Montreal Canadiens prospect may come to NHL sooner than expected

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Josh Tupper
July 22, 2024 (7:22 PM)

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Canadian Team's Top Prospect Ivan Demidov May Head to North America Sooner Than Expected

Last month, at the NHL Entry Draft in Las Vegas, the Montreal Canadiens made a significant addition to their roster by selecting Russian forward Ivan Demidov. The pick, announced by legendary Canadian singer Celine Dion, was met with thunderous applause from the Canadiens' faithful.

Currently, Demidov is under contract with SKA St. Petersburg for one more season in the KHL. Montreal Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes emphasized that while it would be beneficial for Demidov to play in the KHL for another year, the Canadiens are prepared to explore other options if he does not make the KHL roster.

"This season coming up, he's under contract at St. Petersburg," Hughes said. "If he's playing in the KHL, that's a great environment for him for a year. If he's not in the KHL, we will have to see what our options are."

In a recent mailbag article on the Montreal Gazette's website, columnist Stu Cowan addressed the possibility of Demidov joining the Canadiens sooner than expected. Cowan suggested that if SKA St. Petersburg does not include Demidov in their KHL lineup, the Canadiens might negotiate a transfer fee to bring the young star to North America this season, much like the Philadelphia Flyers did with Matvei Michkov.

"If St. Petersburg doesn't keep Demidov with the KHL team, expect the Canadiens to enter negotiations to establish a transfer fee for him like the Philadelphia Flyers did this summer with Matvei Michkov, the No. 7 pick at last year's draft. Michkov will now play for the Flyers next season. If the Canadiens were to succeed in negotiating a transfer fee with St. Petersburg, I'd expect Demidov to also play in the NHL next season." Cowan said.

With SKA St. Petersburg's training camp commencing on August 1st, the situation surrounding Demidov's immediate future remains fluid. If Demidov does not secure a spot on SKA's final roster before their regular season opener against Metallurg Magnitogorsk on September 5th, the Canadiens could potentially step in and negotiate his transfer to Montreal.

The hockey community will be keenly watching as events unfold, with the possibility of Demidov joining the Canadiens for the 2024-25 season adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for the team's prospects.

Source: Stu Cowan/Montreal Gazette
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