Flyers’ Michkov-Martone duo, Canadiens’ Demidov headline young stars to watch in the NHL playoffs

Apr 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Porter Martone (94) celebrates his goal with right wing Matvei Michkov (39) against the MontrŽal Canadiens during the first period at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Eric Hartline/Eric Hartline-Imagn Images It looked like this would be the spring of the past two No. 1 draft picks, Matthew Schaefer and Macklin Celebrini, making the NHL playoffs at 18 and 19 years old.

Then Schaefer’s New York Islanders and Celebrini’s San Jose Sharks fell short. There is plenty of youthful talent in the NHL postseason anyway, including rookies and players 21 and under getting their first taste of playoff hockey in the best league in the world. Montreal’s Ivan Demidov, Pittsburgh’s Ben Kindel, Boston’s Fraser Minten, Philadelphia’s duo of Porter Martone and Matvei Michkov, and Anaheim’s Beckett Sennecke and Leo Carlsson are among the young stars to watch in the chase for the Stanley Cup.

“(This will be about) showcasing some of these young players that are on the rise that maybe haven’t had that experience,” retired Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Pronger said. “Now they get a chance to kind of understand what it’s all about and what it means to play in the playoffs. ” Ivan Demidov, Canadiens Game 1 against Tampa Bay won’t be Demidov’s NHL playoff debut after he played in the first round a year ago against Washington.

But the skilled, fast-puck-moving winger has gained some real experience since then; with 19 goals and 43 assists this season, he is a big reason Montreal is a legitimate contender. “He’s just gotten better over the season at understanding the NHL game and understanding our systems and where he can be effective,” captain Nick Suzuki said. “He’s still a young kid in the league, and he’s going to keep getting better.