Sportsnet ranks Ivan Demidov #2 on 23 best u23 players list

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has been transparent about the fact that Ivan Demidov was his guy at number five.

There was a belief that he might not be around when pick five rolled around, but much to the chagrin of Hughes and the Habs scouting team, he was still there. He has yet to put together any significant time in the KHL, but the talent is hard not to see. His poise and confidence ooze through his veins and he is humble, like many of the game's biggest stars.

His number-two ranking by Sportsnet should have Habs fans thrilled, but I think they already are. Ivan Demidov brings top-line winger potential to the Canadiens' prospect pool, something this team needs if they wish to become playoff contenders. There are some very talented prospects, but to be ranked number two out of the best 23 under 23 NHL-affiliated prospects is pretty exciting.

With only Macklin Celebrini ahead of him, Demidov is ahead of some up-and-coming prospects. Three Russian players fill out slots three through five. Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin, and a pair of wingers - Philadelphia Flyers prospect Matvei Michkov and Minnesota Wild winger Danila Yurov.

Aside from Nikishin, the other two are slated to play the full season in the National Hockey League for the upcoming campaign.

Demidov's brilliance is a season away

The excitement and anticipation will have the entire 2024-25 season to marinate; since Demidov will be staying in Russia for his draft plus one campaign. But that will be the perfect opportunity for Demidov to adjust to the professional game. Then when he heads over to North America at the end of his season, or to start the 2025-26 season, he will have to adjust to the smaller ice.

I suspect that it will be somewhat of a transition, but I don't believe that it will be anything that Demidov can't handle. His skating and physical strengths are big parts of his game, so with a little added muscle, I think he will be more than ready for the next step. I think that he has insane potential and like Lane Hutson, he will comfortably hop into the NHL.

I don't expect that he will dominate, but I do believe that he will make an impact in his first handful of NHL games.