In a remarkable display of skill and poise, 19-year-old Ivan Demidov has been named the 2025 KHL Rookie of the Year, capping off a breakout season with SKA St. Petersburg that has captured the attention of hockey fans worldwide.
A Historic Rookie Campaign
Demidov’s inaugural season in the Kontinental Hockey League was nothing short of extraordinary. The right winger amassed 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists) in 65 regular-season games, leading all rookies in scoring and finishing second on his team in points. His performance not only earned him the Rookie of the Year accolade but also saw him surpass Kirill Kaprizov’s long-standing record for most points in a season by a U-20 player in KHL history. Demidov’s 49 points eclipsed Kaprizov’s previous record of 42 points set in the 2016-17 season .Recognition and Accolades
Throughout the season, Demidov’s exceptional play did not go unnoticed. He was named KHL Rookie of the Month three times during the 2024–25 campaign, a testament to his consistent excellence and impact on the ice. His ability to perform under pressure was also evident in the Gagarin Cup playoffs, where he contributed two goals and three assists in SKA’s first-round series against Dynamo Moscow, earning the title of best rookie of the first round .
Transition to the NHL
Following the conclusion of the KHL season, Demidov’s contract with SKA St. Petersburg was terminated, and he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens, the team that selected him fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut on April 14, 2025, against the Chicago Blackhawks, recording a goal and an assist in the first period. This performance made him the second-youngest player in Canadiens history to score in his NHL debut, joining an elite group of players .Future Outlook
Demidov’s rapid development and impressive performances in both the KHL and NHL have set high expectations for his future. His combination of scoring ability, hockey IQ, and physicality make him a promising prospect for the Canadiens as they look to build a competitive team. With his transition to the NHL, Demidov is poised to continue his development and potentially become a cornerstone player for Montreal in the coming years.
As Demidov continues to adjust to the North American style of play, his early success serves as a beacon of hope for Canadiens fans eager to see their team’s young talent flourish on the international stage.
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