Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov has been named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for December, marking a strong start too his North American professional career. The 20-year-old Russian’s notable performance-leading all first-year players wiht 14 points in 15 games-has quickly made him a key contributor for the Canadiens, currently 16-16-4 on the season. Demidov’s recognition continues a recent trend for the franchise, building on Lane Hutson’s success as the prior season’s monthly award winner and eventual Calder Trophy recipient.
Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov has been named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for December.
The young Russian sensation led all first-year players with 14 points in 15 games during the final month of the year, quickly establishing himself as a key contributor for the Canadiens.
Grâce à 14 points en 15 matchs, Demi est nommé Recrue du mois de décembre dans la LNH! 💯
With 14 points in 15 games, Demi has been named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for December!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/8Dw3NijJwN
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) January 1, 2026
Demidov edged out Anaheim Ducks right wing Beckett Sennecke (5-6-11 in 15 games), Detroit Red Wings defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka (2-7-9 in 15 games), Vancouver Canucks center Linus Karlsson (5-3-8 in 13 games), San Jose Sharks left wing Igor Chernyshov (3-5-8 in 7 games), and Washington Capitals right wing Ryan Leonard (2-6-8 in 7 games) for the honor.
The fifth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Demidov also ranked among the league’s top rookies in December in assists (1st – 10), even-strength assists (1st – 7), even-strength points (1st – 10), power-play assists (tied for 2nd – 3), power-play points (tied for 2nd – 4), goals (tied for 4th – 4), and even-strength goals (tied for 5th – 3).
Since the start of the 21st century, only three Canadiens rookies have recorded more points in a single calendar month: Michael Ryder (7-9-16 in 14 games in January 2004), Cole Caufield (7-8-15 in 15 games in March 2022), and Lane Hutson (1-14-15 in 14 games in March 2025).
The 20-year-old Demidov led all NHL rookies with a 10-23-33 point total in 39 games before the January 1st contests, signaling a potentially bright future in Montreal.
He also sits among the top 20 first-year players in assists (1st – 23), even-strength assists (1st – 15), shot percentage (1st – 18.9% – minimum: 1 shot on goal per game), even-strength points (2nd – 23), power-play assists (2nd – 8), power-play points (tied for 2nd – 10), game-winning goals (tied for 2nd – 2), goals (3rd – 10), and even-strength goals (3rd – 8).
Demidov is the second Canadiens player in as many seasons to be named “Rookie of the Month.”
Hutson earned the distinction in December 2024 and March 2025 before going on to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year.
Demidov joins New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (October) and Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (November) as monthly award recipients this season.
Caufield Claims Molson Cup
Forward Cole Caufield has won the Molson Cup for the month of December.
In 15 games, Caufield recorded 13 points, including five goals, and led the team with 45 shots. The left winger also posted an impressive streak of 11 consecutive games with at least one point.
