Canadiens’ Ivan Demidov a finalist for Calder Trophy

Canadiens rookie forward Ivan Demidov, who had 43 assists and 62 points this season, the most of any rookie in the NHL, was named a finalist for the Calder Trophy on Tuesday, the award given out to the NHL’s best rookie.

Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders and Beckett Sennecke of the Anaheim Ducks were the other finalists.

Demidov, 20, was selected fifth overall by the Canadiens in 2024 (with Céline Dion announcing the selection at the draft), and made his pro debut April 14, 2025, against Chicago, when he had a goal and assist.

Playing in all 82 games for the Canadiens this season, he had 19 goals, sixth among NHL rookies, and was an overall plus-3.

“He’s got an elite offensive computer and the skills to do what his brain is actually processing,” Head Coach Martin St. Louis said of Demidov in January.

It’s the second straight year the Canadiens have a finalist for the Calder Trophy. Lane Hutson won the award last season.

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