The 2025-26 Calder Trophy case began with Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov as one of the favourites. While he has been stellar to start the season, other candidates like Matthew Schaefer, Zeev Buium, and Jimmy Snuggerud have also emerged. However, the Canadiens have two other rookies, who, along with Demidov, have made some noise in the Calder Trophy conversation. Together, they have been a big reason for the early success we’ve seen from this Habs team. Let’s take a look at three stellar rookies for the Montreal Canadiens so far this season.
Montreal Canadiens Rookies in the Calder Trophy Race
Oliver Kapanen
Due to a lack of depth down the middle, rookie Oliver Kapanen has been tasked with handling the centre duties behind Nick Suzuki. He’s been flanked by Alex Newhook and Ivan Demidov. The trio has been able to find chemistry with each other early on. After only two points in 18 contests last season, Kapanen has seven points in twelve games, including five tallies. He has also received time on the penalty kill and the second power play unit.
The Canadiens will likely acquire a more experienced centreman to take over Kapanen’s duties at some point this season. This, in turn, will push him down the lineup, and he likely won’t get the point production to earn a Calder Trophy nomination. However, Kapanen has cemented himself as a solid two-way performer. He should be a key bottom-six option for years to come in Montreal.
Jakub Dobes
Rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes has been a pleasant surprise for the Canadiens this season. He won the backup position over veteran Kaapo Kahkonen, who was acquired in the offseason. He was the team’s backup for the better part of last year after Cayden Primeau was sent to the AHL’s Laval Rocket. It was expected that he would be the backup behind Sam Montembeault for the 2025-26 season. However, he may have taken over the starter’s crease early on with his play.
After being a reliable option in years past, Montembeault has struggled early on. Dobes, on the other hand, has been one of the NHL’s best goalies, boasting a perfect 6-0-0 record. It seems as though the Canadiens will ride the hot hand for now as Montembeault tries to find his game. He will likely regain the starter’s crease at some point. However, if Dobes can hold down the starting role and lead the Canadiens to the playoffs, he has a strong case for the Calder Trophy.
Ivan Demidov
Despite the early success of some of his counterparts, specifically Matthew Schaefer, Ivan Demidov is still a top Calder favourite. He is tied for first in rookie scoring with ten points in twelve games. He has now been given a spot on the Canadiens first powerplay unit in place of Zack Bolduc. The top unit, which also features Lane Hutson, Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, has looked almost unstoppable since being put together. Demidov should find tremendous success with the man advantage. His ice time at five-on-five has also slowly increased. It will only increase further, if he is given a veteran centreman.
Schaefer is his biggest opposition for the Calder. But the Islanders defenceman will need a season similar to what we saw from Lane Hutson last year if he wants a chance. It’s far more likely that we see Demidov take home the trophy. He is currently on pace for 68 points, and if he can keep it up, he should be the clear Calder favorite.
If a Canadiens rookie takes home the Calder in the 2025-26 season, it will be the first time since 1966-67 that an NHL team has had back-to-back rookie of the year winners.
Main Photo: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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