Since the start of the KHL season, we have been following and monitoring very closely everything surrounding the Montreal Canadiens’ best prospect, Ivan Demidov.
We analyze his performances, his good shots, his less good shots, but above all the decisions made by his coach with regard to his ice time.
Since the start of the season, it’s been quite varied in Demidov’s case, but things seemed to be going better lately, if not before Evgeny Kuznetsov’s injury.
Since Kuzy has been on the sidelines, Demidov’s ice time has melted like snow in the sun.
He had 7:32 of ice time last Sunday, 4:07 this Thursday on the fourth line Thursday, and now today it could go even lower.
For what ?
Well because Demidov is no longer even on the fourth line, even though he will be the 13th attacker for SKA in today’s match against Severstal Cherepovets.
You read correctly, the rookie of the month in the KHL as well as one of the three best scorers of SKA Saint Petersburg (eight points in 11 games) will be used as 13th forward today, and therefore risks playing less than five minutes again.
It’s completely ridiculous what’s happening with Demidov right now considering he was on a roll with Evgeny Kuznetsov’s injury.
The CH prospect was able to prove himself and show his talent, but it seems that it was not enough to allow Demidov to regularly play more than ten minutes per match.
It’s clear that it’s worrying to see Demidov play so little in his last two and even three games (counting today’s), given that for his development, everyone in Montreal wants to see him play as much as possible, perform and be successful.
Perhaps, in the end, SKA head coach Roman Rotenberg seeks to make Demidov learn something or simply seeks to punish him for something.
In short, let’s hope that this 13th forward scenario does not continue for too long, because otherwise, the Montreal Canadiens will have to find a solution to prevent Demidov’s development from being ruined.
Demidov should not be demoted again and find himself among the extras, or worse, sent to the VHL, the American League in Russia.
Let’s remember what Kent Hughes said before the start of Demidov’s season.
In Burst
– Another crucial match for CF Montreal in the race for the series. Charlotte is in 7th place, while Montreal is in 8th place.
– The CH prospect did well in his first match with his new team.
– Please note.
– To be continued.
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