The Montreal Canadiens expect their most recent first-round draft pick, forward Ivan Demidov, to come to North America for the 2025-26 season.
That’s what general manager Kent Hughes said Monday during a press briefing he held on the sidelines of the opening of the free agent market in the National Hockey League (NHL).
• Read also: Juraj Slafkovsky signe pour 8 ans
• Read also: Kent Hughes Makes First Hire
The Russian is under contract for another season with SKA St. Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
“He told us he wanted to finish his senior year there and then make the jump to North America, so I expect him to come with us next year,” Hughes said.
“He’s under contract with St. Petersburg, which is a world-class organization,” added the CH GM. “I think it’s a great environment for him if he plays in the KHL.”
“If Ivan is there, he is in a good place. If he does not play in the KHL, we will see what our options are.”
In 2023-24, Demidov played just four games with SKA and did not record a point. The fifth overall pick in the NHL’s most recent draft played primarily for the organization’s farm club in the Russian development circuit, where he tallied 23 goals and 37 assists for 60 points in 30 games.
In collaboration with our partners
