The wait is finally over. For weeks, Montreal Canadiens fans have been catching tantalizing glimpses of a significant shift on the team’s power play, with rookie phenom Ivan Demidov occasionally skating alongside Nick Suzuki and the top unit.

While official lineup charts remained unchanged, the eye test told a different story: the 19-year-old sensation was not just earning his stripes; he was demanding a bigger role with his electrifying play. Now, Martin St-Louis has officially confirmed what many have been hoping for.

In a move that signals a major vote of confidence, St-Louis has announced that Demidov has earned a full-time promotion to the Canadiens’ first power-play unit. This isn’t just a temporary experiment; it’s a calculated reward for a young player who has exceeded all expectations. According to the head coach, Demidov had to prove he was committed to a 200-foot game before being handed the keys to the top power play.

He has clearly passed that test with flying colors. With this promotion, the Canadiens are unleashing one of their most dynamic offensive weapons, and the decision is set to have a massive impact on the team’s scoring potential.

Oct 25, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky (20) and forward Ivan Demidov (93) and defenseman Lane Hutson (48) celebrate Slafkovsky's goal against the Vancouver Canucks in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

Due to the limited number of regular practices held by the Montreal Canadiens, it had been difficult to confirm, but now we have good news.

While sites like DailyFaceoff and others still listed Ivan Demidov as part of the second power-play unit, all indications were that he had earned a promotion – and we had seen him occasionally on the same power-play unit as Nick Suzuki in recent games.

Well, Martin St-Louis has just confirmed it!

Martin St-Louis announces that young Ivan Demidov has been promoted to the first power-play unit

The head coach also confirmed that this is indeed a reward that Ivan Demidov has truly earned.

“First, it increases his time on ice a little bit. But this wasn’t something I was just going to give him to right away. I wanted him to show us that he can play on the other side of the ice and to value it. I think he showed me that. It gives me an opportunity to reward him. I know he’s capable of playing on PP1 and to give more time on ice.”

– Martin St-Louis

That’s excellent news!

The Montreal Canadiens will also be holding their first “normal” full practice in quite some time today…

Habs will practice in Seattle today ahead of tomorrow’s game vs. the Seattle Kraken

– Priyanta Emrith

Demidov’s promotion to the PP1 will likely be confirmed across official sites soon.

Ivan Demidov, just 19 years old, has tallied 9 points in 10 games this season.