E.H.C Director Szymon Szemberg shuts down rumors of Montreal Canadiens paying Ivan Demidov's transfer fee

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Jul 23, 2024 07:51 GMT

European Hockey Clubs Director Szymon Szemberg shut down rumors circulating about the Montreal Canadiens reportedly covering Ivan Demidov's transfer fee.

Montreal Gazette's Stu Cowan recently reported on the situation involving Demidov and his status with SKA St. Petersburgh in the KHL. Cowan suggested that if St. Petersburg decides not to retain Demidov on their KHL team, the Habs could engage in negotiations to establish a transfer fee for his services.

That would be similar to the arrangement the Philadelphia Flyers made this summer with Matvei Michkov, the No. 7 overall pick in last year's draft. Notably, Michkov is now set to join the Flyers for the upcoming season.

Should the Canadiens successfully secure a transfer fee agreement with Petersburg, Cowan anticipates that Ivan Demodov could make his NHL debut next season.

Szemberg took to X/Twitter to categorically dismiss all speculation, stating that any notions of the Canadiens engaging in negotiations with the Russian club for Ivan Demidov's transfer fee are unfounded.

He also emphasized that such actions are not permissible under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Moreover, Szemberg also clarified that no such arrangement took place in the case of the Flyers' acquisition of Michkov either:

"OF NOTE: Any speculation that the Canadiens would enter negotiations with the Russian club to get Demidov for a transfer fee are baseless. It's not permitted under the CBA. And it was not done in the Flyers-Michkov case either," Szemberg responds to Stu Cowan's report on X.

By refuting the rumors, Szemberg clarified the regulatory constraints surrounding player transfers and dispelled any misconceptions regarding the Montreal Canadiens' involvement in securing Demidov's services through negotiations with the Russian club.

Habs add Ivan Demidov to their deep and talented pool of prospects

Montreal significantly bolstered its roster with a wealth of promising prospects poised to elevate the team's competitiveness.

The recent addition of Demidov as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft further enriches its talent pool. The Russian forward is known for his skill set as a dynamic scorer, which positions him as a potential top-six forward for the Habs in the near future.

Many reckon that Ivan Demidov's readiness for the NHL could materialize as early as the upcoming season.