Canadiens: Demidov Isn't Going Anywhere This Summer
In an article published on Sunday morning, Marco D'Amico from RG.org confirms that Montreal Canadiens' right winger Ivan Demidov is staying in town this Summer. As we reported back then, the youngster took a week off once the Habs were eliminated and visited the Dominican Republic, but since May 16th, he's been back to work.
D'Amico explains the 19-year-old Russian has elected to train in town this Summer, not just because he can do so under the close supervision of the Canadiens' development staff (he was spotted training under the watchful eye of Adam Nicholas last week), but also because he wants to focus on learning the local languages.
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Clearly, he understands his market and intends to fit in by catering to fans, whether they are English or French-speaking. Now that he's had a feel for the NHL and the market, Demidov is focusing on becoming a better professional on and off the ice, as his Summer plans reveal.
On May 29, we'll know if he's the winner of the KHL Rookie of the Year award, but whether he wins it or not, Demidov isn't planning on going to the ceremony. This is yet further evidence that his mind is wholly focused on the future rather than basking in the glory of what he has accomplished in the last season.
So far, the young Russian has an excellent work ethic and enjoys working on his game as much as Lane Hutson. Perhaps the young defenseman won't be the only one to attend all the optional skates next season. It will be interesting to see if Demidov can have the same impact in the NHL as in the KHL last season.
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Most expect Hutson to be crowned Calder Trophy Winner for this past season, and if Demidov shines as much as he has in the small sample of games we've seen him in, he may just be in the Calder conversation next year too.
Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
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