Young stars to watch in the NHL playoffs

From Montreal's Ivan Demidov to Philadelphia's Michkov-Martone duo, the NHL postseason is filled with rising talent

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:08pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the ice.Young NHL stars like Ivan Demidov and Ben Kindel will have a chance to shine on the playoff stage, showcasing the league's bright future.Philadelphia Today

Even without top prospects Matthew Schaefer and Macklin Celebrini, the NHL playoffs will feature a number of young stars making their postseason debuts, including Montreal's Ivan Demidov, Pittsburgh's Ben Kindel, Boston's Fraser Minten, Philadelphia's Matvei Michkov and Porter Martone, and Anaheim's Bennett Sennecke and Leo Carlsson.

Why it matters

The NHL playoffs are the biggest stage for young players to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience. These rising talents will have the opportunity to make an impact and establish themselves as the league's next generation of stars.

The details

Montreal's Ivan Demidov, a skilled and fast-paced winger, has emerged as a key contributor for the Canadiens this season with 19 goals and 43 assists. Pittsburgh's Ben Kindel, a 2024 first-round pick, has impressed in his rookie campaign, putting up 35 points in 77 games. Boston's Fraser Minten, acquired in a trade last year, has forced his way onto the Bruins' roster with his two-way game and growing confidence. In Philadelphia, the duo of Matvei Michkov and Porter Martone provide a mix of offensive flair and physical play. Anaheim's Bennett Sennecke and Leo Carlsson have also made strong impressions, with Sennecke a potential Calder Trophy finalist and Carlsson the Ducks' most important player.

  • Demidov, 20, will make his second NHL playoff appearance in Game 1 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
  • Kindel, who turns 19 on April 19, will make his NHL playoff debut on April 15 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
  • Minten, 21, has played up and down the Bruins' lineup in his rookie season.

The players

Ivan Demidov

A skilled, fast-paced winger for the Montreal Canadiens who has emerged as a key contributor this season with 19 goals and 43 assists.

Ben Kindel

A 2024 first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins who has impressed in his rookie campaign, putting up 35 points in 77 games.

Fraser Minten

A 21-year-old center for the Boston Bruins who was acquired in a trade last year and has forced his way onto the roster with his two-way game and growing confidence.

Matvei Michkov

A 21-year-old forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who has become a better all-around player in his second NHL season.

Porter Martone

A 19-year-old power forward for the Philadelphia Flyers who joined the team in March after his college season at Michigan State ended.

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What they’re saying

“He's just gotten better over the season at understanding the NHL game and understanding our systems and where he can be effective. He's still a young kid in the league, and he's going to keep getting better.”

— Nick Suzuki, Canadiens captain

“For him it was just continuing to check boxes. For a younger player, it's just continuing to work with him and continuing to help his game evolve at the things that do go well and then over the course of the season, this is a game of mistakes. It's also seeing how you adjust and how you adapt when maybe things don't go as perfect.”

— Dan Muse, Penguins first-year coach

“What impressed me is his ability to play in all three zones. As a young guy, I had my troubles with that, so to see him do it is very impressive.”

— Casey Mittelstadt, Bruins teammate

“He's really taken the information and applied it. He's always been a team guy, but it's just about the team. And then whatever we can do to help him, we'll help him.”

— Rick Tocchet, Flyers coach

“They're just a little bit different. It's good to have different flavors in your lineup.”

— Rick Tocchet, Flyers coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.