9.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=1200","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34886","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-hub"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34886","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=34886"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34886\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/34887"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=34886"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=34886"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=34886"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}