Following the massive Matvei Michkov saga in 2023, we’re back with another dilemma with a young Russian player: Ivan Demidov. If his name was Yvan Demidove and he came from Quebec, there would be fewer doubts about him.
Based solely on talent, Ivan Demidov might be picked in the second round by the Chicago Blackhawks. It’s crucial to remember that, like Matvei Michkov, he’s a project and will most likely not play in the NHL until next season.
On the other hand, if other clubs are hesitant to draft a Russian player, the Habs might capitalize with their fifth pick. TSN’s Craig Button would not mind seeing Kent Hughes make a trade to try to move up a few levels spots in the repeĉhage in order to select Demidov.
That is what he said on Tony Marinaro’s The Sick Podcast on Wednesday.
“If there’s a crack at Demidov, and the price is reasonable, I’m in!”@CraigJButton joins @tonymarinaro to discuss the possibility for the #Habs to move up in the draft
Full pod👇
Watch: https://t.co/L73Zm4UWrQ
Listen: https://t.co/IRDlXHoBCj#GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast pic.twitter.com/1rRLRy1fKx— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) May 9, 2024
The idea is that Demidov is much less controversial than Mishkov was. There are no reports about terrible contracts, nasty attitudes, or, most importantly, a poisonous entourage. The only “problem” with his case is that he is from Russia.
But there’s no need to worry. Many Russian players have been chosen, spent a few seasons in the KHL, and then moved on to dominate the NHL.
The best example is Kirill Kaprizov. The Wild drafted him in 2015, but he did not enter the league until 2020. The example may shock some people. I’m not sure Kent Hughes is prepared to wait five years to have his player in the team, but it indicates that Russian players want to play.
The idea is that Demidov is much less controversial than Mishkov was. There are no reports about terrible contracts, nasty attitudes, or, most importantly, a poisonous entourage. The only “problem” with his case is that he is from Russia.
But there’s no need to worry. Many Russian players have been chosen, spent a few seasons in the KHL, and then moved on to dominate the NHL.
The best example is Kirill Kaprizov. The Wild drafted him in 2015, but he did not enter the league until 2020. The example may shock some people. I’m not sure Kent Hughes is prepared to wait five years to have his player in the team, but it indicates that Russian players who want to play in the NHL, will play.
Furthermore, Demidov has the potential to develop into a quality center, which would be beneficial to the Canadiens. He’s not a center by nature, but he admitted in an interview that he wants to be one forever.
That hadn't crossed my mind. He is an excellent player away from the puck so I wouldn't rule it out. https://t.co/gsdDWnlKFL
— Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) May 9, 2024
He dominated the Russian junior league this season, scoring 60 points in just 30 games for St Petersburg. He should play for the KHL affiliate next season.
With so much to show for his efforts, the Blackhawks may be willing to give him an opportunity at the second level. If Chicago chooses on someone else, Kent Hughes may be able to move up a rung or two.
However, Hughes will not want to pay too much because there are still some good players available in the fifth tier. Find out which ones are available in this article by my colleague Félix Forget.
In gusto
– Kristin O’Neill makes history.
Kristin O'Neill marque le premier but de l'histoire de Montréal en séries!! 🚨
*Le but avait originalement été donné à Laura Stacey pic.twitter.com/8kcR6BL9z1
— RDS (@RDSca) May 10, 2024
– C’est bruyant Baie-Comeau.
Cet amphithéâtre est TELLEMENT BRUYANT. Intense. #BaieComeau pic.twitter.com/6PKd0OFKLm
— François-Etienne Corbin (@fecorbinRDS) May 10, 2024
– It should be a very tight series.
If the Edmonton Oilers are a team capable of winning a championship, they looked each other in eye in that post-game dressing room, said a few things, and will deliver in Game 2. (@SportsnetSpec) https://t.co/Qbs3FJViNr
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 10, 2024
