Photo credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
We are witnessing a major change of course involving two of the best young players in the entire National Hockey League.
The Calder Trophy race has taken on a new look, and Ivan Demidov has moved to the top.
The shift is clear when you look at recent production. Over their last 13 games, Demidov has recorded 13 points, while Matthew Schaefer has managed only five.
That detail carries significant weight in such a tight race.
As of today, Demidov leads all rookies with 32 points in 38 games. He has 10 goals, 22 assists, and he is 20 years old.
His entry-level contract carries a cap hit of $0.941 million, keeping him firmly in the category of major bargains.
On the other side, Schaefer remains an eye-catching name at just 18 years old. The defenseman has 24 points in 39 games, including nine goals, and he logs heavy minutes.
His entry-level deal is worth $975,000 per season, which is standard for such a high draft pick.
Momentum swings in favor of young Ivan Demidov in the Calder Trophy race
The key point is that the rookie standings can change quickly.
Beckett Sennecke is still in the mix with 29 points, and he is not being pushed aside easily.
At this stage, he is the type of player who can steal votes simply by maintaining his pace.
And we cannot forget Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt, who has entered the discussion with four shutouts, an accomplishment that commands respect. He owns an 11-2-2 record, a 2.16 goals-against average, and an impressive .932 save percentage.
For Montreal, the discussion is becoming straightforward.
Demidov is creating separation at the right time, and the “Schaefer by a mile” narrative has lost steam.
If the pace holds, the Calder Trophy could very well turn into a Canadiens story.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics