The Montreal Canadiens signed 2024 first-round decide Ivan Demidov to a three-year entry-level deal, the crew introduced on Tuesday. The deal ensures the Russian ahead stays with the Canadiens from 2025 till 2027.
Whereas it shouldn’t be shocking to see the Montreal Canadiens signal Demidov, the timing actually is. By signing Demidov now, the 19-year-old might swimsuit up for the Canadiens throughout their playoff run this season.
Nonetheless, it’s unlikely that might be the case. Demidov has not performed in North America. He performed this season in his native Russia with St. Petersburg SKA notching 19 objectives and 30 assists.
Total, Demidov’s rookie season was terrific. He set a document for factors by a participant beneath 20, beating Kirill Kaprizov’s 42 factors within the 2016-17. Even with that spectacular mark, it’s evident that Demidov is just not able to make the soar to the NHL simply but.
Demidov has been adamant about working out his contract in Russia earlier than coming over to North America. NHL.com quoted Ivan Demidov on the matter:
“I’ve one 12 months extra on my contract, and that is why I am going to keep in Russia. After that, I come over.”
With Ivan Demidov’s KHL contract up, he’ll set his sights on the 2025-26 season, making an look on this 12 months’s playoffs fairly far-fetched. Nonetheless, if the Habs make a protracted sufficient playoff run, Demidov might turn into an choice down the street.
Ivan Demidov’s position in Montreal Canadiens lineup
Let’s assume for a second that Ivan Demidov decides to leap to the NHL throughout this season’s playoffs. Furthermore, the Canadiens really feel that it’s a worthwhile endeavor to insert Demidov within the lineup.
The large query at that time can be: The place does Ivan Demidov match into the Montreal Canadiens lineup?
Regardless of his vital expertise, inserting him within the prime six wouldn’t make sense at this level given his lack of expertise. As such, Demidov would seemingly get a shot within the center six, most certainly on the third line.
For the time being, the Habs’ third line options Chrisitan Dvorak centering Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher. Maybe Demidov bumps Gallagher to the checking line, leaving Demidov with speedster Josh Anderson.
Shifting Gallagher to the fourth line might add extra punch as Jake Evans presently facilities Joel Armia and Michael Pezzetta. On this state of affairs, Pezzetta might be the odd man out.
If the Canadiens really feel Demidov is worthy of a extra outstanding position, Demidov might slide into the left facet on the second line with Alex Newhook and Patrik Laine. Such a line might turn into one of many hardest to play in opposition to this postseason.
The one caveat is determining how effectively Demidov would regulate to the NHL. In spite of everything, the KHL and NHL aren’t symmetrical. It’s not like leaping from the AHL to the NHL. In consequence, Demidov would want time to regulate to the North American sport.
Finally, including Demidov to the Canadiens lineup this postseason might make sense, particularly if accidents turn into a difficulty. Whereas it’s unlikely Demidov makes the soar this spring, followers shouldn’t rule out his potential inclusion sooner or later this playoff season.
