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Ivan Demidov: Top Prospect Joins Montreal Canadiens
In a surprising turn of events, top NHL prospect Ivan Demidov is joining the Montreal Canadiens sooner than expected. The Canadiens' fifth-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Demidov signed a three-year entry-level contract, marking a swift transition from the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). This move follows the mutual termination of his contract with SKA Saint Petersburg, announced just hours before the signing.
A Sudden Shift from Russia
Demidov's arrival in Montreal was unexpected. Initially, he was expected to remain in the KHL until next season. However, following SKA Saint Petersburg's playoff elimination and a joint decision between the club and Demidov, the talented 19-year-old Russian forward will now join the Canadiens. SKA confirmed the move, stating Demidov's KHL rights would remain with them, with a return to Saint Petersburg contingent on his NHL success. This season, Demidov led SKA in scoring, setting a KHL record for under-20 players with 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists) in 65 games, despite inconsistent ice time.
Excitement in Montreal
The Canadiens' organization, players, and fans are buzzing. Cole Caufield expressed excitement about Demidov's arrival, noting the impressive highlights from Russia that even Montreal fans couldn't miss. Josh Anderson echoed the sentiment, mentioning the team's high expectations. General Manager Kent Hughes aims for Demidov to play one or two games before the regular season concludes, while Head Coach Martin St. Louis considers it "reasonable" to see him in the lineup immediately upon arrival. The timing couldn't be better, as the Canadiens are vying for a playoff spot for the first time since 2021.
Controversy and the Future
Hughes's visit to Demidov in Russia last December amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine drew criticism. Hughes justified the trip as necessary to personally assess Demidov's performance and discuss his future with the organization. While he initially downplayed the possibility of Demidov joining the Canadiens this season, the unexpected move signifies a significant boost to Montreal's young core, which already includes players like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Demidov's arrival adds another layer of excitement to the Canadiens' playoff push and promises an exciting future for the franchise.
High Expectations
With his exceptional skill and impressive KHL record, many believe Demidov has the potential to be a 100-point player in the NHL. Comparisons to NHL stars like Kirill Kaprizov have already begun, fueling anticipation for his impact on the Canadiens. The question now is not *if* he'll make an impact, but *when* and *how* he'll seamlessly integrate into the team's lineup, potentially playing a key role in their playoff run.
