Habs Prospects
Canadiens Prospect Highlights: Ivan Demidov Four-Point Night
Much has been made about the ice time given to top prospect Ivan Demidov in the KHL. It’s understandable, as Demidov represents the Montreal Canadiens’ best hopes to develop a game-changing forward who can make a positive impact every night.
But regardless of his skill set, making the jump from minor hockey to the professional stage is a difficult challenge, one that usually includes a period of acclimatization. We must also remember Demidov is just 18 years old, which means he has to earn his ice time the old-fashioned way, by making the most of limited chances.
Ivan Demidov Makes His Mark
Through five game in the league, it was quite clear Demidov was playing better than his early-season statistics suggested. A break-out game was just around the corner. On Thursday, the phenom’s hard work paid off as Demidov earned a four-point night in SKA’s 7-4 win over Sochi, pushing his season totals to six points in six games, a rather impressive scoring pace for a rookie.
The @CanadiensMTL prospect Ivan Demidov had 2 assists in the first period #GoHabsGo #KHL pic.twitter.com/rhv7KR7kIK
— Daria Tuboltseva (@DariaTuboltseva) September 19, 2024
Ivan Demidov’s Defensive Prowess
In addition to generating two primary assists, Demidov scored his second and third goals of the season. The first came off the rush, with his deceptive release doing much of the work. The second was in an empty net, which could lead to some dismissing the play, but it’s worth remembering coaches don’t put players they distrust on the ice to defend an important lead. There’s a reason the top players in various leagues around the world end up scoring a healthy amount of empty-net goals. The mere fact that he’s being used to defend a lead goes to show he has quickly gained the confidence of his coaching staff.
Ivan Demidov through 6 games:
• 3 goals (team lead)
• 3 even strength goals (team lead)
• 3 assists (2nd on team)
• 6 points (team lead)
• +5 (team lead)
• On the ice for 2 goals against (best on team among all players with 6 games played)
• 3 takeaways (team lead)— The Habitant (@the_habitant) September 19, 2024
Of course, his four-point night doesn’t change much in the grand scheme of things. Like his first few games in the league, it is but a drop in the bucket that is his professional career, but given the scrutiny Montreal Canadiens prospects deal with on a daily basis, the strong outing will surely do wonders for his confidence.
It’s a three-point night for Ivan Demidov (1G, 2A)! pic.twitter.com/jAZnSWqAFq
— KHL (@khl_eng) September 19, 2024
Goalie reacted like he never knew it was in on that first goal in the video. Impressive release!! Drool drool and drool!! He’s such a dynamic player! I’m still trying to understand the criticism of his skating style that was much discussed before and after the draft??
I think it’s because the mechanics of his stride are a little odd, at least compared to what we’re used to. However, it doesn’t hold him back, and that’s all that matters.
Gretzky had a different look as did Mario, and nobody ever said they tried to emulate Brett Hulls skating style…Ivan is fast( I don’t recall him getting caught on clips from this season) he’s elusive, pivots and weight transfers really well. He is quick and changes pace without a “tell” as there is a lot of power in his stride without it looking like he’s pushing. I don’t find him unorthodox, but he doesn’t have the perfect form of a modano or Mcdavid if that’s the issue.
NHL edge doesn’t have him listed yet so no specs on bursts, top end etc but I’m going to suggest he will have similar metrics to Caufield, who has more of a classic style. Interestingly, Suzuki is faster than Cole or Slafkovsky although I wouldn’t have guessed that.
Skating won’t hold him back, it’ll be a weapon from what I’ve seen. 4 points in a game as an 18 year old on the third line in arguably the second best league in the world. Ohhh baby, as Bob Cole used to say. Maybe the most exciting forward prospect since Richer or even Guy?! Wonder what the fans will cheer when he touches the puck? I know they won’t be silent.
There’s a reason my phone wants to autocorrect his name to Demigod every time. 😁
Lol ,better than Demi Moore…
Most ppl say that about Suzy but I think it’s actually just the style of his game. He’s so patient and cerebral allowing the play to develop rather than forcing the issue that he can look slower, or as some ppl have tried to say, lazy. But he really just likes to see how things develop and find the soft spot to attack/exploit with a pass, so he’s not going full tilt a lot. He’s great at doing it.
Cerebral is the ideal adjective. I used to think he’d be the perfect Center on the second line of a championship caliber team but he’s Barkov like in the way he thinks the game. He’s 210lbs, which most people would be shocked to learn. He really works at his craft, and while I think he is in his prime, his numbers should improve as his linemates produce more.