The 2025-26 NHL season is set to deliver thrilling performances from young talent. Fans are keeping a close eye on the rookies who can make an immediate impact. Among them, Montreal Canadiens ’ Ivan Demidov and St. Louis Blues ’ Jimmy Snuggerud are impactful. Also, Washington Capitals ’ Ryan Leonard is generating the most attention.
Each player has shown scoring ability and a strong hockey sense. And poise under pressure, and this season could define their careers. Also set the stage for a new generation of NHL stars.
Ivan Demidov of the Montreal Canadiens highlights season
Montreal Canadiens’ Ivan Demidov is expected to play a key role on the team’s top-six line. Drafted fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Demidov impressed in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg, recording 49 points in his rookie season. He already has NHL experience. Also scored a goal and assisted in two regular-season games last season. Canadiens scouts praise his ability to make quick plays and find teammates in tight situations. He is considered a strong contender for the Calder Trophy.
Jimmy Snuggerud is making an impact for the St. Louis Blues
Jimmy Snuggerud, the 23rd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, joined the St. Louis Blues late last season. The University of Minnesota standout recorded 51 points in 40 junior games. Snuggerud adapted quickly to the NHL, scoring one goal and three assists in seven games. He also contributed four points during playoff appearances. The Blues placed him on the top line with Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich. Fans expect him to compete with Demidov for rookie honors this season.
Ryan Leonard is expected to shine with the Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals’ Ryan Leonard, drafted eighth overall in 2023, impressed at Boston College before joining the NHL. He scored 30 goals in 37 games last season and added 31 goals as a freshman.
Leonard played nine NHL games last season, scoring once and assisting in the playoffs. The Capitals plan to place him on one of the top two lines. Leonard’s scoring instincts and versatility make him a player to watch as the season unfolds.
Also Read: Boston Bruins cut Jonathan Aspirot, Matej Blumel, Michael DiPietro, Alex Steeves, and Matt Poitras for the NHL season
Each player has shown scoring ability and a strong hockey sense. And poise under pressure, and this season could define their careers. Also set the stage for a new generation of NHL stars.
Ivan Demidov of the Montreal Canadiens highlights season
Montreal Canadiens’ Ivan Demidov is expected to play a key role on the team’s top-six line. Drafted fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Demidov impressed in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg, recording 49 points in his rookie season. He already has NHL experience. Also scored a goal and assisted in two regular-season games last season. Canadiens scouts praise his ability to make quick plays and find teammates in tight situations. He is considered a strong contender for the Calder Trophy.
Jimmy Snuggerud is making an impact for the St. Louis Blues
Jimmy Snuggerud, the 23rd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, joined the St. Louis Blues late last season. The University of Minnesota standout recorded 51 points in 40 junior games. Snuggerud adapted quickly to the NHL, scoring one goal and three assists in seven games. He also contributed four points during playoff appearances. The Blues placed him on the top line with Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich. Fans expect him to compete with Demidov for rookie honors this season.
Ryan Leonard is expected to shine with the Washington Capitals
Washington Capitals’ Ryan Leonard, drafted eighth overall in 2023, impressed at Boston College before joining the NHL. He scored 30 goals in 37 games last season and added 31 goals as a freshman.
Leonard played nine NHL games last season, scoring once and assisting in the playoffs. The Capitals plan to place him on one of the top two lines. Leonard’s scoring instincts and versatility make him a player to watch as the season unfolds.
Also Read: Boston Bruins cut Jonathan Aspirot, Matej Blumel, Michael DiPietro, Alex Steeves, and Matt Poitras for the NHL season
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