The Montreal Canadiens are currently one of the hottest teams in the NHL, following a remarkable 8-1-2 run since the return from the 4 Nations Face-Off break. This impressive performance has placed them in the second wild card position in the Eastern Conference as they strive for a place in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, amid the excitement over their playoff push lies a frustrating situation regarding one of their top prospects, Ivan Demidov.
Demidov was expected to be a significant addition to the Canadiens' playoff lineup, especially after being drafted fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. There was speculation that he might be released from his contract with SKA St. Petersburg ahead of schedule to join the Canadiens. However, recent developments have dashed such hopes. As reported by various sources, including Andrew Zadarnowski, SKA has made it clear that they will not permit an early termination of Demidov's contract, which runs through May 31, 2025.
In fact, even if SKA were to face an early playoff exit, Demidov would be forced to continue his career in the MHL, competing for the Kharlamov Cup—an achievement he earned in 2024 with SKA-1946. Currently, Demidov leads SKA in scoring, with 19 goals and 30 assists, totaling 49 points over 63 games this season, a standout performance for a player of just 19 years old.
Despite his impressive statistics, Demidov's situation has raised eyebrows, particularly because he has recently been benched by SKA. Head coach Roman Rotenberg announced that Demidov will be a healthy scratch in the team's upcoming game against Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg. This decision has led to speculation that the coaching staff is punishing Demidov for his apparent lack of interest in renewing his contract, slated to expire in May.
Former Canadiens player Andrei Kovalenko, who played 51 games for the team during the 1995-96 season, has been watching Demidov's situation closely. He noted in a recent interview that Demidov is doing everything possible to prepare himself for a future in Montreal, including taking French lessons—a gesture that indicates his commitment to adapting to life in a new environment. Kovalenko stated, "His status as a top scorer proves that he wants to be the best. He is also intelligent; he is already learning French, which is a good sign."
Adding to the complexity of the situation, this season has not been smooth for Demidov. Reports confirm that he is unlikely to play during the KHL playoffs, leaving many to ponder whether this is effectively his last season in Russia. The last regular-season game for SKA is scheduled for March 22, after which the playoffs would commence. Given SKA's lackluster performance this season, they are not expected to advance past the first round. Thus, it is conceivable that Demidov could transition to the NHL soon.
Montreal's management appears eager for Demidov to arrive in North America as quickly as possible. According to Zadarnowski, Kent Hughes, the Canadiens' general manager, is reportedly working hard to facilitate Demidov's move to Montreal to finish the current NHL season and make a potential playoff contribution.
As the Canadiens continue their push for playoff contention, all eyes will remain on Demidov. His combination of youth and talent makes him one of the most exciting prospects in the NHL. However, his management by SKA, including his recent benching, raises questions about his readiness and the circumstances surrounding his transition to the NHL.
Despite the hurdles, the anticipation surrounding Demidov hasn't waned. As a skilled young player, he is seen as an integral part of the Canadiens’ future. The team and its fans hope to see him flourish as he embarks on this next chapter of his career, possibly adding depth to the roster just when they need it most during the playoff race.
In summary, while the Canadiens remain focused on making their mark in the postseason, the situation with Ivan Demidov looms large. The organization is keen on securing his ability to join them soon, even as his rights remain tied to SKA until May. The unfolding drama within the KHL and the Canadiens’ negotiations will be crucial as they aim to strengthen their playoff lineup.
