NEW YORK — Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov has been named the NHL’s “Rookie of the Month” for December. He stood out with an impressive 14 points (4 goals, 10 assists) in just 15 games, leading all rookies.
Demidov’s closest competitors included players like Beckett Sennecke from the Anaheim Ducks, who scored 11 points, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka from the Detroit Red Wings, with 9 points. The competition was fierce, but Demidov pulled ahead due to his consistent performance.
Drafted fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, he also led rookies in several categories last month, including total assists and points. He scored in 11 of his 15 games, showcasing his ability to contribute to his team’s offense. His streak from December 3 to 11 featured five consecutive games with points, and he maintained that momentum with a strong finish to the month.
Historically, Demidov is among a select group of Canadiens rookies who have excelled in a single month. Only three players have surpassed his points total in December over the last two decades: Michael Ryder, Cole Caufield, and Lane Hutson.
This season, Demidov has amassed 33 points (10 goals, 23 assists) in 39 games, placing him at the top of the rookie leaderboard. His statistics further reflect his talent, as he leads the league rookies in assists and shooting percentage. The 20-year-old is quickly emerging as a key player for the Canadiens.
Demidov’s impressive performance follows recent trends in the NHL, where young players are making significant impacts. According to a recent survey, younger athletes are leading the way in scoring, reshaping the dynamics of the game. Fans have taken to social media to celebrate and discuss his achievements, indicating a growing excitement for the future of the sport.
With early signs of a promising career, Demidov joins the ranks of other notable award recipients, like Matthew Schaefer and Jesper Wallstedt, who were named “Rookie of the Month” earlier this season. It’s evident that the Canadiens are nurturing a new wave of hockey talent, making the upcoming months even more thrilling for fans.
