Ivan Demidov’s playing time is the talk of the town. And it was always clear that a factor that has nothing to do with hockey as such had to affect his (very) limited playing time since on the ice, Demidov works magic.
And now Nicolas Cloutier has put his finger on the problem.
According to what he heard between the branches and according to what he reported on the TVA Sports website, the Canadian’s hopeful refused three times to sign a contract to extend his adventure in Russia.
Demidov has never hidden his desire to land in North America after his 2024-2025 season in Russia. And his coach decides to punish him by giving him little playing time.
If he signed another contract, Demidov would probably get more playing time. But he doesn’t want to do that.
He wants nothing to do with another year with SKA. – A source from Nicolas Cloutier
Demidov wants to come to Quebec to start his career in the NHL. And the way he is treated by his Russian club, we imagine that this reinforces this feeling in the player.
I also imagine that during their discussions with the top prospect, the Canadiens’ leaders remind him that in Montreal, he will play quite a bit more than four minutes per game.
Note also, still in Nicolas Cloutier’s article, that Demidov would not be against playing at the lower level if it could allow him to play more often.
But that won’t happen. He is simply stuck with the SKA, to the great misfortune of almost everyone – including the Canadian, obviously.
Note also, still in connection with Demidov’s situation, that coach Roman Rotenberg chatted with Marco D’Amico, from the site Responsible Gaming. And clearly, the gentleman doesn’t see things like the people here.
The pilot, who doesn’t exactly like being told how to do his job, said he wanted to bring his younger self up gradually. That’s why he doesn’t play much.
Nobody believes him, but hey: he can say whatever he wants.
Rotenberg may say that, but he clearly wants to punish Demidov for his contract story. It’s often like that in Russia and the case of the CH hopeful is no exception.
We agree that from the way he is treated, I can understand the young man not wanting to stay there. Demidov must be unhappy not to play much and that is understandable.
Looking forward to his arrival on North American soil.
In burst
– Shohei Ohtani stood up.
– I adore.
– David Reinbacher doesn’t seem like a guy who is getting close to a return to play. Obviously, you will tell me.
– The commissioner’s interest is also missing.
– Patrik Laine is still in the news.
