Montreal Canadiens Rookie Ivan Demidov's Calder Trophy Hopes in Question
Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov scored a goal in the team's 7-5 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night, but this marked only his third goal in the last 22 games. This recent drop in production has sparked discussions about whether his chances of winning the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie are diminishing.
Demidov's Current Standing and Competition
After the game against the Sharks, Demidov ranked second in rookie scoring with 13 goals and 35 assists for 48 points. He trails Anaheim Ducks forward Beckett Sennecke by just one point, as Sennecke holds 19 goals and 30 assists for 49 points. Meanwhile, New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, an 18-year-old who has made history as the first defenseman of his age to score 20 goals in NHL history, presents another formidable contender for the award.
The 20-year-old Demidov's performance decline, particularly in goal-scoring, raises questions about his ability to maintain his position in the rookie race. With the season progressing, his consistency will be crucial in the tight competition for the Calder Trophy.
Expert Analysis and Insights
In a recent bonus episode of the Hockey Inside/Out Show, The Gazette's Stu Cowan discussed these concerns with former Canadiens teammates and 1986 Stanley Cup champions Rick Green and Chris Nilan. They analyzed whether there is genuine reason for worry about Demidov's goal-scoring slump and evaluated his prospects against other top rookies like Schaefer.
The episode highlighted the intense scrutiny on young players in the NHL, especially those in high-profile markets like Montreal. Demidov's ability to adapt and overcome this challenging phase could define his rookie season and impact his award chances.
As the Canadiens continue their schedule, all eyes will be on Demidov to see if he can reignite his offensive output and solidify his case for the Calder Trophy. The coming games will be critical in determining whether he can close the gap with his competitors and secure his place among the league's elite newcomers.
