Ivan Demidov Sends a Message to Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals Ahead of Possible First-Round Matchup
Photo credit: NHL Trade Talk
Ivan Demidov, who is the top prospect with the Montreal Canadiens, has a message for Alexander Ovechkin ahead of their potential Round 1 matchup in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Montreal Canadiens are on the cusp of claiming their very 1st postseason spot since their miracle run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021.
And they're about to get a major boost, as highly-touted Russian forward Ivan Demidov is expected to join them shortly after a surprise turn of events that saw his contract with SKA in the KHL terminated.
Demidov, who was taken by Montreal with the 5th pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, has officially signed a 3-year, entry level contract with the club. According to his agent Dan Milstein, he'll be eligible to participate in the Stanley Cup Playoffs if the Habs make it.
Right now, they have a comfortable lead by holding a Wild Card playoff spot. And ahead of a potential matchup in Round 1 against the Washington Capitals and fellow Russian Alex Ovechkin, Demidov had a message for them.
Ovechkin is the greatest. It will be a pleasure to play against him. But even more enjoyable to beat him.
Strong words from a player who has yet to play a single shift in the NHL. But can he back up his words?
Ivan Demidov has been well prepared in the KHL
As Demidov himself explained, playing in the KHL prepared him well for what he can expect in the NHL.
"I was well-prepared in SKA. They have great facilities and strong teammates. I'm really grateful to Roman Rotenberg - he spent a lot of time working with me, stayed after practices, and helped me a lot.
Most likely, I'll have time to play in the regular season for Montreal. My goal for the rest of the season is to adapt to this new style of hockey as quickly as possible and show what I'm capable of."
Most likely, I'll have time to play in the regular season for Montreal. My goal for the rest of the season is to adapt to this new style of hockey as quickly as possible and show what I'm capable of."
Has Demidov been keeping up with the Habs this year? You bet - and he had particularly strong praise for potential Rookie of the Year Lane Hutson.
"I haven't watched the latest Canadiens games, but I've been keeping up with all the highlights and recaps."
"I'm happy they're in a playoff spot. I followed Lane [Hutson] a lot - I really like how he plays. He's very skilled and technically strong. A great player."
"I'm happy they're in a playoff spot. I followed Lane [Hutson] a lot - I really like how he plays. He's very skilled and technically strong. A great player."
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 10 | 476 ANSWERS Ivan Demidov Sends a Message to Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals Ahead of Possible First-Round Matchup Can Ivan Demidov step in and immediately make an impact for the Habs? | ||
| Yes | 366 | 76.9 % |
| No | 110 | 23.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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