Ivan Demidov & Michael Hage go tic for tac with identical shootout tally

Atop the Montreal Canadiens' budding prospect pool sit Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage, two guys who know how to ignite a crowd.

Put the puck on their sticks, and you can expect that something is going to happen; they just exhibit a level of skill that is ahead of the majority of their opponents. If they need to shoot the puck, both are perfectly capable of beating goalies cleanly, sometimes from range, if necessary. And with the puck on their stick, most defenders attempt to steal it back but end up on the wrong end of a highlight reel play.

It's a wonder that it took this long, but at some point, I sort of expected that there would be signs of prospects keeping tabs on each other. Hage and Demidov doing so is incredibly exciting because there is a high probability that they play on the same line with the Canadiens. But before the pair wreak havoc on NHL defence's, they have gotten busy in their respective leagues (NCAA & KHL).

Hage scored his tally on January 25th, during a shootout attempt against the Wisconsin Badgers. Demidov, I assume watched the highlights of Hage's goal, and had to pay homage to him just five days later. Demidov and Hage both deked the goaltender out of his jockstrap, and these two are still only 18 and 19 years old.

If fans want a reason to be excited about the Canadiens, I will respond with two names - Hage and Demidov. The Canadiens have plenty of talent on the roster, and even some exciting prospects behind Demidov and Hage (Jacob Fowler, David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux). But the Canadian and the Russian look to be the two highest potential forwards, possibly on par or better than Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

Demidov just has this ability to take over games and mesmerize with his skating strides, he can pick up speed quickly. Then when he finds space, he exploits it and uses his incredible stickhandling skills to leave defenders stunned. He is always in the right area, and his total package (intelligence, skill and speed) often makes the game look too easy for him.

Hage, who has a tremendously high level of skill and playing ability looks to always be giving 100%. Often you see him make defenders miss and fool goaltenders, but he makes the extra effort to shoot the puck his hardest or not make an extra move, respecting the opposition. The awareness that he possesses in the attacking zone, and the pace that he plays at lead me to believe he could be a one-and-done in the NCAA.

For sure Demidov will be in Montreal, with high hopes of playing for the Canadiens straight out of 2025 Habs training camp. Hage, I think will likely return to Michigan for his sophomore season, just to ensure that he is dominating at his current level. But, I think both players could be impactful on the Habs roster next season.

Who is Radim Mrtka?

Kent Hughes and Co. will enter the 2025 NHL Draft with two first-round draft picks in hand, that is if he makes no moves to acquire another. Whichever pick comes first, their own or Calgary's, I believe they will use on the best available forward. With their second pick, however, I think the Habs would be making a wise decision looking at Radim Mrtka, who doesn't turn 18 until June.

Mrtka currently plays in the Western Hockey League for the Seattle Thunderbirds, the same team that Laval Rocket forward Jared Davidson played for. The two players wouldn't have crossed paths. I digress, so back to Mrtka, who plays the highly-coveted right-shot defence position - he stands 6'6" and weighs just under 200 pounds.

Currently, there are some question marks about Mrtka's offensive upside, which is normal for a defender who has relied on his frame and physicality to get by. Mrtka is playing his first season on North American ice, and he joined late in the year, after starting his season in his home of Czechia. While his numbers aren't all that impressive in the WHL, he deserves some time to adjust and show what he is capable of.

Mrtka has been leaned on heavily by his head coach, playing big minutes, often not leaving the ice for very long. The big Czech defenseman is relied on, because he does so many things on the ice that shut down offensive rushes against. He uses his tremendous wingspan and range to smother opponents, and he closes on them. quickly leveraging great gap control.

He will need to improve his skating, and a big determining factor of his NHL upside will be his offensive growth. But at this moment, he is benefitting from a big role with the Thunderbirds, and that will only allow him to learn. Logan Mailloux is a guy who was leaned on heavily in junior, which forced him to focus on his defensive game.

Mailloux needs to improve his defensive game, and gap control - both of which are a work in progress. Mrtka is the opposite, needing to brush up on his offence, but I think he has the hockey brain to figure it out. His large frame and presence on the blueline are reminiscent of Shea Weber - I think he has the mobility and physicality, but with some growth in the offensive zone, he could become a very good NHL defender.