The impact several rookies are making on the NHL is one of the major storylines of the 2025-26 season. Each week, NHL.com will examine topics related to this season's class in the Rookie Watch.

This week, the top five rookies in the Atlantic Division (in alphabetical order):

Ivan Demidov , F, Montreal Canadiens: Demidov (6-foot-1, 192 pounds), selected No. 5 in the 2024 NHL Draft, entered the season as a heavy favorite to win the Calder Trophy and it's easy to see why after 12 games. The 19-year-old right wing, who has found chemistry alongside rookie center Oliver Kapanen and Alex Newhook, is tied for first among all first-year players with 10 points (three goals, seven assists) and is averaging 13:59 of ice time. He scored his first goal of the season in a 5-4 overtime win against th

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