Ivan Demidov , selected by the Montreal Canadiens with the No. 5 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, leads a group of talented rookies hoping to make an impact when the 2025-26 season begins Oct. 7.

The Canadiens qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the second wild card from the Eastern Conference last season but lost to the Washington Capitals in five games in the Eastern Conference First Round. They're hopeful a full season of Demidov, a premier skater and electrifying playmaker, can take them even further.

Pascal Vincent, coach of Laval, Montreal's American Hockey League affiliate, wants Demidov to learn and understand key concepts while playing to his strengths during his first full NHL season.

"Expectations are high because he's a talented player, and I understand that, but we want h

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