Canadiens’ Jeff Gorton has no worries about Ivan Demidov entering rookie season originally appeared on The Sporting News
There might not be a player with more anticipation around him entering the 2025-26 season than rookie sensation Ivan Demidov of the Montreal Canadiens.
Advertisement
The fifth overall pick from the 2024 NHL draft has drawn a buzz unlike many others, thanks to his brilliant talent and production as a teenager.
Demidov spent the majority of last season with St. Petersburg SKA of the KHL, racking up 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists) in 65 games. Those kinds of numbers are almost unheard of for a player of his age in that league, and it quickly translated over during his brief stint in Montreal at the end of the year.
As he now prepares for his first full season at the NHL level, expectations are sky-high. They won’t be easy for Demidov to live up to, though Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton believes he’s ready to meet them. Here was what he had to say about the rookie winger on Monday, which RDS shared on X (formerly Twitter).
“It’s not too soon for Ivan. It wasn’t for Lane Hutson. We’ve seen what he’s capable of. The early signs are encouraging,” Gorton said.
The 19-year-old made an immediate impact upon joining the big club late last season, tallying two points (one goal, one assist) in the two games he played.
Advertisement
Demidov dazzled at Saturday’s prospects game
In what should surprise nobody, Ivan Demidov’s tremendous skill set was on full display during the Canadiens’ prospects games against the Jets on Saturday.
First, there was this nifty move to send a defender flying into the boards behind his own net.
And then this beautiful breakaway goal to tie the game with just 1:52 remaining in the third period.
The city of Montreal and the Canadiens fanbase cannot contain their excitement for this kid, and it’s totally understandable. The Bell Centre was packed and rocking for a rookie showcase, just to see Demidov in action.
Advertisement
There are plenty of others that will make a case for themselves to win the Calder Trophy in 2025-26, but it’s hard to imagine anyone having a better chance than Ivan Demidov.