Habs Daily: Demidov Praise, Goaltender Comparison, NHL Waivers

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Friday.

Montreal Canadiens News

Would it be arrogant to suggest most Habs fans are not surprised that Ivan Demidov was named the top prospect outside the NHL? Well, a little arrogance isn’t the end of the world, and Demidov is clearly one of the most talented players to be drafted by an NHL team in the last few seasons. Craig Button over at TSN agrees. [TSN]

“He’s brilliant. Creative, skilled, competitive. He moves the needle.”

Habs blue-chipper Ivan Demidov, in the middle of a record-setting season in the KHL, is the No. 1 player on our annual Top 50 NHL-affiliated prospects list compiled by @CraigJButton: https://t.co/VltxB39MXM

— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) February 7, 2025

Now that Jakub Dobes has played a reasonable number of games, we have a better idea of what he can bring to the table for the Canadiens. When comparing his stats to Samuel Montembeault, it’s quite clear that Dobes excels in a few departments that will serve the Habs quite well in the future. [Montreal Canadiens Analysis: Evaluating Dobes And Montembeault]

Former Hab Anthony Richard was placed on waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers. Actually, two former Canadiens were placed on waivers Friday, as Colin White (San Jose) also hit the waiver wire. I’m not sure if I see a spot for Richard in the NHL, but if the Habs do feel inclined, acquiring him for free could add a little depth to the mix, while also keeping some of the firepower in the AHL, so that the Laval Rocket can continue their push toward the Calder Cup without losing any (more) of their key players to the Canadiens.

Santeri Hattaka(NJ), Anthony Richard (PHI) & Colin White (SJ) on waivers

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 7, 2025

Several members of the Montreal Victoire, the top team in the PWHL, will once again participate in the Canadiens skills competition. For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to watch Marie-Philip Poulin and Co. in action, I strongly suggest checking out their games. The atmosphere is excellent, as is the hockey.

And there are several other talented players in the mix, not just Poulin.

Though she still does serve as a reminder that not all of us were created equally. Some, like Poulin, received a double dip in the talent pool.

Marie-Philip Poulin doing Marie-Philip Poulin things. Scores a beauty of a goal from her knees. 3-0 Montreal. Victoire are taking over the game. #PWHL pic.twitter.com/hI53RotCoc

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 9, 2025

Don’t look now, but prospect Sean Farrell enjoyed a hat-trick effort on Friday night versus the Toronto Marlies. Actually, please do look, especially at this sweet play that also included Cayden Primeau and Florian Xhekaj.

Cayden Primeau to Florian Xhekaj, into the middle for one-five, and it is a hat trick for Sean Farrell before the midway point of the game!

4-2 Laval. pic.twitter.com/t4zkFN8QK3

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) February 8, 2025

Prospect Jared Davidson also provided a goal during Laval’s big 5-2 win over the Marlies, not to mention an entertaining fight versus a much bigger opponent. I know I’ve been a broken record about Davidson’s excitement factor, but he’s legitimately entertaining.

I look forward to every time he hits the ice, because something is bound to happen.

He’s like a long-lost Hanson brother, but with a modern skill set, and a nose for the net.

Jared Davidson giving up a fair bit of size against Cade Webber, and he wins this fight. pic.twitter.com/4CbJCToWL8

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) February 8, 2025

ICYMI: Rookie Owen Beck is still getting used to life in the NHL, but the early results suggest he’s not just taking a step forward, he’s flourishing during his limited usage. Knowing Beck is quickly adapting to his new surroundings gives general manager Kent Hughes more trade options moving forward. [Prospect Owen Beck Gives Montreal Canadiens More Options]