Canadiens Highlights
MUST SEE: Ivan Demidov Scores First NHL Goal
Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov didn’t take long to register his name on the scoresheet.
The top Habs prospect set up an Alex Newhook goal a little over five minutes into the first period, giving the Canadiens an important 1-0 lead on a night when they can clinch a playoff berth. His ability to create time and space for his teammates is known to those who watched him play for SKA Saint-Petersburg.
LE PREMIER POINT D’IVAN DEMIDOV DANS LA LNH
IVAN DEMIDOV’S FIRST NHL POINT#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/9mg1ghdKcK
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 14, 2025
Just a few moments later, Demidov took it a step further, scoring the team’s second goal of the game after a nice individual effort. The Bell Centre faithful proceeded to show him with love, a reminder that this player represents not only the future, but a game-changing presence that the Canadiens desperately needed.
Demidov is currently playing on a line with Newhook and Joel Armia, a combination that was thrown together prior to Monday’s game, and while he’ll eventually need linemates with elite talent, it goes to show he can make something happen regardless of his usage, a little like he did in the KHL.
As a reminder, Demidov was clearly SKA’s best player this season, but his ice time was far from consistent, however, that did not stop him from setting scoring records.
With the goal, Demidov is just the third rookie in NHL history to earn an assist and score a goal in his first game.
IVAN DEMIDOV SCORES HIS FIRST NHL GOAL!
WHAT A START!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/efjjq6F2pc
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) April 14, 2025
Ivan Demidov was the fifth overall pick at the 2024, even though he arguably had the talent to be the first or second-best player among the available prospects. There was some fear that he would not report to Canada, however, the Russian prospect, just like every prospect before him, did not hesitate to make his way to North America.
He was considered the best prospect outside of hockey, and now that he has two points in just a few shifts, it’s safe to say his NHL career is off to a perfect start, which is exactly what you want to see from such an important member of the organization.
Brilliant start, he’s got puck skills like Hutson. He’s going to be a big time point producer. I would think he’s going to be the prohibitive Calder trophy favourite for next season.
“With the goal, Demidov is just the third rookie in NHL history to earn an assist and score a goal in his first game.”
Just to clarify… he’s the 3rd player in NHL history to get a goal and an assist IN THE FIRST PERIOD of his first game.