Every so often, a young player arrives who doesn’t just fit into the NHL — he reshapes it. For the Montreal Canadiens, that player is Ivan Deidov. The 20-year-old rookie is turning heads across the league, not only for his dazzling playmaking and poise but for his rare mix of humility and confidence — the kind that separates good players from future superstars.
Despite averaging fourth-line minutes, Deidov is producing nearly a point per game, a jaw-dropping pace for a rookie with limited ice time. But what’s winning fans over isn’t just the numbers — it’s his mindset. When asked about his early success, Deidov didn’t boast or deflect. Instead, he said simply, “I’m still learning every shift. I can be better.” That quiet self-awareness has made analysts sit up and take notice.
And make no mistake — his impact is being felt everywhere. Since being added to the Canadiens’ power play unit, Montreal has gone on a historic tear, converting at a blistering 53.8% over the past five games — the best in the NHL right now. In that stretch, the Habs have averaged 4.2 goals per game, a level of offensive firepower that’s turning skeptics into believers.
Deidov’s creativity and vision have unlocked new dimensions in Montreal’s attack. Whether it’s his effortless zone entries or pinpoint passing through traffic, he’s giving the Canadiens’ special teams something they haven’t had in years — unpredictability. “He’s not afraid to try things,” one scout noted. “But what’s special is that he knows when not to.”
Meanwhile, good news is brewing on the blue line. Kaden Guhle, recovering from injury, has resumed skating and could return between November 13 and 27. His comeback would bolster an already confident defensive group, tightening the structure behind Montreal’s newly explosive offense.
Add to that the growing buzz around Alexander Gerovski, another young standout lighting up the KHL, and the Canadiens’ future looks brighter than it has in years. The combination of Deidov’s rise, the team’s surging power play, and the steady return of key players signals that Montreal might be turning the corner sooner than anyone expected.
The Habs’ rebuild is no longer about patience — it’s about momentum. And right now, that momentum has a name: Ivan Deidov.
He’s not just playing well for a rookie — he’s redefining what a rookie can be.
