Something special is happening in Montreal — and his name is Ivan Demidov. The 19-year-old Russian phenom has exploded onto the NHL scene with a level of confidence and creativity rarely seen in rookies, instantly thrusting himself into the Calder Trophy conversation. With nine points (two goals, seven assists) in his first ten games, Demidov isn’t just good — he’s electrifying — and he might just make history for the Canadiens in the process.
The numbers speak for themselves: since Demidov joined Montreal’s top power play unit, the Habs’ offense has surged. They’re generating 34% more shots and a jaw-dropping 63% increase in high-danger scoring chances, turning what was once a mediocre special teams unit into one of the league’s most dangerous. His vision on the ice, his ability to anticipate plays before they develop, and his near-telepathic chemistry with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield have fans comparing him to a young Pavel Datsyuk — silky hands, lethal instincts, and composure beyond his years.
Suzuki himself can’t stop praising his young teammate:
“He just sees the ice differently,” the Canadiens captain said. “You think the play’s dead, and suddenly he threads a pass through three sticks. It’s unreal.”
But what makes Demidov’s rise even more remarkable is his resilience. During a preseason matchup against Ottawa, he suffered a brutal two-handed slash from Nick Cousins, sending shockwaves through the Canadiens’ fan base. For a brief moment, Montreal held its breath, fearing a season-altering injury. Yet Demidov returned — unfazed and undeterred — turning that scare into motivation. Head coach Martin St. Louis later called him “the kind of player who turns pain into fuel,” praising his maturity and professionalism.
And now, the Calder Trophy race — once thought to be a battle between established favorites like Logan Stankoven and Macklin Celebrini — has been turned upside down. Demidov’s unique blend of elite puck handling, cerebral playmaking, and defensive awareness has made him a legitimate threat to capture the award — and if he does, it would mark back-to-back Calder winners for Montreal, a feat not seen since 1968.
Beyond the stats, what truly sets Demidov apart is his swagger — not arrogance, but confidence. He plays with the creativity of a street hockey kid and the discipline of a seasoned veteran. When the puck is on his stick, the Bell Centre hums with anticipation; you can feel that something’s about to happen.
As the Canadiens continue their red-hot start (8-3-0 and counting), Demidov’s emergence isn’t just a bright spot — it’s a symbol of a franchise reborn. Montreal has found its next superstar, and the rest of the league is officially on notice.
If he keeps this up, Ivan Demidov won’t just compete for the Calder Trophy.
He’ll run away with it.
