LAS VEGAS – Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes have long said they were confident they would land a talented prospect with the fifth overall pick. The Canadiens likely found a gem in taking Ivan Demidov with their first-round pick.
Demidov, described by several scouts as the most talented forward after Macklin Celebrini, waited a little longer than expected before hearing his name called.
If the Sharks had invited Joe Thornton to present the first class of the draft, the CH pulled a rabbit out of its hat by inviting a great lady from Quebec and Las Vegas, Céline Dion.
“It’s special for me to be here,” said the diva before taking her time to reveal the name of Ivan Demidov.
The Russian winger had 60 points (23 goals, 27 assists) in 30 games last year with SKA St. Petersburg in the Russian Junior League (MHL). He added 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) in 17 playoff games.
Contractually, Demidov has one more season left on his deal in St. Petersburg, so he is not expected to come to North America until the 2025-26 season.
With the addition of Demidov to the forward group, the Canadiens now have a very interesting core with Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook.
The Tricolore will also speak at the 21e rank of the first round with the choice of the Kings acquired at the start of the day against three choices: 26, 57 and 198.
