The National Hockey League announced that Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov has been selected as a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy for the 2025-26 season. He shares this honor with fellow finalists Matthew Schaefer and Beckett Sennecke.
Ivan Demidov’s Impressive Rookie Season
At just 20 years old, Demidov led all NHL rookies with 43 assists and 62 points this season. His exceptional performance included 20 power play points, consisting of seven goals and 13 assists, the highest among his peers. Additionally, he recorded four game-winning goals, ranked second among rookie players.
Milestones Achieved
Demidov’s achievements this season are notable. He was recognized as the NHL Rookie of the Month in December, amassing 14 points, including four goals and ten assists, over 15 games. In January, he became the first Canadiens rookie to achieve ten multi-point games within 50 games since Gilbert Dionne.
- Total Multi-Point Games: 14
- Power Play Points: 20 (7G, 13A)
- Game-Winning Goals: 4
About the Calder Memorial Trophy
The Calder Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the NHL player deemed most proficient in their first year of competition. Instituted by NHL President Frank Calder in the 1936-37 season, the award honors Calder’s memory following his death in 1943. Selection is made by the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA).
Canadiens’ Recent Legacy
This nomination marks another remarkable year for the Canadiens. It is the second consecutive season that a Canadiens player has led all NHL rookies in points. Last year, Lane Hutson received the Calder Trophy. Demidov was the team’s fifth-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and hails from Sergiyev Posad, Russia.
With his achievements, Ivan Demidov stands as a strong contender for the Calder Memorial Trophy, showcasing his skills and paving the way for a bright future in the NHL.
