BREAKING: “His Talent is Among the Best I’ve Seen” – Jacob Fowler Praises Demidov After Dazzling Rookie Camp Performance!
In an eye-opening turn of events at the Montreal Canadiens' rookie camp, Ivan Demidov has proven he’s not just another prospect. The 20-year-old forward has set the ice on fire, showcasing skills so extraordinary that even Jacob Fowler, one of the NHL’s brightest goaltending prospects, couldn’t help but be in awe. Fowler, who is no stranger to elite-level talent, was left speechless by Demidov’s breathtaking moves, which have already ignited an online frenzy.
"His talent is among the best I’ve seen," Fowler said after being utterly mystified by Demidov’s dazzling deke and a perfect shot that beat him cold. “I’ve seen a lot of great players, but he’s something special. The way he moves with the puck, how he reads the game—it’s beyond impressive. This kid is going to take the league by storm.”
Demidov’s performance wasn’t just about flashy moves—his intelligence on the ice is what sets him apart. With every play, he showed why he’s more than just a skillful forward. Whether it was his near-perfect dekes or his deadly accuracy, Demidov’s performances at camp have already earned him a seat at the NHL table. It’s not just about the goals; it’s about his hockey IQ, vision, and ability to take control of a game when it matters most.
The buzz surrounding Demidov only intensified when Florian Xhekaj, another player at the camp, chimed in, declaring he was "blown away" by Demidov’s sheer brilliance. And with good reason—Demidov’s abilities have caught the eyes of every coach and player in Montreal, including those already established stars like Brendan Gallagher and Nick Suzuki. These veterans understand that the future of the Canadiens might just rest in the hands of the young Russian.
In a season where the Canadiens have a chance to rebound, Demidov could very well be the X-factor they need. With the team’s leadership no longer locked into past legends, the new era of Montreal hockey could be led by this explosive talent. He’s got the drive, the vision, and the skill to carry the team into Stanley Cup contention in the near future, and fans are already itching to see what’s next.
But the Habs aren't rushing Demidov. They’re letting him grow into his potential slowly, giving him time to adjust before placing the massive expectations of a franchise on his shoulders. But if his rookie camp performance is anything to go by, Demidov’s future in Montreal looks incredibly bright.
His upcoming NHL debut is already one of the most anticipated events in Montreal hockey, and if he can replicate what he showed in camp, the sky’s the limit. The Canadiens’ rebuild might just be ahead of schedule, and Demidov could be the key to speeding up the process.
"He’s going to be a special kid," Xhekaj added, hinting that this is just the beginning for Demidov. Fans are already eager to see how far his talent will take him, and it’s clear that Montreal is about to witness a new chapter in their storied history. Demidov’s rise could very well change the landscape of hockey in Montreal for years to come.
“The Norris Is Already His!” — Cale Makar Set to Dominate the NHL With Another Historic Season
Colorado Avalanche Defenseman Poised For Another Norris Trophy
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar hit the ground running in his NHL career, playing 10 playoff games in the 2018 playoffs, after a dominant sophomore season, where he captained UMass and recorded 49 points in 41 games.
Through those 10 games, Makar posted a goal and five assists, and the Avalanche were beaten out in the second round at the hands of the San Jose Sharks.
Since then, Makar has been the runner-up or winner of the Norris Trophy (twice) each season, with his latest best defenseman honor coming after the 2024-25 season. Makar led all defensemen in goals (30), assists (62) and points with 92.
If there were ever a season that it felt like a lock for an individual award, it would be the upcoming season, and another Norris Trophy for Makar.
The lead-up to Makar becoming this superstar-level defenseman was one that was a bit unexpected, though the Avalanche certainly felt they had drafted a special player.
While Makar was touted as a fantastic defenseman pre-draft, which earned him the distinction of being the second drafted defenseman in his draft class at fourth overall, just one selection after Dallas Stars superstar defenseman Miro Heiskanen.
Makar was okay in the junior rankings, while playing for the Brooks Bandits in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, but the speed at which he has established himself as one of, if not the top defenseman in the league is rather impressive. Over parts of three seasons, Makar participated in 111 games, posting 35 goals and 100 assists over that span.
In his draft year, the 2016-17 season, Makar had his most successful junior season, scoring 75 points in 54 games. This earned him the attention of the Avalanche. He followed that up with a solid freshman season, in which he recorded 21 points in 34 games.
Colorado was patient with Makar, and both sides agreed it was best for him to play out two full seasons in the NCAA, which allowed him to develop into a dominant collegiate defender. The move paid off, and when Makar arrived, he didn't look a touch out of his element.
Now, with his best statistical season coming last year, it's hard to doubt a guy who seems to be at the top of the sport and continues getting better. Now, in his prime, at 26 years old, Makar is a lock for the Canadian Olympic team for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games.
Makar has a Stanley Cup ring, and though the Avalanche haven't been able to get back to the Stanley Cup finals since their 2022 win, which appears to have the Calgary, Alberta native focused on getting back to the finals, which could go hand-in-hand with another brilliant regular season.
