Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov continues to impress on both sides of the Atlantic. The 19-year-old forward was officially named Rookie of the Year in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) on Thursday, capping off a remarkable first professional season with SKA Saint Petersburg.
Demidov, the fifth overall pick by the Canadiens in the 2024 NHL Draft, posted 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists) over 65 games in the KHL, leading his team in scoring and earning widespread recognition for his offensive prowess and maturity on the ice.
After wrapping up a strong playoff run in the KHL, the 6-foot-1, 192-pound Russian made his NHL debut with Montreal in April, suiting up for the final two games of the regular season. He made an immediate impact, scoring his first NHL goal in his debut against the Chicago Blackhawks on April 14, and adding an assist.
Demidov remained with the Canadiens for their playoff push, appearing in five postseason games and registering two assists. His seamless transition to the North American game has sparked excitement among Canadiens fans and management alike.
Born in Sergiyev Posad, Russia, Demidov is widely considered one of the most dynamic young talents in hockey. His KHL Rookie of the Year honor adds to a growing list of accolades, and his strong showing in limited NHL action suggests a bright future ahead in Montreal.
With training camp just months away, all eyes will be on Demidov as he prepares for his first full season in the NHL.
Discover more from VIEWINFOR
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
