Ivan Demidov discusses his start to the season

In the case of Montreal Canadiens top prospect Ivan Demidov, although he plays in the Russian Kontinental Hockey League he is always on the fanbase's radar.

I'm not sure he completely understands what the hype is like over in North America for him. Development should be his primary focus, and I think we can agree that it is. But the frustration he is dealing with now is likely wearing on him, however, he should know there is a whole fanbase that stands behind him.

Demidov is careful of what he says, and his mindset is certainly something that keeps him driven. Like David Reinbacher, the decision not to go to North America right away hasn't been smooth sailing. Demidov has played quite well, but his head coach doesn't spoil him with ice time, it's the opposite actually.

Demidov's confidence in how he has adjusted playing up a level, in the top Russian league is a reason for optimism. You never want your top prospect (from Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton's perspective) playing a low amount of minutes each game. His development requires him to be put in challenging positions each game, and I think it's fair to say if were in Montreal, he would be getting those minutes.

He said that he feels good physically and he doesn't feel the weight of the season on his body. Demidov has been putting in the work on the ice, in the weight room and the shooting room. The work never stops for Demidov, and his work ethic is something that has served him well.

Demidov has put in the work to elevate his game to the next level for the KHL, and he appears to have done that. The situation isn't ideal right now, but I would love to have a Demidov versus Matvei Michkov matchup in the NHL as soon as possible. The excitement surrounding Demidov is probably the highest of any Canadiens prospect since Guy Lafleur.

Give me Demidov on the number one power play

He isn't likely to be in Montreal during the regular season unless it's near the end of it, but the top power-play unit has a player on his way. Demidov's vision, creativity and edges are sure to blend beautifully with Hutson and Nick Suzuki. Let's not forget about Cole Caufield and Patrik Laine also, who will surely do their best to put the puck in the net.

I love Juraj Slafkovsky, but he isn't creative with the puck like Demidov and I think his addition will be huge. Demidov can work the puck back and forth with Hutson and open up space together. Their puck skills and shiftiness with their feet will elevate the overall play of the entire unit.

I can't wait to see the plays they come up with, and with the taste of that 9-2 loss still in the Habs mouths, it's reassuring to think that Demidov will be added to the mix. There is some help on the way, and patience is the hardest thing; you want the guy to play for the team as soon as possible.

But for now, we wait, with a vision of where Demidov will line up for the Habs on the top power-play unit burning brightly in our minds.