Latest news with #Demidov
Time of India
an hour ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'It's not just about talent': Montreal Canadiens eye stronger defense and smart forwards for Ivan Demidov
Montreal Canadiens eye stronger defense and smart forwards for Ivan Demidov (Image via Getty) The Montreal Canadiens are busy behind the scenes as the offseason begins. While fans are excited about the arrival of top prospect Ivan Demidov, there's more happening. Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman dropped some key updates on his '32 Thoughts' podcast that hint at what the Canadiens might do next. But the full story goes deeper than just Demidov's debut. Elliotte Friedman shares Montreal Canadiens want new defense and help for Ivan Demidov On the June 7 episode of the '32 Thoughts' podcast, Elliotte Friedman said there is growing talk that the Montreal Canadiens are not just focused on defense. While many believe the team needs to fix its blue line, Friedman shared they are also looking for strong forwards who can play well with 18-year-old Ivan Demidov. Demidov, who is one of the most talked-about young players from Russia, was picked by Montreal in the 2024 NHL Draft. He is expected to join the team soon, and the Canadiens want to make sure he is set up to succeed. Friedman explained, 'There's been a lot of talk that the Canadiens want to add defense, but I've also heard they are looking at forwards who could fit next to Demidov.' This means Montreal could be working on more than just one area of the team. The update came while Friedman and Jeff Marek were talking about summer trades, free agents, and how young stars will change NHL rosters soon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2oz Superior Ginseng Undo Also Read: Ivan Demidov Shortlisted For KHL Rookie Of The Year Following Strong Season With SKA St. Petersburg Ivan Demidov could shape how the Montrel Canadiens build their team this summer Ivan Demidov hasn't played a single NHL game yet, but his presence is already making waves. Montreal clearly sees him as a future star and wants to surround him with players who match his style. According to Friedman, the Montrel Canadiens are looking for skilled forwards who can play fast and smart just like Demidov. 'It's not just about talent,' he said on the podcast. 'It's about chemistry. They want someone who can grow with him.' This news came shortly after Demidov posted a training photo on Instagram from Russia, showing he is preparing hard for his first NHL season. With trades and signings expected in the coming weeks, fans now know the Canadiens are thinking long-term with Demidov at the center of their plans.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Ivan Demidov shortlisted for KHL Rookie of the Year following strong season with SKA St. Petersburg
Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov (via Getty Images) Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov was a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award from the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) after a breakout season with SKA St. Petersburg . The 19-year-old fifth-overall pick of the Canadiens in 2024 opened eyes with his stability and maturity on offence well over his years in Russia's top-level pro league before coming to North America. Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov is still on fire with KHL Rookie of the Year nomination View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) Ivan Demidov's KHL Rookie of the Year nod tops an impressive 2024–25 campaign that demonstrated his scoring game and readiness for the professional leagues. With 19 tallies and 30 helpers for 49 points in 65 SKA St. Petersburg games, the Russian right wing supplemented that with three scores and five points in six playoff games. Demidov's quick ascent earned him a summons to the Montreal Canadiens for April. He notched one goal and one assist in two regular-season games and added two other assists in five playoff games during the Canadiens' first-round series against the Washington Capitals in his first experience with NHL play. Semyon Vyazovoi and Yegor Surin complete a competitive Rookie of the Year lineup by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning For Working Professionals. BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo The Seattle Kraken's Semyon Vyazovoi and Nashville's Yegor Surin have both impressive resumes in the KHL. Vyazovoi, drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Draft, had a strong goal record for Salavat Yulaev Ufa, while Surin, Nashville's first-round pick, scored seven goals and 14 points in 41 games for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, establishing himself as a two-way presence in the KHL. Both players are among an increasing number of Russian prospects entering the scene almost immediately at both domestic and overseas levels. A bright future ahead for Montreal Canadiens' next scoring sensation With Ivan Demidov already producing on the NHL level and earning international recognition, the Montreal Canadiens have cause for enthusiasm regarding his potential. His electrifying skating, top-pick puck-handling, and exceptional hockey sense make him one of the best young prospects in the Canadiens' system. Also read: Alex Ovechkin in game 1 shining, young Ivan Demidov cracking under pressure Whether or not he wins the KHL Rookie of the Year award, Demidov is already making noise among fans and pundits as a game-changer during Montreal's rebuild.
CBC
01-05-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Canadiens eliminated from NHL playoffs after 4-1 loss to Capitals in Game 5
The Montreal Canadiens are out of the NHL playoffs. Montreal fell 4-1 to the Washington Capitals in Game 5 of their first-round series Wednesday, losing the best-of-seven matchup in five games. Washington will take on the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round, while Montreal becomes the second team knocked out of the post-season. The Canadiens unexpectedly returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2021, marking a turnaround for the storied franchise that began its first rebuild after a disastrous start to the 2021-22 season. Montreal lived near the NHL's basement for three years and was not a popular pre-season pick to reach the playoffs. The Canadiens stumbled out of the gate and ranked 31st in the NHL on Dec. 1, more than a quarter of the way through the season. A hot streak during the holiday season was one of many turning points in a roller-coaster campaign. The Canadiens struggled again in late January and early February to fall behind in the playoff race, but rebounded with a 15-5-6 run after the 4 Nations Face-Off break in a stretch filled with dramatic comebacks. WATCH | The buzz surrounding Habs rookie Demidov: Is all the hype over Habs recruit Ivan Demidov overkill? 16 days ago Duration 2:25 Montreal captured the second — and final — wild card in the Eastern Conference with a 4-2 win over Carolina in its final game of the regular season. The matchup drew so much attention that the French-language federal election debate needed to be rescheduled two hours earlier than planned. Captain Nick Suzuki led the way with 89 points — the most by a Canadien since 1995-96 — while Calder Trophy favourite Lane Hutson set franchise records for a rookie defenceman. Sam Montembeault established himself as a solid No. 1 goalie, and veterans Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher had their best seasons in years, among several other key performances in a special season. The youngest team to reach the playoffs, the Canadiens also qualified with the fewest points (91) and worst goal-differential (-20). After two months of playing playoff-like hockey to climb the standings, the wear and tear began to take its toll against a physical Capitals team. Top-seeded Washington won Games 1 and 2 at home before Montreal's electric Game 3 victory in the first sold-out playoff game at the Bell Centre since 2017. The Capitals then picked up the first road win of the series in Game 4 on Sunday. Montembeault missed Games 4 and 5 after exiting midway through Game 3 with a lower-body injury, and rookie goalie Jakub Dobes took over in the crease. The Canadiens also played without winger Patrik Laine (upper body) from Game 3 onward, while several other players nursed injuries.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Special Teams Key To Canadiens' Survival
On Tuesday, after the primary practice, five Montreal Canadiens players moved over to the second ice of the CN Sports Complex on their initiative. The members of the Habs' first power play unit felt some extra repetitions couldn't hurt, so Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov, and Lane Hutson spent some time polishing their craft with Adam Nicholas. Canadiens' Farm Team To Start Quest For Calder Cup Canadiens: Gallagher's Thank You Gift Canadiens Trying To Stay Alive Advertisement In Sunday night's 5-2 defeat, both Canadiens' goals came on the power play, and if the Habs want to have any hope of pushing this series to a game six, they'll need that man-advantage to remain just as efficient. So far in this series, Montreal has scored five goals in 13 power-play opportunities for a 38.5% success rate (they finished the season at 20.1%), but on the road, it's down to 25%. What was different at home? The presence of Demidov on the first unit. In the first two games in Washington, Patrik Laine played and skated on the first power-play unit. As discussed, he struggled to shoot on net, significantly diminishing his efficiency. Even if the Finnish sniper was ready to return to the lineup tonight, don't expect him to be reinserted on the first power play. Having Caufield back in his preferred spot has been a game-changer, just like inserting Demidov. The young Russian has showcased great creativity and the ability to hold the puck, when necessary, even under pressure. Advertisement It's also worth noting just how efficient the penalty kill has been. The Washington Capitals have only been able to score a single goal on the man-advantage, and they did it at home, through Alexander Ovechkin. Since then, the Canadiens have changed how they defend against the Capitals' captain on the power play, using the fact that he hardly moves against them. Putting a player right on him stops him from getting the puck and teeing up his lethal shot. It's worth sacrificing a player to take that out of the equation and defend three-on-four on the rest of the ice. It has worked well over the last two games, but Jakub Dobes has had to be at the top of his game. He stole a couple of goals on cross-crease passes that led to one-timers. However, Alexandre Carrier's absence could be a factor if he can't play following Tom Wilson's hit in game four. Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story. Advertisement Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @ and Threads @karinehains. Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NHL Spoils Canadiens' Surprise With Early Announcement on Monday
Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov, 19, was selected with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft and arrived in Canada last week after terminating his contract with SKA St. Petersburg. Now, just days after he arrived in North America, the NHL has hinted at his imminent debut with the Habs, posting a message on its official account on X. Advertisement "IT'S DEMIDOV DEBUT DAY 🤩" the NHL wrote. "The KHL's all-time single season points leader by a U20 player, Ivan Demidov, will suit up for the Habs tonight!" Montreal has waited months for this moment, and now top prospect Ivan Demidov will make his NHL debut Monday night at Bell Centre in a must-win game against the Chicago Blackhawks. He signed a three-year entry-level contract last week, and according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, his debut was always expected to happen on Monday. The young forward broke Kirill Kaprizov's KHL U20 single-season scoring record with 49 points in 65 games and joined the Canadiens after SKA's playoff elimination. Advertisement Teammate and fellow European forward Patrik Laine removed some hype from Demidov's anticipated debut, saying on Friday, as translated from TVA Sports, that the Habs will welcome Demidov and help ease his adjustment, but he will still need to navigate the transition. 'I don't watch the KHL anymore, but he apparently has good skills,' Laine said. '(The NHL) is the best league in the world, and he's coming in just as the playoffs are about to start. It's not the easiest transition.' The Canadiens (39-31-10) can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the visiting Blackhawks. After sitting near the bottom of the standings in December, Montreal has gone 28-15-7 since and aims at making the playoffs on home ice. View of a Montreal Canadiens logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team during warm-up at Bell Kirouac-Imagn Images Coach Martin St. Louis, however, tempered expectations ahead of Demidov's debut. Advertisement 'He's not a saviour,' St. Louis said. 'We have a really good team, he's going to be a piece of our really good team—that's the way we see it.' Touching on Monday's game and its playoff implications, St. Louis described clinching 'on their own' as the ideal scenario, and with Demidov in the lineup, the Bell Centre will surely be bracing for one of its most anticipated games in years. Related: Ivan Demidov's Canadiens Contract Includes Bold Playoff Bonus Related: Canadiens' Patrik Laine Sends Blunt Message About Hype Surrounding Ivan Demidov
