Montreal Canadiens 2024 draft crowned jewel Ivan Demidov has one year left on his contract in Russia, meaning he can head over to North America at the end of the 2024-25 season.
But, with his KHL squad's recent signing of Evgeny Kuznetsov, there might just be too many forwards and not enough spots for them to play. Because of Demidov's age and experience, he appears as the logical choice to be on the outside looking in. If that is the case, it would seem most ideal for Kent Hughes to sign Demidov and get him over to Montreal to acclimate to North American ice.
SKA St. Petersburg is loaded with forwards and with Demidov the youngest, they will likely want to go with a veteran-laden lineup. This would ensure that they are competitive and have a shot at a KHL championship. If they opt for Demidov, it doesn't necessarily mean they aren't hoping to win, but they would need to focus on development.
Demidov in Montreal for 2024-25 season?
After he was drafted, the plan for Demidov's 2024-25 season was to play in Russia to fulfill his contract. But if there isn't a spot for him with SKA St. Petersburg, then it seems counter-productive to have him playing at a lower level overseas. I'm sure Hughes and Jeff Gorton would agree, that Demidov would be best served playing on North American ice in a more competitive league.
If he has the option to play in the KHL, that is one thing and it is worth him staying in Russia. But if he isn't, then it would be most ideal for him to play in Montreal or Laval depending on how training camp goes. If he isn't needed in Russia because of an overcrowded forward core, he would most certainly be welcomed in Montreal.
Montreal is hoping to be competitive but there is very much an onus on development, so it would be the perfect environment for Demidov. With Juraj Slafkovsky going through some adversity in year one, then finding his way in year two, Demidov can lean on the veteran (20-year-old). Not to mention there are plenty of other young guys coming in and starting to acclimate with the group sooner rather than later won't hurt anything.