Ivan Demidov reacts onstage as Celine Dion and team personnel look on onstage after being selected fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens during the first round of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Montreal Canadiens have secured a highly anticipated prospect, selecting right-handed winger Ivan Demidov with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. This acquisition has generated significant excitement among both the team’s management and its fan base, with Demidov being seen as a potential future top scorer for the Habs.
Canadiens’ GM Delighted with Demidov Selection
General Manager Kent Hughes and the Canadiens’ top scouts, Martin Lapointe and Nic Bobrov, were visibly thrilled to select Demidov, a player they have coveted since before the 2023 Draft. Hughes, brimming with enthusiasm, shared the stage with Quebec icon Celine Dion to announce the pick. The excitement stems not only from Demidov’s talent but also from the strategic advantage his contract offers, unlike some other highly-touted Russian prospects.
Demidov’s Contract Situation Favorable for Canadiens
Demidov is currently under contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) for one more year, meaning he could join the Canadiens as early as the 2025-26 season. This differs significantly from last year’s scenario, where Montreal passed on Matvei Michkov due to his extended contract with SKA, leading to fan disappointment.
Implications of KHL’s New Independence
The KHL’s recent move to separate from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) rules could further facilitate Demidov’s transition to the NHL. This development might simplify international transfers, though the specifics are still being ironed out. The potential for a soccer-style transfer window could emerge, enabling teams to pay for early contract terminations, though this would require adjustments to the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Hughes’ Strategy and Potential Challenges
In a press conference, Hughes expressed satisfaction with Demidov’s remaining time in the KHL but acknowledged potential issues if Demidov were relegated to the Junior Hockey League (MHL) or Supreme Hockey League (VHL), where the competition is less robust than in North America. Montreal prefers Demidov to gain experience in the KHL, emphasizing the need for quality playing time.
Path Forward for Demidov and the Canadiens
The Canadiens are keen to avoid the pitfalls faced by other young prospects in the KHL, who often struggle for ice time. While the Canadiens are open to bringing Demidov to North America earlier, they prioritize his development in a competitive environment. Should Demidov arrive next season, the AHL might be a more suitable starting point, allowing him to acclimate to the smaller ice surfaces in North America.
While the likelihood of Demidov joining the Canadiens this season remains slim, the evolving landscape of the KHL and NHL relations could enhance those odds. For now, Canadiens fans can look forward to Demidov’s arrival, anticipating his impact as a potential top scorer for the team in the near future.
