Before Celine, Martin St-Louis
Demidov was on CH’s radar all year long. He met with Nick Bobrov, the co-director of amateur scouting, a few times in Russia over the winter. The speedy forward ran into him again a few weeks ago during a camp organized by his agent (Dan Milstein) in Florida.
On the eve of the draft, Demidov had another meeting with the CH, but this time in the presence of Gorton and Hughes. On the big day, he met two former stars of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“Today I met Martin St-Louis,” he said. “It was incredible. Martin St-Louis and Vincent Lecavalier… I was playing the NHL game with them as players and now I had the chance to shake their hands.”
Demidov, a charming young man in front of the journalists, also seduced the Montreal organization during the various meetings.
“He’s an offensive player who can score, but he’s also creative and a good playmaker,” Hughes said. On skates, he is very agile, he can move east-west and break defenders’ ankles. His character is exceptional. He did one of the best interviews I’ve seen from a player. When you meet an 18-year-old who has such great maturity and such clear words, it’s impressive. I thought I was talking to a young person who could teach me things. »
Hughes also made the journalists laugh by saying that Demidov already had a better level of French than Gorton.
Another year in Russia
Demidov had 60 points (23 goals, 27 assists) in 30 games last year with SKA St. Petersburg in the Russian junior league (MHL). The 6-foot, 192-pound winger added 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) in 17 playoff games.
Contractually, Demidov still has one season left on his deal in St. Petersburg.
“I will finish my contract in Russia, but I expect to come to North America the following year (2025-2026),” he stressed.
With the addition of Demidov to the forward group, the CH now has a very interesting core with Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook.
Asked about the pressure of a hot market like Montreal’s, Demidov offered a response similar to that of Juraj Slafkovsky after the 2022 draft.
“I think it’s good,” he said. Because it shows the passion of the fans, who really love hockey. I also like hockey. So it’s not a problem for me. »
Like his meeting at media day Wednesday in Vegas, Demidov again answered all questions without the help of a translator.
“I have been learning English for a year and a half. Now I will need to learn French. I will start after the draft. I know a few words. My name is Ivan, thank you!”
Demidov once again said he was a mix between two NHL stars: Jack Hughes and Kirill Kaprizov. But outside of hockey, the Russian had an idol in another sport. He revealed his childhood hero when asked if he had the talent to become a difference-maker at the NHL level.
“I think so. My idol is Kobe Bryant. This season, I tried to understand his “Mamba” mentality. His killer instinct. I think we won a lot of games when I scored game-winning goals. I think I can make a difference with the Canadiens.”
Demidov will not report to the CH development camp next week because he will not obtain a Canadian visa in time.
