Ivan Demidov is starting to look like an all-world player with SKA-St. Petersburg in the KHL. There were some troubling moments at the start of the season when he was lacking ice time and it seemed like his Russian team wasn't keen on developing him just to leave for North America. However, some players are so exceptional that they can't be denied, and that is the case for Demidov.
Roman Rotenberg has no choice but to play Demidov. He is their most lethal offensive weapon, but has been going through a bit of a lull over their past eight games. Rotenberg finally gave him around 15 minutes per game in two matchups early in November, but he struggled and had no points. It was all Rotenberg needed to return his ice time to the single digits. Regardless, Demidov is getting through the season and will soon get out of the restraints put on him in Russia.
Jason Bukala featured Demidov in one of his recent Scout's Analysis articles on Sportsnet. Bukala picks a prospect and breaks down their outlook from the season, and he is incredibly impressed with Demidov's potential. Bukala's article is an exquisite breakdown of some of Demidov's most significant moments and strengths in the KHL this season, which is an excellent read for any Habs fans who don't have access to his games.
"When I watch Demidov play I can't help but be impressed with his strength, speed, skill, and drive in the hard areas of the ice. He transitions pucks quickly though the neutral zone and attacks the net when he gains the edge. He extends plays along the boards, works off the cycle and produces scoring chances for his group with vision and creativity. "Jason Bukala
Some fans don't like to listen to the talking heads/armchair scouts in the media world. So, if you don't trust Bukala's claims, just listen to Tony DeAngelo. DeAngelo is Demidov's newest teammate, as he couldn't land an NHL contract and went to St. Peterburg to join Demidov and Evgeni Kuznetsov.
Tony DeAngelo on his SKA teammate Ivan Demidov:
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) November 25, 2024
“He’s a world class talent.” pic.twitter.com/MquCezzi8b
"He's a world class talent."Tony DeAngelo
DeAngelo is clearly a step above the competition in Russia. He has 23 points in 22 games, and it seems like the elite skillset of Demidov is a nice taste of North America for the former NHL defenseman. DeAngelo clearly feels like Demidov will be an elite talent in Montreal. Would he ever join forces with Demidov when he comes to Montreal?
Alexander Nikishin is a player on SKA's blueline under DeAngelo's tutelage. He is one of the top Russian prospects himself and will eventually debut on the Carolina Hurricanes roster. However, Nikishin revealed in an interview with RG.org that he doesn't believe he is the top European NHL prospect.
"I know I'm not the greatest European NHL prospect. We have a young guy on the team, but I won’t mention his name, or he’ll read this. "Alexander Nikishin
Nikishin doesn't name names, but it isn't difficult to figure out who he is talking about. The young guy with 20 points in 30 games in his rookie professional season seems like a good bet to be the top European prospect.