What's the hype about Ivan Demidov, the Canadiens recruit making his NHL debut? | CBC News (2025)

Hénia Ould-Hammou · CBC News

· Posted: Apr 14, 2025 11:49 AM EDT | Last Updated: April 14

The name of Ivan Demidov, a 19-year-old Russian hockey prodigy, has been on the lips of fans since he signed an entry-level contract last week with the Montreal Canadiens.

And the anticipation of seeinghim suit up in his newblue, white and reduniform is growing as he is set to make his NHL debut Monday at 7 p.m.against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Bell Centre.

Demidov's arrival has been working fans up into a frenzy since last week, with some rushing to greet him at Toronto and Montreal airports and others even tracking his flight from Russia to Canada.

Now, the prized recruit will have an opportunity to show off his skills as his teamplays to clinch a playoff spot.

"I feelhe's excited. He's a kid who loves being on the ice, he's passionate about it," head coach Martin St-Louis told reporters Monday morning.

St-Louis says he and the coaching staff are gradually showing Demidov"a few things"and are trying not to "overcoach" him.

"I want him to have fun, I want him to enjoy himself while trying to have intentions to help the team," added St-Louis.

When asked about the team's newest star, general manager Kent Hughes painted a pictureof a young man who isboth humble and confident.

"He has a unique blend of skill, hockey sense, deception, his ability to move laterally is really unique," Hughes told reporters at a media scrum.

DefencemanDavid Savard saidthe Canadiens are happy to welcome Demidov and, answering a journalist's question, addedthat he didn't thinkhis arrival wouldimpact the team dynamic.

"I think that at this time of the year, everyone wants to try and win. And if he's the guy who can help us and give us a little boost, we'll take it," said Savard.

"We're just trying to integrate him as much as possible."

'Elite' skills

Fans have been buzzing with excitement since the announcement of Demidov's arrival.

Grant McCagg, former NHL scout and co-host of The Sick Podcast: Recrutes Draftcast, says they are "very warranted" in their enthusiasm.

"He's the most dynamic prospect to enter the NHL, I believe, since Connor McDavid," said McCagg.

What gives the young hockey player this status is his "elite" offensive tools, he explained.

"His lateral agility, mobility in general, stick-handling, the way he sees the ice, his shot, his vision,play-making— all of them are elite," said McCagg.

WATCH| Too much pressure for the young player?:

The former scout highlighted thathe wouldbe surprised if the young gundisappointed people in any way.

Given that amount of pressure,Charles Miller,a mental performance consultant, said Demidov's stress level needs to be managed the right way.

"He needs to develop and have his own expectations and kind of like find ways to [block out] the outside noise," said Miller, adding that failing to do so can have a serious impact on an athlete.

"If the crowd can help you, take as much as you can from the crowd, take their energy."

Miller has been working with athletes and sports teams for the past five years.

He says if he were in the head coach's shoes, he would find ways to put Demidov in situations where he can have success early on, give him a bit of autonomy and make sure the team really integrates him the right way.

He also advises supporters to give him some time to adapt and to adjust their expectations.

"You wouldn't expect that at work, right? You wouldn't expect someone to come in before a big project and then save the company."

Decisive moment for Montreal

Demidovskated on the right wing of Montreal's third line alongside winger Joel Armia and centre Alex Newhook at Monday's morning skate.

Demidovhad been expected to join the team next season, but was suddenly released by SKASt.Petersburgin the Russian Kontinental Hockey League, known as the KHL, over a month before his contract ended.

The fifth overall pick in last year'sNHLdraft — considered perhaps the best prospect yet to play a game in the league — ledSKAin scoringwith 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists) in 65 games this season. Demidovset a newKHLrecord for players under 20, even though his ice time was inconsistent.

The Russian rising stararrived in Canada on Thursday and skated with the Canadiens' extras Saturday morning at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena, but was sidelined forMontreal's gameagainst the Toronto Maple Leafs later that day.

Montreal is facing high stakes as they make a key change to their lineup.

The Canadiens(39-31-10) held the second wild card in the Eastern Conference with 88 points— three ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets— with both teams down to their final two games.

Montreal has already missed two chances to secure a spot in the playoffs after consecutive losses tothe Ottawa Senators and Toronto.The Columbus Blue Jackets, the only other team that remains in the hunt, has won their last four games.

The Blackhawks(23-46-11) sit second-lastin the overallNHLstandings.

Montreal will close out its regular season at home on Wednesday against the playoff-bound Carolina Hurricanes.

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