Next season can’t come soon enough for Ivan Demidov

The Montreal Canadiens' top prospect Ivan Demidov is showing off his all-world skills in the Kontinental Hockey League, but his ice time has been inconsistent. 

Because of this, he has been held back from achieving what he is capable of. Averaging just over 10 and a half minutes per game, Demidov has managed 16 through 20 games. The Russian forward has averaged 4.54 points per 60 minutes, despite minimal usage on the power play. 

Meanwhile, the Canadiens' power play hasn’t been anything to write home about. So, the prospect of watching such a talented forward, who could be impactful on their power play, ride the pine during SKA. St. Petersburg’s man-advantage opportunities is frustrating, to say the least. There had been speculation about Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton visiting Russia with Demidov; citing that it was to get him out of his contract obligations.

I don’t believe it holds any merit, it’s simply rumours. But one thing is certain, the Canadiens fanbase is having a rough time watching him flourish offensively, but get limited minutes to truly reach his ceiling. He is only 18 years old, and he will have plenty of time to grow once he arrives in North America, but the best thing for Demidov is to be on the ice as often as possible. 

A great way to measure how he is adapting to the KHL is to allow him to play in all situations. The problem with that is that, so long as he is in Russia, his development and ice time are out of Hughes and Gorton’s hands. It’s only one season, but it’s hard to be patient when you see the potential but can’t step on his current head coach Roman Rotenberg’s toes to voice suggestions or concerns.

Season’s end in the KHL can’t come soon enough, but when it does the wait will be worth it.

What to expect from Demidov in year one with Habs?

Demidov has been touted as the best player in the world that isn’t playing in the National Hockey League. Naturally, comments like that will place immense pressure on his shoulders. As we all know, Montreal can be a wonderful place to play, but if the fan and media’s expectations aren’t met it can be tough. 

I think that Demidov might come over and adapt reasonably well. But, if he doesn’t, and there is a chance that he will take some time, I think that giving him some patience to find his way will be important. It’s not a sprint for him to be an impact player, if he takes a bit of time, the payoff in the end will be all worth it. 

Now, realistically I believe that he will post solid numbers in his Calder Trophy-eligible season. Listen, Juraj Slafkovsky struggled in year one, posting just 20 points, albeit in an injury-condensed season. Demidov, however, had the opportunity to develop away from the Montreal limelight, which could prove to be a blessing in disguise. 

I love Slafkovsky, and I truly believe that he will be an impactful core player for the next 10-12 years. But Demidov, in my eyes will make more noise offensively, in the realm of Artemi Panarin, Nikita Kucherov and Kirill Kaprizov. Yes, those are bold comparisons, but these are opinions from NHL analysts. 

Maybe not in year one or two, but at some point, Demidov should be scoring in the 85-100-point range. Lots of positives need to occur, but with patience and the team being assembled the right way, he will have every opportunity to achieve great things. As for his rookie season, I think that he will best Slafkovsky’s production.