Canadiens 2025-26 Player Previews: Ivan Demidov

Before he joined the Canadiens for the final two regular-season games, the young Russian forward set rookie and under-20 scoring records in the KHL while leading SKA St Petersburg in regular-season points with 19 goals and 49 points in 65 games. He broke the record of 42 points that was previously held by former Salavat Yulaeav Ufa product and current Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov, a record that stood for seven seasons, and did it all while averaging only 13:21 per game. He followed that up by leading his club in goals and points in the playoffs with three goals and five points in six games. The 19-year-old forward is poised to become a game-changing star for the Canadiens, something the franchise’s fan base has been clamouring for. That record-breaking season, done with limited ice time, led to him winning the KHL Rookie of the Year award. 

Once his KHL season ended, Demidov signed his entry-level contract. This allowed him to join the Canadiens late in the 2024-25 season, where he was available to play in two regular-season NHL games. In his debut, the 19-year-old scored a goal and an assist against the Chicago Blackhawks. He also played in all five of the Canadiens’ playoff games last season, where he added two assists. While Demidov only has seven NHL games under his belt, there is significant excitement to see him perform in 2025-26.  

2025-26 Season Expectations 

Demidov is a highly-skilled forward known to be able to take over games with his on-ice vision, quick hands, playmaking abilities, and an unpredictable creativity that makes him a danger on offence. His potential to become a top-line winger and one of the best playmakers in the NHL is clear. But will he be a star immediately? There are some in the NHL who believe so. Eric Engels of Sportsnet met with executives during the NHL Board of Governors’ meetings and was given a glowing review. “He’s a bona fide superstar, who will arrive in Montreal and immediately make an impact,” he said, adding he thought it wouldn’t take long for the Russian forward to become the Canadiens’ best player.   

He’s had some electrifying moments already, and his future potential is what fans are most excited about. It would not be a surprise to see him have a 2025-26 season with 20 goals and 60-plus points, especially if he is on a top power-play unit with the club’s current core of Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki and Lane Hutson, who had a record breaking rookie season of his own and won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie.  

There is another reason for Canadiens fans to be excited: His vision and hockey IQ have made him an early favourite among Canadian sports books to win the Calder Trophy in 2025-26. His being pencilled into the team’s top power play, and the additions of Noah Dobson and Zachary Bolduc add more depth and skilled players for him to feed off of, or feed the puck to; this will increase the number of points he could tally. 

After years of rebuilding and a surprise berth in the 2025 NHL playoffs, a change in expectations awaits the Canadiens next season. The media and fans alike will expect them to continue their success. This pressure shouldn’t be focused on Demidov just yet as someone who needs to lead the team offensively or will the team to success. While he is not expected to become a superstar right away, great things are projected for the young man and he will bring fans out of their seats with excitement in 2025-26.