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$62.8M worth Cole Caufield shares his thoughts on Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov
At the 2024 Presidents Cup Media Day, Montreal Canadiens left wing Cole Caufield discussed Ivan Demidov, their new prospect. The Russian winger was picked fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Caufield who signed a big eight-year, $62.8 million contract is excited about Demidov joining the team.
Caufield mentioned that many Canadiens players had contacted Demidov after his selection. This shows the team's strong sense of community and support.
"Yeah, it's pretty exciting," Caufield said. "I think everybody in the organization is pretty fired up for that pick, and I think a couple of us have reached out. Seems like a really good kid, and from his highlights, it's pretty fun to watch. So everybody should be excited to get a player like that. I know we are excited."
Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki also shared his thoughts at the event. Suzuki stressed the importance of integrating young players like Juraj Slafkovský, Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj and Justin Barron.
"We're both really excited for Slaf, Guhle, Arber, and Barron," Suzuki said. "They’re young pieces that showed a lot, it’s nice to get them signed & have a core that we can have for a long time. We're both excited with what happened this summer with the draft & free agency…”
Ivan Demidov had a great season in the MHL, scoring 23 goals and 60 points in 30 games with SKA-1946 St. Petersburg. He added 28 points in 17 postseason games, helping his team win the MHL Championship.
Ivan Demidov's struggle with injury might spoil Canadiens' expectations
Ivan Demidov’s health has been a big topic recently. He has resumed training with SKA and passed medical tests in Russia, but he suffered a serious ankle injury last season.
In an interview, Demidov said he hasn't 100% recovered yet.
"I'm not training at full strength yet," Demidov said on Aug. 2 (via TVA Sports). "That'll probably happen in a week. I do what I can in the gym. If my leg restricts me, I choose other exercises."
"The injuries affected me last season, so I have to prepare well and play well next season. Then, I will be able to think [about my arrival in the NHL]."
He is careful not to rush his recovery. There is no rush because the SKA St. Petersburg season starts in a month. He still has time to heal before the season begins.
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