CH general manager Kent Hughes, scout Nick Bobrov and special advisor Vincent Lecavalier flew to Russia this week to visit one of their biggest prospects: Ivan Demidov, who currently plays for SKA Saint- Petersburg in the KHL.
Gorton said the trip was strictly to evaluate Demidov.
“We have prospects all over the world and if we select them or if we sign them, they are part of our family and we are going to go and watch them play,” he said.
“We're going to follow you and let you know what we think of your game. That's what it's all about. It’s a scouting trip that Kent is taking part in.”
– Jeff Gorton, executive vice-president of hockey operations of the Canadiens
Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia and Belarus have been excluded from International Ice Hockey Federation tournaments at all levels and will remain so until at least 2024-25. The NHL also excluded Russia from the 4 Nations this winter, despite that country's history as a hockey power.
The Canadian government recommends avoiding all travel to Russia “due to the repercussions of the armed conflict with Ukraine and the risk of terrorism.” The US government advises against travel because “citizens may be harassed or detained by Russian security agents, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, flights to and from Russia are restricted, and there is a risk of terrorism” .
“It's a short trip, he'll be back soon,” Mr Gorton said. “This is an opportunity for Hughes to see more of a player out there that is ours.”
