Montreal Canadiens

Demidov Promotion Could Change Everything for Canadiens… and Laine

Ivan Demidov’s promotion to Montreal’s top power play could reshape the Habs’ offense — and affect how they handle Patrik Laine’s return.

by
NHL Trade Talk
October 27, 2025

The Montreal Canadiens’ top power-play unit has a new weapon — and it could mark the start of something special. Meanwhile, the promotion could mean trouble for Patrik Laine, who, as a pending UFA, served a specific purpose on the Canadiens roster and might be replaced while out of the lineup with a long-term injury.

Rookie Ivan Demidov has officially joined the Canadiens’ first unit power play, a move that head coach Martin St. Louis says the 18-year-old earned through patience and performance.

“First, it increases his time on ice a little bit,” St. Louis said Sunday. “But this wasn’t something I was just going to give him right away. I wanted him to show he could play on both sides of the ice and value it. He’s shown me that. Now I can reward him.”

Demidov has quickly emerged as one of Montreal’s most dynamic young players. After 10 games, he leads all NHL rookies with nine points and seven assists. His elevation to the top power play gives the Canadiens another threat, especially with Laine sidelined.

Teammate Lane Hutson said Demidov’s presence instantly changes the look of the unit. “His ability to threaten shots and passes and open up seams is pretty special,” Hutson said. “It helps me, it helps [Nick Suzuki], it helps everyone on the ice.”

Scouts have compared Demidov’s skill set to elite playmakers like Pavel Datsyuk and Nikita Kucherov — praising his balance, deceptive puck control, and willingness to attack defenders one-on-one. But his work ethic and confidence may be his greatest assets.

What Does Demidov Power Play Success Mean for Laine?

Laine, who was the primary shot on the Canadiens’ power play, may not have a role to return to if Demidov is successful. The knock on Laine was his inconsistency at 5-v-5, and he’s been keeping employment on NHL teams because he’s such a threat to score on the man advantage. It’s harder to justify a larger salary when he’s on the second unit or simply no longer needed in that role.

Demidov’s first three-point game against Vancouver showed how quickly he’s adapting to the NHL. Now, as he takes on a bigger role, the Canadiens’ power play could become one of the league’s most creative — and Demidov looks ready to lead the charge.

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