The wind of optimism is blowing through Montreal as rumors intensify: Ivan Demidov, the rising star of Russian hockey, could join the Canadian as early as April if the team is within reach of a playoff spot.
This bold move would burn the first year of his NHL entry contract, but the potential benefits for the CH – and for Demidov himself – could outweigh the disadvantages.
Demidov, chosen fifth overall in the 2024 draft, is undoubtedly CH’s greatest hope in decades.
Currently under contract with SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL, he has already repeatedly refused lucrative extensions offered by his Russian club.
According to sources close to the matter, the 19-year-old has a clear plan: he wants to start his career in North America as soon as possible.
If the Canadian is in a position to fight for a playoff spot, the arrival of Demidov would be an immediate injection of talent for a team that dreams of surprising.
With 26 points in 38 games this season in the KHL, despite limited playing time, Demidov has shown he can produce against adults in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
His arrival would coincide with the perfect time to add a dose of excitement to a team on the rise.
Demidov is an explosive left winger (who can play on the right) with skills reminiscent of players like Kirill Kaprizov or Artemi Panarin.
His offensive flair, his vision of the game and his ability to score in crucial moments could transform the Canadian attack, providing much-needed support to Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine.
Alex Newhook would take the edge…
By integrating Demidov in April, the Canadian would sacrifice the first year of his entry contract, thus reducing three economic years to just two.
However, this risk is minimal compared to the potential benefits: not only would the team increase its chances of qualifying for the playoffs, but it could also gain valuable playoff experience for its younger players, while giving experience to Demidov Also.
Remember Cole Caufield in the 2021 playoffs. He became a superstar immediately.
The addition of Demidov would be a strong signal sent by Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton. This would demonstrate that the organization is ready to do anything to win, even if it is still officially rebuilding.
This kind of move could also motivate current players to raise their level of play, knowing that the team is banking on them to make a significant breakthrough.
The addition of Demidov will be just one of many expected moves in 2025. With the payroll ballooning to $92.4 million, Hughes will have unprecedented means to improve the team.
The expiring contracts of David Savard, Joel Armia and Jake Evans will provide welcome flexibility, and multiple draft picks will help attract talent or make strategic deals.
With Laine already in position, CH has an elite scorer capable of complementing the creative talents of Suzuki and Caufield on the power play.
The combination of Demidov and Laine on the 2nd line could quickly transform the team into a formidable offensive threat.
Demidov could also take Juraj Slafkovsky’s place on the first power play unit.
An attack strengthened by the Russian and a maturing core, Montreal could not only qualify for the playoffs, but also surprise the contenders.
The possible arrival of Demidov places the CH at a crucial crossroads. This scenario inspires as much enthusiasm as caution.
If the Canadians decide to play the Demidov card in April, they will have to make the sacrifice of losing a year of his entry contract which will cost peanuts.
But for a team that hasn’t tasted the playoffs since 2021, the opportunity to create a shockwave in the NHL could well be worth the risk.
With Ivan Demidov in Montreal in April, the 2025 season could become legendary.
But before dreaming of the Russian arriving in April, the Canadian will have to settle a crucial point: obtaining his Canadian visa.
To date, according to our information, no official steps have been taken to allow the young prodigy to enter Canadian soil.
A situation which raises questions, especially as a potential bold decision to repatriate him before the end of the season approaches.
The process of obtaining a visa for a Russian player can be long and complex, especially in the current geopolitical context.
Every day counts, and the Canadian must mobilize immediately to ensure that this file is resolved by April.
The window is narrow, but it is there: if the visa is obtained in time, Ivan Demidov could arrive in Montreal for the end of the season and inject new life into the team.
Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton know that his arrival would be a turning point for the organization, but for that, every detail must be carefully planned. Improvisation has no place in this matter.
The possibility of seeing Ivan Demidov don the blue-white-red sweater in April is as exciting as it is ambitious. But for this scenario to become a reality, the Canadian must quickly resolve the visa problem and lay the necessary administrative foundations.
This would be a strong gesture, proving that the organization is ready to invest in its future, regardless of the obstacles.
With Demidov in the lineup, the Canadiens could not only dream of the playoffs, but also lay the foundations of a team capable of competing with the best.
This challenge is immense, but the opportunity is unique. The message is clear: it is time for the Montreal Canadiens to prove that they are ready to do anything to regain their place among the elite.
Ivan Demidov could be the start of a new era… but this can only come to fruition if the CH acts quickly.
Can’t wait for the visa!
