All Ivan Demidov needed was a chance to prove himself. Roman Rotenberg was reluctant to give the rookie that chance, but they put him on the third line in his last game and he scored his first career goal. The hope was they'd be smart enough to keep giving Demidov an opportunity instead of demoting him back to the fourth line. Well, they not only kept him on the third line, but they also moved him to center. So, how did Demidov do in his elevated role?
Demidov finished the game with two goals, two assists, three shots on goal, and 16:26 of ice time. It gives him six points in six games, which are all primary points, and he leads SKA St. Petersburg. Today's impressive showing also put him at No. 12 in the entire league, sitting behind some KHL veterans and former NHLers.
The @CanadiensMTL prospect Ivan Demidov with his second #KHL goal. He has one goal and two assists in the game today #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/HEuSvoqBEn
— Daria Tuboltseva (@DariaTuboltseva) September 19, 2024
The kid can absolutely rip the puck. Demidov's shot may be the most intriguing skill in his toolbox. One can only imagine how opposing goaltenders are going to feel with shots coming at them from Demidov, Cole Caufield, and Patrik Laine on a nightly basis. Demidov will go through some growing pains in the KHL this season, and we can't expect this to be a regular occurence. However, if he can go through that growth in the KHL before he comes to North America, it's even better for the Canadiens.
It's hard to believe that Rotenberg will deny Demidov an opportunity any longer. SKA has been struggling so far this season, and they are on a two-game win streak since Demidov was taken off the fourth line. He has five points in those two games.
The excitement level to watch Demidov in the KHL dropped after the first few games, but Canadiens fans should be all-in again after this performance.