Fans of the Montreal Canadiens can dream big.
During a stay in Florida, Réjean Tremblay met Bob Hartley, a well-known former coach and a living encyclopedia of Russian hockey.
Hartley, who spent several years coaching and observing players in Russia, shared an anecdote that could well ignite the enthusiasm of Montreal fans.
During their conversation, Hartley took out his phone to show Tremblay an exchange he had recently with one of his former players, now a member of the St. Petersburg SKA.
This player, who knows Ivan Demidov closely, did not hesitate to make a bold statement:
“He’s an extraordinary player. Big hockey quotient. Exceptional vision. The best one-on-one I’ve ever seen. » (credit: Punching Grace)
Intrigued, Hartley asked a direct question:
« Un Kaprizov? »
The response was immediate and surprising:
“Even better.” »
To put that into perspective, Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov is one of the most dynamic and talented forwards in the NHL.
If it’s true that Demidov could surpass Kaprizov, that would place the young Russian among the most promising players of his generation.
Hartley himself did not hesitate to add his two cents:
“I saw Demidov play several times in junior in Russia. He’s quite a player. And above all he’s a damn good kid. Easy to coach. »
As an experienced coach who is familiar with the KHL and Russian talent, Hartley’s opinion carries weight.
It’s not just recognition of Demidov’s technical skills, but also his attitude and coachability, valuable assets for a player destined to make the jump to North America.
With such glowing statements, it’s hard not to get excited. Here’s why Demidov could transform the Canadiens:
The fact that he’s being compared (and surpassed) to Kirill Kaprizov says it all. His vision of the game, his creativity and his one-on-one skill are already above average.
According to Hartley, Demidov is an easy player to coach, meaning he could quickly adapt to the North American style of play and the demands of the NHL.
Demidov is not limited to his offensive qualities. His overall understanding of the game and his high “hockey quotient” make him a player capable of dominating in all situations.
The mere mention of a Russian player who could surpass Kaprizov is enough to make Canadian fans dream, but it also comes with high expectations.
If Demidov can reach this level, he could not only become a pillar of Montreal’s offense, but also a player around whom to build a championship team.
Hartley, by refusing to name his correspondent, adds an aura of mystery to this story. But what is clear is that observers who know Demidov well agree that he is special.
As Tremblay says, if Ivan Demidov is indeed better than Kirill Kaprizov, then it’s “the end of the world in Montreal.”
In an organization in the process of rebuilding, the arrival of such talent could mark the start of a new era for the Canadiens.
The expectations are sky-high, but with testimonials like Bob Hartley’s and the promise he showed in the KHL, Demidov seems ready for the challenge.
Montreal has indeed got its hands on a future superstar… starting next season.
Even his coach, Roman Rotenberg, who is very hard on him, names Kaprizov.
“He has the genes to be like (Kirill) Kaprizov. He is strong on his skates. »
For a coach who generally prefers veterans, these words confirm that Demidov is not just another prospect.
He’s constantly improving, winning battles along the boards, and dominating offensively when the opportunity presents itself.
Since his draft, the Canadiens have continued to closely monitor Demidov’s progress. The recent trip of the Montreal staff to Russia allowed us to observe the young prodigy in action and to discuss with the SKA staff. The reports are unanimous: Demidov is special.
His offensive zone play, hockey sense and ability to quickly adapt to the demands of the KHL make him an already elite player.
If Demidov is seen as even better than Kaprizov, it is because of his versatile play in both directions of the ice and his creative vision which allows him to have an impact in all phases of the game.
Compared to Kaprizov at the same age, Demidov shows signs of even more rapid and balanced development.
His potential chemistry with Laine adds an exciting dimension to the equation.
As Demidov continues to progress in Russia, the Canadian prepares the ground for his eventual arrival in Montreal. If everything goes as planned, fans could see the young prodigy don the blue-white-red uniform next season.
The dream of seeing a player surpass Kirill Kaprizov and dominate the NHL is closer than ever.
The future of the Montreal Canadiens is already giving us goosebumps.
