Ivan Demidov: From Russian Prodigy to Montreal’s Calder Contender
MONTREAL, January 20, 2026 – In the span of less than two years, Ivan Demidov has journeyed from a highly-debated Russian prospect to the centrepiece of the Montreal Canadiens’ resurgent offence. The 20-year-old winger, selected fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, has rapidly translated his legendary junior and KHL dominance into immediate NHL success, emerging as a frontrunner for the Calder Trophy and electrifying the Bell Centre faithful.
The Draft Prospect: Elite Skill with Questions
Leading up to the 2024 draft, scouts universally praised Demidov’s offensive toolkit. Playing primarily for SKA-1946 St. Petersburg in Russia’s junior MHL, he posted a staggering 60 points in 30 games during the 2023-24 season. Evaluators described him as “the most dynamic, versatile, and creative handler” in his class, with elite hockey sense, deceptive playmaking, and a lethal shot. His style drew comparisons to NHL stars Nikita Kucherov and Kirill Kaprizov. However, the “Russian factor”—uncertainty about his path to North America—and questions about his unorthodox skating mechanics and defensive consistency caused him to slide to fifth overall, where the Canadiens eagerly selected him.
Record-Setting KHL Season and Early Arrival
Demidov remained with SKA St. Petersburg for the 2024-25 KHL season, where he silenced any remaining doubters. Despite fluctuating ice time, he recorded 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists) in 65 games, setting a new KHL record for points by an under-20 player, surpassing Kaprizov’s previous mark. His performance earned him the Alexei Cherepanov Award as the KHL’s Rookie of the Year. In a surprise move following SKA’s early playoff exit, Demidov and the club mutually agreed to terminate his contract in April 2025, clearing the way for an immediate jump to the NHL.
Instant Impact in Montreal
Demidov’s NHL debut on April 14, 2025, was the stuff of legend. Before a roaring home crowd, he recorded a goal and an assist in the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks, becoming the third teenager in Canadiens history to score in his debut. He added two assists in his first playoff series, showcasing a fearlessness that belied his age and lack of North American experience.
Key Facts & Career Trajectory
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Right Wing / Centre |
| Height / Weight | 6’0″, 192 lbs (184 cm, 87 kg) |
| Draft | 2024, 1st Round, 5th Overall (MTL) |
| 2024-25 KHL Stats (SKA) | 65 GP, 19 G, 30 A, 49 PTS (KHL U-20 Record) |
| NHL Debut (2024-25) | 2 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 PTS |
| 2025-26 NHL Stats | 10 GP, 2 G, 7 A, 9 PTS |
This table summarizes his key statistics across the two seasons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Connor Bedard’s rookie season has been a resounding success. He has not only lived up to the immense hype but has also established himself as a cornerstone player for the Chicago Blackhawks and a future superstar in the NHL. His combination of elite skill, hockey IQ, and competitive drive makes him a player to watch for years to come.