Latest news with #IvanDemidov
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Two Canadiens' Stars in NHL.com's Young Stars Highlight Reel
released a highlight reel of young stars' best dangles for this past season, and two Montreal Canadiens made the cut. Of course, Calder Trophy-winning defenseman Lane Hutson is featured, but so is the late addition to the season, Ivan Demidov. Hutson had the most electrifying rookie season seen in Montreal since Ken Dryden won 39 games, including eight shutouts, while keeping a .930 save percentage to claim the Calder. The previous season, he had also backstopped the Canadiens to a Stanley Cup and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs' MVP. Canadiens: Kaiden Guhle's CeilingCanadiens: Another Solution For the Second Center Conundrum?Interesting Canadiens Forward Is Clear Bounce-Back Candidate Granted, I wasn't born when Dryden dominated the 70s and won six Stanley Cups with the Sainte-Flanelle, but I've seen Hutson lit up the Bell Centre this season, and it was quite something. Before the crowd could get used to it and see his fantastic dangles as routine, Demidov arrived in the tail end of the season to steal the show. The night he joined the Canadiens to face the Chicago Blackhawks, the press gallery was 'sold out,' so to speak, as many teams had sent representatives and/or scouts, creating a special energy in the building. When he scored his first career goal, late in the first period, the building erupted, including the press gallery. Journalists in the press gallery usually do an excellent job of staying neutral. Still, there were some exclamations when Demidov found the back of the net, there were quite a few impressions of Lucien 'Lulu' Bouchard celebrating the National's goals in Lance et Compte (there I go showing my age again). Even Connor Bedard was shown watching the big screen to see how history was made. Watching Demidov and Hutson in this short highlight reel is yet more proof that the future is bright in Montreal. Stay tuned. Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images Canadiens stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, never to miss a story. Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @ and Threads @karinehains. Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens. Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Canadiens: Zharovsky Starts His Season With Big Win In KHL Tournament
If Ivan Demidov gave a good show on Saturday night in Boisbriand, the Montreal Canadiens' first pick at the last draft did the same thing earlier in the day. Second-round pick and 34th overall selection Alexander Zharovsky started his KHL year with a win at the league's three-on-three tournament with his team, Salavat Yulaev Ufa.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wheeler's Top 100 Drafted Prospect List Features Three Canadiens Players
The last time The Athletic's Scott Wheeler published his Top 100 Drafted Prospects list, Ivan Demidov was in first place, and the Montreal Canadiens had five players on the list: Demidov, David Reinbacher (24), Michael Hage (35), Logan Mailloux (58), and Joshua Roy (82).
Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Ivan Demidov at the center of Canadiens' lineup debate ahead of 2025 season
Demidov committed, but center role not likely in 2025 (Image via: Getty Images) The Montreal Canadiens' second-line center situation has become one of the hottest topics of the 2025 NHL offseason. With questions swirling around who will take on the crucial role behind Nick Suzuki, fans and analysts alike are looking to rookie sensation Ivan Demidov, but is he ready for that responsibility? Is Ivan Demidov Montreal's next center or still a long-term project? Ever since the Canadiens selected Ivan Demidov in the 2024 NHL Draft, speculation has followed about where he fits into the team's lineup. Though he's primarily played as a winger, some have floated the idea of moving him to center to address the team's depth concerns. While names like Kirby Dach and Zach Bolduc remain in the mix, the potential of Demidov playing center continues to dominate Habs conversations. However, despite internet chatter and loosely reported claims, Demidov has never dismissed the idea of playing center. According to Marco D'Amico of the young Russian said he's open to the position if the coaches believe he can handle it. He's done it at the junior level, but never in the KHL, and he admits that face-offs remain a weak spot. Ivan Demidov's training commitment shines, but center role in 2025 remains unlikely Importantly, Demidov has shown no signs of resistance or attitude issues. He's doing the opposite. Instead of spending his summer overseas or enjoying a break, Demidov has committed to training in Montreal, putting in serious work at the Canadiens' Brossard training facility and staying sharp in the Living Sisu LSHL summer league. His humility and hard work ethic make him a strong candidate for long-term success, but a move to center in the 2025 NHL season feels premature. He's still learning the North American game, and Montreal doesn't appear ready to gamble by rushing his development at such a demanding position. Canadiens' center depth leaves door open for surprises in 2025 While Kirby Dach's health, Zach Bolduc's readiness, or even a surprise move by GM Kent Hughes could change the outlook, Ivan Demidov will play where the team needs him most, but center may not be that spot just yet. Also Read: Edmonton Oilers face crucial offseason with Connor McDavid extension and Kris Knoblauch decision pending For now, the second-line center job in Montreal remains up for grabs, and the Habs' offseason decisions will be crucial in shaping the future of the franchise. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Could Ivan Demidov Be The Canadiens' Second Line Center?
Generations of kids spent their childhood trying to answer the question 'Where's Waldo?', but that was an easy task compared to trying to answer the interrogation that's on the mind of every Montreal Canadiens' fan this offseason: Who will be the Habs' second line center? Depending on who you ask, the replies go from Kirby Dach to Zach Bolduc to 'Kent Hughes is just about to pull a big trade, I can feel it!' or even to: Ivan Demidov would be the perfect fit at the second line pivot. Advertisement Islanders' Sorokin Shocked By Dobson's Trade To The Canadiens Canadiens' 2025-26 Schedule Revealed Ex-Canadiens Goalie Signed NHL's Most Unique Off-Season Deal But what does the man himself believe? Well, unlike what has been reported in the last day or so, Demidov has never said that it was outside of the realm of possibilities that he would play center and that it wasn't something that interested him at all. According to Marco D'Amico, the young Russian said he would have to see if he could play at center. He has done it in the past, as a junior player, but never in the KHL. Humble as they come, Demidov also added that face-offs would be the key factor, and he doesn't always win them. The rookie will play wherever the Canadiens ask him to play, but he's not confident that he could play center in the NHL. He didn't say anything controversial, and any claims that he might have an attitude problem are false. He didn't refuse to work on his draws this offseason either. Advertisement I don't know how the idea could even be entertained given the fact that the player has elected to stay in Montreal this Summer and is diligently putting in the hours at the Canadiens' Brossard training facilities instead of enjoying the sunshine and the scorching weather. Last weekend, he even appeared in a shootout showcase in Boisbriand to please the fans, and he's also set to play in the Living Sisu LSHL three-on-three league this Summer. Could Demidov end up being the Canadiens' second-line center? Maybe, but right now, it doesn't seem likely, especially given the fact that the youngster typically doesn't lack confidence, and he confesses he doesn't know how good he could be playing that position. Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images 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. Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.
