In a forthright interview with Sport24, Rafail Rishe, the head coach of the KHL team Traktor, shared bold predictions about the emerging talent in Russian hockey, particularly spotlighting SKA forward Ivan Demidov. On March 19, 2025, Rishe expressed his confidence that Demidov could evolve into a prominent star in the National Hockey League (NHL), drawing comparisons to hockey legends Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Ovechkin as their careers begin to conclude.
As the hockey world anticipates the transition from the era of Ovechkin and Malkin, who have long been cornerstones of the league, Rishe sees a bright future for Demidov. He stated that, "Demidov is a special player; he can become a true NHL star." Rishe's enthusiasm is palpable, as he noted that he had only seen Demidov play in person once during a match when Traktor faced SKA. However, that single encounter was enough to solidify Rishe's assessment of the young forward's potential.
Delving deeper, Rishe recounted a conversation he had with a friend from Quebec, where he referred to Demidov as a miniature version of Malkin. "You wouldn't believe it," Rishe shared, "but my friend and I recently wrote about Demidov, and I said he reminds me of a smaller Malkin. I even saved that message! He is somehow like Kucherov, but more dominant. More like a miniature Malkin." This personal anecdote highlights the excitement surrounding Demidov's performance and the community's eagerness to see him develop further.
Rishe also reflected on the historical significance of Demidov's rise, emphasizing that it had been quite a long time since Montreal fans had rallied around a player with such enthusiasm. The comparisons being drawn to hockey's future stars only underscore the anticipation for Demidov's next plays. "Montreal would greatly benefit from selecting Ivan. Canadiens valued Slafkovsky highly, but then mistakes were made, and the buzz around that dissipated. I don't recall anyone being discussed as much as Demidov in a long while," Rishe observed.
In addition to discussing rising hockey stars, Rishe also touched upon insights shared with him by Bob Hartley, a former KHL coach for Avangard who led the team to a Stanley Cup victory in the 2020/21 season. Rishe spoke about his transition to coaching in the KHL and how Hartley had encouraged him before he moved to Chelyabinsk. "Bobby said that if he had known how good everything was in the KHL, he would have come to Russia much earlier," Rishe recounted. While Hartley had limited firsthand experience of Chelyabinsk specifically due to his time spent largely in Moscow, he provided Rishe with assurances of positivity about the environment awaiting him in Chelyabinsk.
The robustness of the KHL has been increasingly recognized, especially as it houses burgeoning talents like Demidov. Hartley’s enthusiasm for the league instills confidence in coaches and players alike, with Rishe expressing an optimistic disposition about the future. "I came and see so many positives here," he stated, evidently passionate about his new role and the league's potential to nurture hockey talents.
With each season ushering in a new cadre of players, the impending departure of celebrated players like Ovechkin and Malkin highlights a profound shift on the hockey horizon. As Rishe champions Demidov's capabilities, the conversation surrounding the future of hockey in Russia intensifies. The sentiment echoed by Rishe—of a growing sense of excitement—indicates a promising chapter ahead for the KHL and its talent pipeline.
In conclusion, as fans and coaches alike await the evolution of the next generation of hockey stars, Ivan Demidov's potential will surely fuel ongoing discussions and hopes for the future of the sport in Russia. The story of Demidov stands as a beacon illuminating the path for upcoming hockey talents, making it clear that while the icons of the past may be stepping away, a new wave of players is set to capture our hearts and elevate the sport further.
