After the electric rookie campaign of Lane Hutson earned the Montreal Canadiens their first Calder Trophy win in over 40 years, the spotlight is once again turning north—with another young star poised to keep the streak alive. This time, it’s Ivan Demidov, the dazzling Russian winger, who’s emerging as the centerpiece of the Canadiens’ future—and potentially their second consecutive NHL Rookie of the Year.
The message from Montreal is clear: One Calder wasn’t enough. They’re chasing back-to-back glory.
From Russia With Skill
Selected fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Ivan Demidov arrived in North America with sky-high expectations—and so far, he’s exceeded them. Through training camp and preseason, the 19-year-old has quickly cemented himself not just as NHL-ready, but as a potential star in the making.
A dynamic skater with elite puck-handling, explosive acceleration, and an innate ability to create space, Demidov brings a brand of creativity and flair that has Canadiens fans dreaming big again.
“He’s electric,” said Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis. “You see the way he processes the game—it’s at a different speed. He’s not just playing; he’s dissecting.”
Calder Watch: A Legitimate Contender
With the 2025-26 NHL season approaching, oddsmakers and analysts are already pegging Demidov as a frontrunner for the Calder Trophy. He’ll likely slot into a top-six role right out of the gate, with opportunities on the power play and alongside veteran playmakers like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
“He’s got all the tools,” said TSN analyst Craig Button. “If he stays healthy and gets consistent minutes, he’s absolutely a Calder candidate. Montreal may have hit gold again.”
If Demidov captures the award, it would mark the first time since the 1970s that the Canadiens produced back-to-back Calder winners—when Ken Dryden and Steve Shutt set the standard for rookie excellence in Montreal.
Building a Contender, One Prospect at a Time
Demidov’s rise is just the latest sign that the Canadiens’ rebuild under GM Kent Hughes and President Jeff Gorton is bearing fruit. After years of stockpiling picks and developing talent in Laval and beyond, the Habs now boast one of the NHL’s most promising young cores.
With Hutson anchoring the blue line, Juraj Slafkovský rounding into form, and Demidov now entering the mix, the pieces are coming together for a team that’s looking to not just compete—but contend.
“This isn’t about one award,” said Hughes in a recent media availability. “It’s about building something sustainable. But when your young players are winning Calders, you know you’re on the right path.”
What Comes Next
As training camp ramps up and the puck prepares to drop on the new season, all eyes will be on Demidov to see if he can live up to the hype—and possibly elevate it.
He’s already made an impression in preseason action, showcasing his speed, vision, and a deadly wrist shot that’s beaten multiple NHL-caliber goalies. If that momentum carries into October, there may be another trophy heading to Montreal in June.
And if it happens, the message will be loud and clear: The Canadiens aren’t just rebuilding. They’re reloading—with a new generation of stars ready to lead the charge.
