Ivan Demidov Fantasy Stats

Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (wrist) appears to have avoided serious injury. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports that there isn't "any long-term injury concern" for Demidov, who was slashed on the wrist in Tuesday's preseason matchup against the Ottawa Senators. Demidov left the game early, but Friedman's words indicate that fantasy managers shouldn't be overly concerned about his availability for the start of the season. The 19-year-old Russian is expected to be one of the top rookies for the 2025-26 NHL season. He will be part of Montreal's top-six group and should gobble up a lot of power-play time.

Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov has impressed with his efforts during the team's rookie camp. "He's a special player and an even better person off the ice," said Montreal's goalie prospect Jacob Fowler about Demidov. "His talent is some of the highest I've ever seen. It's cool to see how good he's done so far, and that's only going to get better." Demidov made his NHL debut late last season, skating in two regular-season contests and five playoff games. He registered one goal and three assists. The 19-year-old Russian is considered one of the brightest prospects in hockey and appears nailed on for a top-six role this season with the Canadiens.

Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov recorded two power-play assists in Sunday's 5-2 defeat to the Washington Capitals. Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield benefited from Demidov's playmaking talents, while Lane Hutson also logged assists on both plays. The 19-year-old Russian became the first teenager in franchise history to register multiple points in a playoff contest, getting on the score sheet for the first time in the postseason. Montreal now faces elimination in the next game, where Demidov may play a significant role again. He has stepped in for Patrik Laine (upper body) on the top power-play unit, and it's unclear whether Laine will be available after sitting out two contests.

Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov will make his NHL debut in Monday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 19-year-old is coming off an outstanding KHL campaign, during which he broke Kirill Kaprizov's U-20 scoring record with 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists) in 65 appearances. He looks to have a bright future but seems ready to contribute immediately for a Montreal team with a mediocre scoring record this season. In his debut, Demidov is set to skate on a line with Joel Armia and Alex Newhook and should get opportunities on the power play.