It hasn't been a good month for Ivan Demidov. He recorded a goal and an assist on October 30 against Lokomotiv but has just one assist in the 11 games since that night. His ice time was up over ten minutes per game for a short time but has gone back down to less than eight minutes over the past four games. Demidov even missed a contest on November 30 against Amur Khabarovsk. He also has just one shot in four consecutive games.
Demidov's cold streak hasn't stopped him from being selected to play with the Russian National team at the Channel One Cup, but it isn't likely he will get much ice time in that tournament either. It has been all hockey all the time for Demidov, but that doesn't mean it has been a perfect season. He just turned 19, so inconsistent play in his first year as a professional isn't surprising, but it's Demidov's self-accountability in an interview with Daria Tuboltseva of RG.org that is most surprising.
"I wouldn't say I'm completely satisfied with my season. You can never be 100% happy, but overall, it’s been more or less OK. But I could do better. Physically, I feel good, and I don’t feel the weight of the season on my body; there aren’t any major problems. I don’t even feel much difference between playing in junior hockey and the KHL. Sure, I had to adjust at first, but now it feels fine,” Demidov told the reporter.
In the interview, Demidov spoke about his rumored trip with the Canadiens back in October. Elliotte Friedman reported that Kent Hughes and the brass were going to Russia to meet with the prospect, but no details were ever revealed.
“We keep in touch with the Montreal. I get messages from team representatives after games. It’s not after every game I play, but quite often, maybe once every week or two. We discuss various things,” said Demidov. "At the end of October, representatives from the Canadiens came to St. Petersburg. We met and discussed my game."
Oh wow our Vice President of Hockey Operations is very excited for Ivan Demidov but when I do it it’s because I can’t enjoy this year. pic.twitter.com/zU7k7NdXuq
— Alex Jodoin (@colegoalfield) December 10, 2024
The hype surrounding Demidov in Montreal has quieted thanks to the Canadiens' struggles in North America. However, it is still alive and well in Russia. Unfortunately, for his fans in his home country, they may not be able to see Demidov play in person for much longer. The Canadiens' front office is ready to get Ivan to North America.
Demidov's teammates at SKA St. Petersburg will hate to see him go, as some of the team's veteran leaders recently disclosed in another interview with RG.org. Evgeni Kuznetsov and Arseni Gritsyuk are two teammates impressed daily by his work ethic.
“He dominates defensemen in practice and feels very confident. But he’s staying humble, and that’s crucial at this stage," Gritsyuk acknowledged. "Confidence is his strength, but he knows how to keep it in check.”
Sergei Andronov also added, "Truth is, we haven’t had players like him in our league for a long time. He knows how to beat you, and his one-on-one play is exceptional. But what’s really special is his willingness to work and learn.”
The players will hate to see him leave the country, but they are aware that he is on a fast track to the NHL. Whether its the NHL or AHL next season, they know Demidov will take it all in stride and give it his best effort.