The Montreal Canadiens' forward, Ivan Demidov, is making a strong case for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best rookie, but faces stiff competition as the season progresses.
Demidov's Performance So Far
As the season approaches its midpoint, Demidov is consistently producing, maintaining his chances of winning the Calder Trophy. Named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for December, the 20-year-old Russian forward has tallied 35 points, including 10 goals, in 40 games. Despite his notable offensive output, particularly his playmaking ability, he currently trails New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer in the Calder race. Demidov stands out with 66 completed passes into the slot, ranking second among rookies. In a recent game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Demidov contributed two assists in a 7-5 victory. He also had a three-game streak with two points each between December 21 and 28.
The Competition
Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick in the most recent NHL draft, is a strong contender. The 18-year-old defenseman has totaled 26 points in 41 games and leads in numerous offensive statistics. Schaefer's higher usage, playing nearly 24 minutes per game, contributes to his impressive statistics. He leads Demidov in successful passes in the offensive zone, with 758 compared to 499, and shots on goal, with 111 compared to 55.
Challenges and Opportunities
Demidov has been limited to an average of about 15 minutes per game by head coach Martin St. Louis. Despite not receiving top-line treatment, Demidov is scoring like a top-line forward. His usage doesn't necessarily favor his success, and increased ice time and power-play opportunities could widen the gap between him and other contenders.
Historical Context
It has been 58 years since two players from the same team were named Rookie of the Year in consecutive seasons, a feat last accomplished by the Boston Bruins in 1967 and 1968. If Schaefer were to win after Hutson, it would be only the second time in history that two defensemen received the honor consecutively.
The Verdict
Demidov is undoubtedly having a Calder Trophy-caliber season, showcasing his skill and potential in limited minutes. While analytics may not scream "franchise savior," his on-ice impact is solid, and he's forcing his way into the conversation shift by shift. If the Calder is given to the player who did the most with what they were given, Ivan Demidov is certainly in the conversation. The Calder Trophy race between Demidov and Schaefer is expected to be closely contested, making it an exciting storyline to follow throughout the season.
