The Montreal Canadiens and their fans are well aware of Ivan Demidov’s playing time issues in the Kontinental League, but Alex Kovalev believes the forward should do more.
According to the former darling of Quebec fans, the young man should fight to get playing time rather than feeling sorry for himself. On average, Demidov only plays around ten minutes per game with SKA Saint Petersburg.
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“He’s not behaving the right way,” Kovalev told Responsible Gambling. It’s not good to just sit there and play six minutes a game, with the plan to leave in six months to play in the NHL. It doesn’t work like that.”
Head coach Roman Rotenberg seems to have taken a dislike to Demidov after a good start to the season. Despite his limited playing time, he had 20 points in 33 games. However, his possible departure for North America could have offended the general staff.
For Kovalev, politics has nothing to do with this situation. If Demidov wants to play more, he must prove he can accept more responsibility. It will be the same thing in Montreal, estimates the 51-year-old Russian.
“You need to talk to your coach so he can explain to you what you need to do to make him trust you more,” he explained. What if he doesn’t get playing time in Montreal? Should he sit and wait too? This is the wrong approach. You have to fight for every minute, by all means.”
Most Outstanding Player
Demidov also made a good impression during the KHL break week. He is representing Russia at the Channel One Cup and was competing in a three-on-three tournament on Friday.
His country won this competition against Belarus, Kazakhstan and a team from the rest of the world and he was voted best player. In two games, he had five points and was the captain of his club.
The Channel One Cup will resume on Saturday. Demidov was left out for the first duel by Russia’s coach, a certain Roman Rotenberg.
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