The Montreal Canadiens are said to hold Russian forward Ivan Demidov in high esteem, just hours before the draft.
Journalist Anthony Martineau shared the information on the social network X (formerly Twitter). According to what is circulating, the Blackhawks are hesitating between Demidov and Artyom Levshunov in second place.
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If he is available, “he would be, according to the words of different sources, CH’s number one choice should he become available,” reported the TVA Sports journalist.
Demidov would have had a good meeting with the Habs.
“Kent Hughes’ questions were as much about his personality as the type of player he was and believed he could become,” said Anthony Martineau.
In Las Vegas, Demidov also reportedly held talks with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Seattle Kraken.
For his part, Cayden Lindstrom should no longer be available for the Habs.
“The interest of several teams, including some in the top 4, would have increased considerably after receiving the medical report concerning the young man’s back,” Martineau said.
The rumors would be “very founded” on the possibility of seeing Cayden Lindstrom in the top 5. The Flyers and the Blue Jackets would also have the attacker in high esteem.
A Quebecer would have “seduced” the CH
Furthermore, Quebecer Sacha Boisvert has caught the eye of the Canadiens, according to the journalist. Recruiter Serge Boisvert attended the last two individual training sessions on the ice in Trois-Rivières.
“According to what I’m told, Nick Bobrov, in particular, was completely seduced by Sacha’s interview at the Combine,” Martineau wrote.
