Eric Engels, the Montreal Canadiens beat writer for Sportsnet, heard some encouraging comments about the Habs' 2024 fifth-overall selection, Ivan Demidov.
Engels, away for the annual NHL Board of Governor meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, reported that he had spoken with a league executive about the Habs' prized prospect. It's easy to get carried away and have unrealistic expectations for a top prospect, it happens all the time. But scouts have swooned over the dynamic Russian forward's skills, and his strong play this season has only increased the love.
The comments merely add to what the Canadiens fanbase already feels about Demidov; they know he is an elite talent. But the comments from Engels' source believe that Demidov is a can't-miss pick who will be a superstar in the NHL. He went a step further and expressed that he is confident that Demidov won't miss a beat and make an immediate impact for the Habs.
At the NHL Board of Gov. meetings in Palm Beach, so away from the Canadiens until Thursday. Still, ran into one executive here this morning (not from the Canadiens) who raved about Ivan Demidov, saying he's a bona fide superstar who will arrive in MTL+immediately make an impact.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) December 9, 2024
I have my opinion about Demidov, and I am very high on him - I think he has the tools and potential to be the most talented Hab since Alex Kovalev. This is strictly opinion of course, but in my eyes, he is the most talented player to wear a Habs jersey in the last 25 years. Demidov's dynamic skating, elite edges and ultra-high hockey sense have him looking like the next elite Russian forward in the NHL.
There are a few guys that come to mind for me when I watch clips of his game and highlights. If he hits, he could make an impact like Kiril Kaprizov, and Nikita Kucherov. The Habs have Lane Hutson on the blue line, and Patrik Laine along with Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki - the forward core isn't looking too bad. There's also Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky still developing and Michael Hage carving up the NCAA ranks.
That sounds like a promising group, and the Habs still have some picks to play with at the 2025 NHL Draft. Montreal has their own first-round pick and the one they acquired from the Calgary Flames in the Sean Monahan trade. They also have two second-round picks, so the Habs are going to surround their superstar with the best talent they can get.
Demidov's former coach is complimentary of him
If you have paid attention to the NHL rookie class this year, you know that a particular Matvei Michkov is looking pretty hot. He deserves all the praise and the spotlight, as the freshman has been flat-out impressive. Without trying to discredit him, Demidov is believed to be more skilled than Michkov by SKA 1946 head coach Vladimir Filatov.
Torpedo coach Vladimir Filatov also shared about the work with Ivan Demidov pic.twitter.com/mXIrIkTxDX
— Милена (@D1VDsAGUJsk2iPk) December 8, 2024
It's naturally a question that comes up with top prospects, especially when they are from the same country. Now two as highly-touted as Michkov and Demidov are sure to draw attention and spark debate. Throw in the fact that Michkov is leading the Calder race, and any comparison between the two is intriguing.
Not to mention, Filatov coached both players, so he has insight to their work ethic - on the ice and in the gym - so he is a pretty refutable source.