NHL 2026-2026 Season Preview - Award Props Pt II Now that we have actually looked at some of the top groups in the league and my 4 preferred NHL teams to win the Stanley Cup and their conferences, it is time to dig into the NHL awards. I definitely enjoy these markets, specifically novice of the year (the Calder). Today we will break down 2 more awards which I believe have the most value and variation season over season. We'll take a look at my preferred choice for these awards and a runner up. 1. Vezina Trophy (top goalie): Jake Oettinger +1500 on BetOnline: The Stars have counted on Oettinger in net all season long and he might be the top goalie this year Why it's a strong bet: Last season Oettinger completed 3rd in wins (36) with a 2.59 GAA and.909 SV%, a profile that keeps him on tallies due to the fact that Vezina voters still reward wins-especially when they come on a contender. Dallas again projects as a high-win group after a Western Conference Final run in 2025. Defense and Special Teams: Dallas returns a tough blue line headlined by Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley (Harley published 15G, 47P last year) with Esa Lindell locked up-continuity that matters for shot suppression and net-front control. Destiny also ended up top-5 on the charge kill (~ 82%) and ran a 22% power play, a combo that tilts video game script, limitations mayhem, and helps a goalie's GAA/SV% stabilize. The Price is Right: Most books have Oettinger in the +1200 to +1500 range-outside the top 2 favorites but plainly in the first tier. That's a sweet area for upside without paying the "preferred tax." And at this price it is easy to see why it's an NHL futures best choice. The Chalk Option: Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg) +350 Hellebuyck is coming off one of the fantastic modern-day goalie seasons-and a Vezina/Hart double-after leading the league in wins (47 ), publishing a 2.00 GAA and.