Ivan Demidov Predicted to Dominate for Montreal Canadiens4 hours ago7 min read0 comments

Alright, let's talk about the kid in Montreal because Ivan Demidov isn't just having a nice little start to his 2025/26 season with the Canadiens—he's straight-up announcing his presence with authority. Three points, a goal and two helpers, in his first four games? That's not just promising; it's a statement, and it’s got people who know the game way better than us sitting up and taking serious notice.Take Michael Del Zotto, the former NHL defenseman who’s seen his share of young talent come and go. He didn't mince words, basically declaring that Demidov is on track to be the most dominant force on that Montreal roster as soon as next year.Let that sink in for a second. We're talking about a 19-year-old who just stepped onto the ice, and a veteran is already crowning him the future king of the Habs' castle.It’s the kind of hype train that usually derails, but watching Demidov play, you start to understand the buzz. He’s not just scoring; he’s involved, he’s making plays, he’s got that elusive 'it' factor that separates a solid player from a franchise-altering star.Remember that recent game against Seattle? The one where he basically helped drag the team back from the brink? That wasn't a fluke; that was a preview. He’s already being whispered about in the Calder Trophy conversation, and honestly, why wouldn't he be? The race for rookie of the year is always a wild ride, but having a guy in a market like Montreal, with the pressure of that storied franchise on his shoulders, instantly performing? That’s must-watch TV every single night.It feels like we’re watching the beginning of something special, the kind of player you tell your friends you saw before he was a household name. The Canadiens have been searching for that next true superstar to build around, and in Demidov, they might have just hit the jackpot.His seamless transition, his immediate impact—it all points to a player who isn't just here to participate; he's here to take over. So buckle up, because the Ivan Demidov show is just getting started, and if Del Zotto's prediction is even half-right, the rest of the league is in for a world of trouble.