Montreal Canadiens Top Prospect Ivan Demidov to Join the Team for the Playoffs

After an up-and-down start to the 2024/25 campaign, the Montreal Canadiens are now firmly in position to clinch a Stanley Cup Playoffs berth, with a challenging matchup ahead for them no matter who the opponent.

On Tuesday however, it was revealed that a massive boost is on the way, as SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL have officially agreed to release top prospect Ivan Demidov to the team for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The 19-year old has had a stellar KHL campaign thus far, posting 19 goals and 49 points over 65 games, while also thriving in the playoffs, tallying 3 goals and 5 points in six games played thus far, showing that he's got the ability to step up his game no matter the opponent.

In the 2024 NHL Draft, Demidov somehow slid to Montreal with the No. 5 overall pick, and ever since that moment, Habs fans have been over the moon about their potential, and with Lane Hutson giving them star power on the blue line, this is a team that could be a genuine threat down the stretch.

The team themselves have not yet announced plans for him down the stretch as to whether we'll see him debut immediately or have him sit for a few games and get comfortable, but it's safe to say that their fans will be excited to see him on the ice as soon as possible, and given the threat that he can be on the wing, there's a good chance that he plays significant minutes right away.