The Detroit Red Wings' path to the playoffs got harder in 2024-25 when the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens defied expectations and snuck in. And the Canadiens look like an absolute nightmare not only for the Wings, but for every hopeful looking to sneak in via a wild card berth.
Montreal has a perfect fusion of a young, talented team, and when you add Ivan Demidov into the mix as their next full-timer, you have a group that is an absolute nightmare to deal with. So it's no surprise that he's opening the season as NHL.com's "preseason choice for Calder."
Demidov already burst onto the scene last year when he appeared in two regular-season games and notched two points and a goal throughout 13:43 of average total ice time. He recorded two body checks and saw time on the power play, meaning he'll contribute to special teams this season.
He also appeared in five playoff games for the Habs, recording another two points across 14:29 of average total ice time, plus two blocks and eight hits. Because of that performance, it's no surprise that Demidov is slated to play in the top six for Montreal.
What does Ivan Demidov's emergence mean for the Yzerplan?
Right now, Kent Hughes' plan is making the Yzerplan look second-rate. And while that may not be the case long-term, especially with Steve Yzerman signing players to cheaper deals as rising stars like Axel Sandin-Pellikka look ready to roll, the Habs have taken a clear lead in this race.
When you look at Montreal's projected top six, with Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Demidov, Alex Newhook, and Oliver Kapanen, you're getting that perfect fusion of youth and proven players. Suzuki's one of the league's best all-around forwards, Caufield is turning into a pure scorer, and Slafkovsky boasts the perfect blend of physical and points-producing talent.
Then there are the Red Wings, who still can't figure out who should play left wing on the top six. That's not a good sign, and while it doesn't mean you need to abandon faith in the Yzerplan, you can't help but think that there wasn't a better way to do this.
Now, this is all on paper, and nobody knows if the Canadiens can enjoy a repeat performance with what looks like a younger, more talented hockey team than what they had a season ago. But if they do, it should come to the surprise of nobody, and it might make Steve Yzerman's seat a little warmer if the Red Wings can't keep up. Ivan Demidov will be a big part of that.