Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov didn’t mince his words when discussing the Montreal Canadiens’ prospect Ivan Demidov. The young Russian, fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft, is having an exceptional season in the KHL and seems ready to make the jump to the National Hockey League next year.
In interview with Igor Rabiner of Average RG Zadorov admitted to being impressed by Demidov’s talent. He expressed surprise that he was available so late in the draft.
I’ve only seen clips of his matches, but his level is elite. I’m surprised he fell to fifth. His speed, his shot and his intelligence on the ice are incredible. It’s really nice to see him play.
Nikita Zadorov
The defenseman also pointed out what he considers to be a mistake on the part of the Chicago Blackhawks, who preferred defenseman Artem Levshunov to the second spot.
If I had been Chicago, I would have taken Demidov. When you have a player with such natural talent and such a high hockey IQ, you select him. The rest, like defense, can be taught.
Nikita Zadorov
Demidov, according to Zadorov, is perfectly built for a market like Montreal.
-van is a nice guy and very comfortable with the media. I think he will fit in perfectly in Montreal. The fans will love him and the team will develop him well.
Nikita Zadorov
CH fans have been waiting for years to see their team select a player with talent as pure as Demidov’s. Last season, in 30 games in the MHL with SKA-1946 St Petersburg, he amassed 60 points, including 23 goals. This corresponds to a rate of 2 points per game which is clearly higher than the respective rates of Kirill Kaprizov, Artemi Panarin et Nikita Kucherov at the same age in the MHL.
Demidov is spending the last year of his contract enduring this treatment before being able to join the Canadian starting next year.
- Aged 18, Ivan Demidov is a 6’0″/192lbs right winger selected in the 1st round (5th overall) in the 2024 draft. So far this season, he has compiled a record of 16 goals and 21 assists for a total of 37 points in 47 games in the KHL.
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