Ivan Demidov in Montreal? His coach drops a bomb that makes you dream!
It was a real twist of theater that occurred in Saint Petersburg: Roman Rotenberg, the head coach of SKA, surprised everyone by affirming that “negotiations” will take place between SKA and the Canadians of Montreal.
A statement as vague as it was unexpected, which startled CH supporters. After all, when you hear the word “negotiations” in such a tense situation, you can’t help but hope.
Negotiations? For what exactly?
Kent Hughes’ visit to Russia has already created waves. Officially, the general manager of the Canadiens is there to observe Ivan Demidov and make sure everything is going well.
Unofficially, everyone knows that Hughes came to set the record straight. He wants the jewel of the organization to be treated with the respect it deserves.
But now Rotenberg, known for his calculated and provocative statements, is adding fuel to the fire by talking about negotiations.
“The people of Montreal showed respect by coming to us, to fly around the world. Tomorrow we will have negotiations. »
These words still resonate like a clap of thunder. Negotiate what? A review of Demidov’s treatment? A premature release from his contract?
Or is it a mind game intended to muddy the waters and calm the media storm surrounding his scandalous treatment?
The dream is taking shape… but be careful!
It would be easy to imagine Demidov donning the blue-white-red sweater next week, but we shouldn’t get carried away.
The SKA will not let go of its prodigy so easily. After all, this same club had promised a “precise” development plan for Demidov at the start of the season.
A plan which, obviously, was a big lie.
For several weeks, the young player has been left on the bench, punished for having refused three extension offers. Today he played just 10 minutes in front of Kent Hughes.
Rotenberg’s exit, as enigmatic as it may be, probably hides another maneuver: an agreement on playing time.
Kent Hughes and the Canadiens want to see their prospect evolve, progress and dominate in the KHL. But this is impossible if Demidov is confined to 4 or 5 minutes of play per match. Hughes knows it, and so does Rotenberg.
Speaking of negotiations, Rotenberg knows very well what he is doing: he is nourishing the hopes of Montreal fans and diverting the attention of critics on his disastrous management of the young prodigy.
This is not the first time that the Russian coach has played this kind of game. But this time, he could have underestimated the determination of Kent Hughes.
The general manager’s visit to St. Petersburg sends a clear message: the Montreal Canadiens take this situation seriously.
Hughes didn’t travel to sightsee. He is there to defend his hope and ensure its development. Rotenberg, despite his influence and authority, will not be able to ignore this pressure indefinitely.
This meeting between Hughes and Rotenberg could mark a turning point in the tense history of Ivan Demidov.
Even if the hope of an immediate release from Demidov’s contract remains slim, the pressure exerted by the Canadian could force the SKA to review its approach.
And if Rotenberg really wants to calm the discontent, he will have no choice but to give Demidov the ice time he deserves.
Because one thing is clear: Montreal has its eyes on St. Petersburg, and Kent Hughes will not leave empty-handed.
CH supporters can continue to dream. If Roman Rotenberg talks about negotiations, it is because he feels the pressure.
Perhaps this is the beginning of a compromise that will allow Ivan Demidov to regain his place on the ice and, one day soon, to fly to Montreal.
Ouch, ouch, ouch… what if it was soon? Fingers crossed.
