It`s been exciting to see the Montreal Canadiens improve this season. After rebuilding for over three years, their focus on drafting promising players is starting to show results.
The Canadiens are likely to secure a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference and make it to the playoffs.
General Manager Kent Hughes directed the scouting team to find top-level talent at every position, providing them with numerous draft picks over the past few years. This strategy has led to the selection of players like Lane Hutson, a Calder Trophy contender, Juraj Slafkovsky, a power forward, and highly rated prospects such as defenseman David Reinbacher and goalie Jacob Fowler.
However, their newest prospect signing might be the most thrilling yet.
Ivan Demidov, considered the best prospect outside the NHL, was drafted fifth overall last year. He recently signed with the Canadiens, potentially starting his NHL career this season and possibly making an immediate impact in the playoffs.
Demidov, arriving in North America sooner than expected, is an offensively gifted player with the potential to become an NHL superstar.
Here`s an analysis of Demidov`s abilities and what he could bring to the Canadiens.
Scouting Report on Ivan Demidov
Demidov is a left-handed shooter who is most effective on the right wing. While capable of playing on either side, he excels when moving out of the defensive zone with open ice ahead. When wingers collect pucks on their strong side, they often receive them on their board-side shoulder, momentarily limiting their view of options. In contrast, Demidov, when receiving a pass on his weak side, faces the center of the ice, providing clearer options for passing or skating.
From this position, Demidov can attack in multiple ways.
Once he controls the puck, Demidov is dangerous on the rush, using his speed and skill to push back defenders. In the offensive zone, he can either drive to the net from the edge or use his vision to set up plays from his backhand or forehand.
His speed, skill, and vision on the rush are evident in these examples:
In the KHL, playing for SKA St. Petersburg, Demidov`s ice time varied, averaging just over 14 minutes per game, all at even strength and on the power play. He is not expected to play on the penalty kill in the NHL.
Demidov`s exceptional skill and hockey IQ lead to quick and precise playmaking. He moves the puck rapidly and anticipates plays, making it difficult for defenders to intercept.
His quick execution on the power play is demonstrated here:
Creating scoring opportunities is challenging in the NHL. Young prospects face tough defenders and must adjust to less time and space.
Demidov is notably competitive in tough areas of the ice. He battles to keep plays alive along the boards and in front of the net. When he gets to the puck first below the goal line, he`s hard to dislodge and persistently fights for possession.
This clip shows his competitiveness:
Like all young players, Demidov will need to adapt defensively and adjust to the NHL`s pace across all zones. Coming from the larger KHL ice, he`ll need to get used to the smaller NHL rink dimensions.
Defensive growing pains are common for young forwards, and Demidov will have these moments. Even in the KHL, his defensive inexperience was sometimes apparent.
However, Demidov is a highly talented prospect with strong hockey sense and the ability to learn quickly. He is not expected to be a defensive liability in the NHL.
While his defense was inconsistent this season, Demidov showed improvement. This suggests he will quickly adapt to the NHL, bringing his elite offensive skills and developing defensive game.
This play illustrates his defensive improvement, showing better positioning, awareness of his check, and determination in the defensive zone.
The Canadiens and Demidov now face the challenge of integrating him into the lineup.
Coach Martin St. Louis` team is on a six-game winning streak and close to securing a playoff spot with their current forward group. Introducing a new prospect could disrupt team chemistry.
It`s a difficult decision, but Montreal`s leadership, including captain Nick Suzuki, is strong, and the team is likely to adjust to what`s best for their success.
Demidov is expected to be eager to join Montreal and establish himself. He has played over 70 games this season, finished a playoff series, traveled overseas, and is settling into a new home—a lot to handle quickly. However, he is unlikely to lack energy and should fit into Montreal`s top nine forwards, adding significant offensive skill, especially on the power play.
With Montreal`s forward lines performing well, major changes are unlikely. Demidov could fit well on a line with Alex Newhook and Patrik Laine at even strength and on a power play unit.
Here’s a possible lineup configuration with Demidov:
Tristan Blackwood