What's Happening?
Ivan Demidov, a promising young player for the Montreal Canadiens, has been named the preseason favorite for the Calder Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL's rookie of the year. This recognition comes as part of NHL.com's Trophy Tracker series, which highlights potential award winners for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Demidov, who was selected fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, is expected to play a significant role in the Canadiens' top-six forward group. His performance in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) last season, where he scored 49 points in 65 games, has set high expectations for his debut NHL season. The Calder Trophy is determined by a poll conducted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, and Demidov received 74 voting points, including 14 first-place votes.
Why It's Important?
The recognition of Ivan Demidov as a Calder Trophy favorite underscores the potential impact he could have on the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL at large. If Demidov lives up to expectations, he could significantly enhance the Canadiens' offensive capabilities, particularly their power play, which has struggled in recent years. His success would also continue the trend of young, international talent making a mark in the NHL, potentially influencing scouting and drafting strategies across the league. For the Canadiens, having back-to-back Calder winners would be a historic achievement, highlighting their effective player development and scouting efforts.
What's Next?
As the NHL season progresses, all eyes will be on Demidov to see if he can meet the high expectations set for him. His performance will be closely monitored by fans, analysts, and the Professional Hockey Writers Association, who will ultimately decide the Calder Trophy winner. The Canadiens will likely provide him with ample opportunities to showcase his skills, particularly in power play situations. Other rookies, such as Matthew Schaefer and Jimmy Snuggerud, will also be competing for the award, making the race for the Calder Trophy an exciting storyline to follow throughout the season.
