The Canadiens have officially brought Russian phenom and top prospect Ivan Demidov to Montreal, and Habs fans have every reason to be excited. When Montreal selected Demidov fifth overall, it wasn’t just a best-player-available move — it was a swing for the fences.
Demidov was widely regarded as the second-best player in the 2024 draft, but a mix of injury concerns and complications with his KHL contract caused him to slide just enough to fall into Montreal’s lap. The Canadiens were faced with a decision: play it safe or bet on a player with elite upside and many unknowns. To the credit of Kent Hughes and the front office, they chose the latter.
Less than a year later, Demidov signed his three-year entry-level deal and is expected to join the team as early as April 14. It’s a move that seemed unlikely this soon and signals the gamble is already starting to pay off.
Why Ivan Demidov was a Gamble for the Canadiens
So how does a player with Demidov’s talent fall to No. 5?
It wasn’t because of his on-ice performance that much is clear. Demidov lit up the MHL (Russia’s junior league) before moving up to SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL, where he scored 49 points in 65 games as a rookie. He’s a flashy winger with elite puck skills, vision, and scoring instincts. On pure ability, he was second only to Macklin Celebrini.
But there were red flags or at least yellow ones. First, Demidov dealt with knee injuries before the draft, which raised questions about his durability. More importantly, there was the contract situation in Russia. He was under contract with SKA, a team that doesn’t exactly have a reputation for cooperating with NHL aspirations. It wasn’t clear if Demidov would be allowed or willing to leave the KHL any time soon.
That uncertainty scared off teams in the top four. Montreal, sitting at five, could have opted for a safer pick. But they saw the opportunity — and took the risk.
Demidov’s early arrival could be a game-changer
Once the Canadiens made the pick, everything started to shift. Demidov clarified that he intended to join Montreal after the 2024–25 KHL season. SKA and their head coach, Roman Rotenberg, weren’t thrilled. As the year went on, despite his production, Demidov was increasingly benched or scratched, particularly late in the season and into the playoffs.
It was punishment for looking toward the NHL, plain and simple.
But while the situation in Russia got murky, things started to look clearer for Montreal. Demidov’s commitment to the Canadiens was real, and fans started to feel the buzz. The idea of having him in a Habs jersey for 2025–26 seemed like a win in itself.
Then came the surprise: Demidov signed his entry-level deal early and is now expected to arrive in Montreal ahead of schedule, just as the team is hanging on the edge of a potential playoff berth.
Demidov begins his bright future in Montreal
This is where the payoff begins.
Demidov likely won’t be expected to carry the offense immediately, but his arrival brings an undeniable boost. Even if he only plays a few games before the end of the season, he’ll get NHL reps under his belt. And more importantly, he’ll be part of the team as they make a final push for the playoffs.
Now that it looks more like when rather than if the Canadiens get in, suddenly, you have a wild-card x-factor joining the lineup. Demidov is a young, hungry, and highly skilled winger who’s spent the last year lighting it up in one of the toughest leagues in the world.
The other benefit is long-term: Demidov will now spend the offseason in North America, with time to acclimate to the city, the system, and the pace. It’s a head start on his rookie year, a rookie year that, if things go right, could be one of the most electric in recent Canadiens history, next to what we have seen from Lane Hutson this season.
If you're looking for a fun detail to sweeten the story, Demidov's contract reportedly includes a $550,000 bonus if he wins the Conn Smythe Trophy this year. It's a long shot, sure. However, the fact that the clause even exists says a lot about how high the Habs and Demidov's hopes are for this upcoming playoff run.
The Canadiens' draft bet on Ivan Demidov was bold and came with risk. But even before he's stepped on NHL ice, that risk is starting to look like a brilliant decision. Demidov’s journey has already won over fans, and the real payoff may just be getting started.
Habs fans won’t have to wait long now. The future is on his way.