Rookie Watch: The 2025‑26 NHL season is seeing a strong group of rookies making an immediate impact, particularly in the Atlantic Division. This article highlights the top first‑year players in the division and how they’ve quickly contributed to their teams.
Top Rookies Rookie Watch
- Ivan Demidov (Forward, Montreal Canadiens)
- Age: 19
- Drafted: 5th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft
- Performance: Demidov has posted 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) in his first 12 games, which ties him for the most points among all first‑year players in the league at the time.
- He scored his first career goal in a 5-4 overtime win against Seattle, showcasing his quick impact on the team. His performance is one of the best for any Canadiens rookie since Stéphane Lebeau in 1989‑90.
- Quote: A teammate described Demidov as a “special talent,” noting his impressive work ethic.
- Emmitt Finnie (Forward, Detroit Red Wings)
- Age: 20
- Drafted: 7th round (No. 201) in the 2023 NHL Draft
- Performance: Finnie has been a standout in his first 12 games, contributing 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists). He has also excelled in takeaways (8) and hits (27).
- Finnie plays on Detroit’s top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond, making him one of the most surprising rookie successes of the season. His first 7 games saw him score 6 points, including 3 goals and 3 assists.
- Quote: Detroit’s coach praised Finnie for being “full‑on gas” and playing with intensity.
- Oliver Kapanen (Forward, Montreal Canadiens)
- Drafted: 2nd round (No. 64) in the 2021 Draft
- Performance: In 12 games, Kapanen has tallied 7 points (4 goals, 3 assists), contributing alongside Demidov. His prior success in the Swedish Hockey League, where he had 35 points in 36 games, is reflected in his strong play in the NHL.
- Quote: He’s been playing a solid two-way game, complementing Demidov’s offensive ability well.
- Jakub Dobes (Goaltender, Montreal Canadiens)
- Drafted: 5th round (No. 136) in the 2020 NHL Draft
- Performance: Dobes has been a surprise starter for the Canadiens, staying undefeated through his first 6 NHL starts with a 1.97 GAA and .930 save percentage.
- His rise from being a college player at Ohio State to being called up and performing at such a high level has been impressive.
- Quote: His unexpected success makes his story compelling, as he earned the starting role almost as a promotional surprise.
Why This Matters
- These rookies are making waves in the NHL earlier than expected. Demidov’s offensive production, Finnie’s versatility, and Dobes’ solid goaltending are proving that these first‑year players can contribute right away.
- The article highlights how teams in the Atlantic Division, especially Montreal and Detroit, are benefiting from these young players.
- The success of these rookies shows that teams are relying on younger players for significant roles, breaking away from the traditional approach of seasoning them in the AHL first.
Key Takeaways
- Ivan Demidov is leading the way with the most points among rookies and is quickly becoming a key player for the Canadiens.
- Emmitt Finnie is a late-round draft pick who has exceeded expectations with his points and physical play on Detroit’s top line.
- Oliver Kapanen is proving to be an important part of Montreal’s forward group, contributing alongside Demidov.
- Jakub Dobes has surprised everyone with his excellent play in net, giving Montreal hope for the future in goal.
- These rookies demonstrate that the NHL is increasingly driven by young talent, with the Atlantic Division leading the charge.
