19-year-old Asan Sarkenov scored two first-period goals in the Colorado Avalanche’s 5-3 comeback over the Utah Mammoth in the 2025 Rookie Showcase. That kind of explosive debut from an uncontracted invitee is exactly why more people are watching preseason action this year—and checking out NHL betting online options earlier than usual. Preseason often doesn’t get the respect it deserves, but right now we have several rookies pushing for regular roster spots, making plays in showcase games, and forcing coaches to decide.
You’ll see in what follows:
- a look at rookies who are lighting up early games and what their stats suggest
- comparisons among them and context vs. past rookie standouts
- how bettors can apply what’s happening now to odds shifts and value plays
- projections: which rookies look likely to stick, which might fade
Rookie Breakouts & Early Performers
Asan Sarkenov’s Statement Game
When Asan Sarkenov went into the Rookie Showcase, he did not have an NHL contract and had a ‘quiet’ draft stock. While he was with the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL last season, he had a total of 10 goals and 17 assists in around 55 games. In the first game of the showcase against Utah, he had a breakout game, scoring 2 goals in the first period and contributing to Colorado’s 5-3 win. This is especially impressive considering he was assigned to the 4th line as a minimal expectation ‘starter’ and then was promoted in the following games, which indicates the coaches were paying attention.
- Every team will have to allocate real preseason ice time to Sarkenov. The more he skates, the more he is likely to earn a contract or a chance at AHL/NHL depth, which alters the value on certain futures bets (Calder bets, rookie point projections, roster makes). His performance early on makes it clear that undrafted or invitee rookies deserve at least some level of attention.
Other Rookies Heating Up
The NY Rangers have an eye on Gabe Perreault this camp. After excelling in Boston College, he signed an entry-level deal. Though he has yet the light the stat sheet on fire in the official preseason match, he has not gone unnoticed and has high expectations on him. Many people in the camp think this is his opportunity to break into the NHL’s standard lineup.
Sam Lipkin (Utah Mammoth) scored for the first time in the showcase game against Colorado, a goal scored in close to the crease, plus a few other looks that were very dangerous. Even though last season in the AHL he had a season of moderate production (15 in 56 games), the opportunity in the preseason is a chance for him to really fight to grow.
- Showings are limited (few games), but Sarkenov’s two goals in one game place him among early outperformers. Perreault has an upside high pedigree but, to this point, still needs to show consistency. Lipkin is still an underdog type but is beginning to be noticed.
Comparisons & Context
Against Last Year’s Rookies
The Calder trophy winner was Lane Hutson (defenseman, Montreal Canadiens), who had 66 points, 60 assists during his rookie season. Macklin Celebrini was also an immediate impact player: 63 points, 25 goals, in 70 games.
In comparison to those numbers, none of the rookies currently lighting things up have had a full regular season in the NHL. The bar is high. But the way Sarkenov has played is enough for him to be an early favorite among underdog rookies. College stats of Perreault suggest maybe his ceiling is similar to some of the recent top rookies, but he has to first adjust to the pace, physicality, and defensive side of the game.
Role, Opportunity & Team Context
Opportunity matters. Some squads possess vacancies in their forwards or defense lines. The Rangers, for instance, have elusive elements in their depth, particularly in their scoring from the wings and defense. That may provide Perreault with an accelerated track. The rookie showcase in Colorado provides players like Sarkenov and his peers with an opportunity to showcase their talents. Even if they do not make it to the NHL immediately, their visibility increases their AHL chances, positively impacting the probabilistic forecasting of their career paths. And when you’re lining up projections against rookie odds, cross-checking trends with data from the best hockey betting sites 2025 makes it easier to see which breakout players are actually worth early action.
The presence of veteran forwards in some NHL teams may result in limiting rookie playing time, or even hiding them in the bottom 2 lines, thereby making the chances of performing to capacity very low. This lack of opportunity can conceal real potential. The context of such suppression is vital when weighing bets on rookie futures or rookie props.
What Bettors Should Watch & Use Now
Preseason Data & Odds Shifts
Keep monitors on preliminary exhibition or rookie showcase statistics. When a rookie comes in with strong shifts, two-goal games, or special teams work, odds makers will change their line. Roster cut odds or Calder Trophy futures have a move.
Pay attention to how coaches speak. If during a press conference, coaches talk about a rookie with having a good camp or getting moves from 4th to 3rd line as in with Sarkenov during/after showcase games, that’s a sign.
You use last year’s rookie benchmarks: point totals, ice time, and roles as a baseline. If a rookie is doing what previous Calder finalists did in the first months, the betting value shifts.
Bet Types to Consider
Futures: Calder Trophy winner, rookie point leader, or first NHL goal scorer for select teams.
Prop bets: Will rookie A have over/under x points in preseason or first 10 games?
Roster-spot wagers: Some books offer bets on whether a player appears on the opening night roster.
Risk Management
Preseason is volatile. A dazzling rookie might struggle due to the quality of the opposition, inconsistent rationales used by the coach in game deployment, and various distortions the small sample outcomes induce. Never go all in on one game. Also, preseason injuries or benching can mask what otherwise might be great skills.
Forward-Looking Projections
Who Seems Likely to Stick Early
Asan Sarkenov: Presumably earns a contract or AHL/NHL combined position. If he upholds such performance arenas in preseason/rookie tournaments, presume he is vying for additional slots in the depth roster forwards for Colorado.
Gabe Perreault: Might be part of the Rangers’ first roster for the season, pending his performance in the preseason as well as the identified issues (defense, overall performance, toughness) he needs to remedy. Not a certainty, but his overall potential implies opportunities will be provided.
Which Rookies Might Fade or Be Late-Bloomers
Players from teams with considerable forward depth or teams with conservative coaches might have difficulty getting ice time where their impact can be felt and subsequently, may disappear from everyone’s mind.
Rookies who have some offensive skills, but are diminutive or need time to acclimatize to the pace of the NHL, may excel in rookie tournaments, but will falter when the competition moves to exhibition games against veterans.
Betting Impact for Season Futures
- Focus on early action concerning the Calder Trophy on Perreault and possibly Sarkenov as a dark horse.
- As for the other futures, they will be hot for the players who will have premier offensive or roster positions.
- Some invitee rookies, who aren’t high drafted, odds might overlook—although Sarkenov’s performance would change that.
Expert Insights
Here are tips drawn from scouting, betting, and preseason performance trends—ways to use what’s going on now.
- Track rookie showcases: Minor tournaments typically shine a light on breakout names. Sarkenov’s two-goal game, which came before he was offered a contract.
- Watch ice time & promotions: The shifts from 4th line to 3rd line, or shifts to special teams, show increasing trust.
- Compare to past rookie benchmarks: Celebrini, Hutson set astonishing benchmarks for peers.
- Don’t ignore underdogs: Not all stars come from highly valued drafts. Sarkenov has proven this.
- Treat slumps as preseason noise: Lineups, along with competition, are quite imbalanced. One game is unlikely to define a rookie, especially a poor performance.
- Time futures wisely: The odds start to come together once the rosters have been finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are Hockey Betting Futures?
A: Hockey betting futures are bets placed well ahead of or during a season on outcomes that occur later — for example, who wins the Calder Trophy (best rookie), which rookie scores most points, or which team wins the Stanley Cup. Odds can shift dramatically as preseason or early season performances change perceptions.
Q: How reliable are preseason stats for forecasting regular-season performance?
A: Preseason stats give signals but are far from definitive. Ice time, competition level, coach usage, and opponent strength all vary in preseason. They help identify standouts, but consistency under pressure and in real NHL regular-season settings is the true test.
Q: When do sportsbooks typically set rookie‐related prop bets or futures?
A: Right around training camps and rookie showcases, when there’s enough data (college / junior stats plus early exhibition) but before opening night. Markets tend to open weakly at first, then shift as performances arrive.
Q: What kinds of rookie props are common?
A: Props include player point totals (preseason or first 10 games), first NHL goal, whether a rookie makes roster, Calder Trophy winner, sometimes performance against specific teams or in home/away splits.
Q: Are bigger draft picks usually better bets as rookies?
A: Often yes, because higher picks get more opportunity, more trust from coaching, and more margin for error. But there are exceptions — players like Sarkenov show that underdogs or less heralded prospects can create value.
Q: How should bettors adjust for risk in rookie bets?
A: Use small stakes, diversify across candidates, wait for more than one strong performance. Avoid putting many resources in a single rookie before seeing multiple games or confirmation from different sources (coach comments, media, consistency).
Q: Does team strength or injury affect rookie value?
A: Absolutely. Strong veteran depth can limit opportunity. Injuries to veterans may open up roles. Rookies on teams with roster gaps or rebuilding teams often get more ice time, more chances to produce, thus more value in betting.
Q: How to track when a rookie moves up in line or spot, and why it matters?
A: Watch preseason lineups: who gets power-play time, who gets bumped up lines. Coach interviews matter. Movement suggests trust and playing time, which directly correlates with production and visibility, shifting betting value.
Key Notes & Next Moves
Here are the key things to keep in mind:
- Rookies like Asan Sarkenov are already showing they can compete. If he maintains production, he could become a sleeper in various prop or futures markets.
- Gabe Perreault has the upside, given his college track record and high expectations. He may be among the top rookie names bettors should target early.
- Keep monitoring rookie games, line promotions, and coach feedback—those influence odds quickly.
If you use what you know now, alongside comparing rookie preseason performances and projections, you’ll be in good position when the regular season starts. For those interested in acting now, BetNow offers odds on rookie futures and props across NHL matchups. Check their board early before the grids tighten.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: September 21, 2025
Last updated: September 22, 2025