The Montreal Canadiens hit a grand slam with Lane Hutson last season. The star rookie ran away with the Calder Trophy. But beyond his Calder victory, Hutson looks like a fantastic Norris Trophy winner at some point down the road.
This season, another potential Calder Trophy candidate could emerge from Montreal. Russian import Ivan Demidov could be on the verge of running away with the Rookie of the Year title in 2025-26.
During last weekend’s Prospect Showdown, Demidov hit the ice for the Canadiens. The purpose was to give him exposure in NHL-type games ahead of training camp. However, Demidov proved he didn’t belong in those games. His performance far exceeded any of the talent on the ice.
As The Athletic’s Arpon Basu penned:
“The one game Demidov played against the Winnipeg Jets rookies was ridiculous and firmly demonstrated he did not belong in this event, which was only confirmed when Canadiens brass decided there was no point in Demidov playing a second game. He was involved in all three Canadiens goals, with his first assist leaving 2023 No. 14 pick Brayden Yager spinning, and that was not the only time Demidov hurt Yager’s feelings in the game. His goal was borderline unfair and left his varsity Canadiens teammates laughing amongst themselves in the stands. “Every time you send him on the ice, you get the sense something’s going to happen,” Laval Rocket coach Pascal Vincent said. “And then, something happens.”
That’s high praise for the fifth-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. His talent looks to make him a lock for the Canadiens’ lineup this fall.
Canadiens Need Demidov’s High-End Talent
The Montreal Canadiens need all the high-end scoring talent they can get. Throughout this summer, the chatter surrounding the Habs has focused on the club’s need for another top-six forward.
If Demidov can prove belongs in that conversation, his performance can placate the need for another top-six forward. Most importantly, the Canadiens can focus on utilizing their assets to land a truly impactful player.
That situation means the Canadiens can narrow their search to a top-six center, and not just another scoring winger. His overall talent and affordable price point allow the Habs to show flexibility in their moves this season.
Habs Can Build Around Demidov
The Montreal Canadiens have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to young players. Beyond Hutson and Demidov, captain Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky stand out as members of a young core.
That core can continue evolving around the skills of a player like Ivan Demidov. The Habs could make moves intended to maximize Demidov’s talents. A good example is the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Flyers have a similar high-end Russian forward in Matvei Michkov. But the club didn’t have a center to play with him. So, the Flyers targeted Trevor Zegras as the solution to that specific need.
Like the Flyers, the Canadiens can target a top-six center to team up with Demidov. While the incumbent is Kirby Dach at this point, the club may need to acquire another top-six center if Dach can’t take over that role.
Ultimately, the Habs have a path forward with Demidov. He’s a 19-year-old who could become the face of the franchise down the line.
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