Posting just 3 assists and a -3 rating over 45 games split between the Coyotes and Penguins, Plotnikov simply never fit in on the smaller NHL ice. I mean the only highlights that exist are YouTube are just him getting hit in open ice unfortunately, but that's simply par for the course with a lot of failed KHL transfers. Sergei Shumakov, Jan Kovar, Jiri Sekac, Anatoly Golyshev, Vadim Shipachyov, Kirill Semyonov, there are countless upon countless examples of overseas players struggling with the smaller NHL ice, but in the case of Plotnikov, he has at least managed to rediscover his scoring touch back home, and a big part of that has been well, the presence of Demidov.
SKA player Sergei Plotnikov on his linemate Ivan Demidov:
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) January 22, 2025
“He is not just a great player, but also a kind, pleasant young man. It is simply impossible not to love him.” pic.twitter.com/E18CNktnmJ
With 21-22-43 totals over 47 games, Plotnikov sits 17th in the league in scoring with Demidov just a few spots ahead at No 11. While former Toronto Maple Leafs prospect and AHL playoff MVP Josh Leivo is running away with the scoring title with 41 goals and 23 assists over 48 games (yes that’s actually a real statline) Plotnikov and Demidov have helped pull SKA back into the playoff mix after being in and out for most of this season, which, for a team with their budget and reputation, is essential as missing the playoffs would be a devastating failure.
For Demidov, SKA has given him a chance (albeit still with restricted icetime) to show what he can do, and with the puck, Demidov can do magical things, at least from what he’s shown on the larger European ice. Players like Demidov and current Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov are few and far between at times in the KHL’s history, but their proven success and ability at the NHL level (for the most part) is obviously helped by the presence of veteran guys with NHL experience. It’s not exactly rocket science, but when current Minnesota Wild franchise player Kirill Kaprizov was just entering his 20s playing for CSKA Moscow, I'd have to imagine it helped his development just a bit being on a winning team surrounded by talented players, eventually leading to the superstar forward he's shown himself to be. Say what you will about KHL teams limiting rookie's ice-time, but being in a winning environment, especially as a developmental help, can be huge for a prospect, and this is something the Canadiens have learned well, the hard way, at least going back before the current Kent Hughes era.