Ivan Demidov has run out of gas
ivan demidov is in a visible scoring drought for the Montreal Canadiens, with only two goals in his last 21 games while adding 13 assists during that stretch. As of March 1, 2026 (ET), that rhythm projects to a seven-goal pace over an 82-game season and has prompted analysts to describe the rookie as “running on empty. ” The concern centers on a drop in shot frequency and finishing instinct even as he continues to create chances and draw defensive attention.
Ivan Demidov: the slump in plain numbers
Demidov’s two-goal run over 21 games stands out against his playmaking: the same stretch produced 13 assists, showing continued creation despite the scoring drought. The simple projection — seven goals over 82 games — was included in recent coverage and has become the shorthand critics use to measure the stretch. Observers note he is not a pure goal scorer and that he remains an active presence; he still forces defenders to respect his creativity and rarely plays as a passenger. At the same time, the coverage highlights a change in decision-making: he passes frequently, looks for an extra fake or the perfect feed instead of shooting, and his shot is appearing with less instinct when the net opens up.
Immediate reactions
Commentators who followed the stretch have been frank about what needs fixing. Carter Hutton, co-host, Daily Faceoff LIVE, said: “He makes it look good. There’s potential for that. It seems every second game he’s finding back in the net once or twice. ” Tyler Yaremchuk, co-host, Daily Faceoff LIVE, added: “He’s on pace right now for 27 goals on the season. If he were to get to 27 goals, that would be the fifth most productive season, goal-scoring-wise, by a defenseman in his lifetime since 2007. ” Those voices were offered alongside play-by-play notes that Demidov’s sticks even broke on occasions when golden chances presented themselves, compounding the visible frustration.
Context and contrast: rookie surges elsewhere
The wider coverage running alongside Demidov’s slump placed it in sharp relief with a breakout from another rookie: Matthew Schaefer, a defenseman for the New York Islanders, who recently reached 20 goals and led the Three Stars of the Week for the seven-day span ending March 1. Schaefer’s barrage — including multiple multi-goal games and a week with four goals and five points — was cited as historic for an 18-year-old defenseman. That contrast has amplified the attention on Demidov’s finishing woes: while one young blueliner is setting scoring marks, Demidov’s pronounced dip in goals has become the central narrative around his development.
What’s next
Coaches and player-development staff will be watching match to match to see if ivan demidov simplifies his reads and increases his shot volume when the net is available. The immediate priorities spelled out in the coverage are straightforward: shoot more, attack the center when opportunities open and trust instincts rather than hunting for the perfect pass. If Demidov can adjust those details, analysts argue, his creative game and work ethic indicate the drought can end without a larger crisis in confidence; if not, the stretch will remain a defining moment in his rookie arc as he approaches the next slate of games after March 1, 2026 (ET).
