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Elliotte Friedman gives latest update on Montreal Canadiens' future plans for No. 5 pick Ivan Demidov
When the Montreal Canadiens selected Russian winger Ivan Demidov with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft, they knew he wouldn't join the Canadiens right away.
Demidov is under contract to play the 2024-25 season with St. Petersburg in the KHL. However, Demidov said after being drafted that he intended to come to North America and join the Canadiens once his KHL contract expires.
In an update on Sportsnet, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman confirmed that the Canadiens plan to bring Demidov over next season. According to Friedman:
"The Montreal Canadiens fans and organization have been pretty disappointed this year with the lack of playing time of their fifth overall draft pick, Ivan Demidov, over in Russia.
"The moment the Canadiens drafted him, they made plans that at some point in time they would eventually go and visit him, check in and see how he's doing. They are scheduling that trip now. It's going to take place sometime. It's going to take place sometime over the next few weeks to months."
The scouting trip has reportedly been in the works for some time with GM Ken Hughes going to see Demidov.
They wanted to give Demidov a full season of development in the KHL before bringing him over. The team and fans alike are eager to get a glimpse of Demidov's progress. In 17 KHL games this season, Demidov has put up five goals and as many assists.
Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov limited ice-time on St. Petersburg
Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov has seen limited ice-time while playing for St. Petersburg in the KHL this season.
In October, Demidov averaged just over six minutes of ice-time per game, reaching 10 minutes only once in eight games. In three games, he played less than four and a half minutes, with a low of 3:17 against Dinamo on Oct. 10.
St. Petersburg coach Roman Rotenberg said that a lack of ice-time is due to fierce competition and the usual struggles younger players face breaking into the KHL lineup.
“There is huge competition for a spot in our lineup. To beat out these veterans for ice time, you have to push hard during practice. You can’t just rely on your talent to be successful,” Rotenberg said to RG.org.
Rotenberg emphasized that players must show full commitment in practice and concentration in games to beat out veterans.
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