The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up with a new Russian talent, Ivan Demidov, who is expected to inject significant excitement into the team, a trait reminiscent of the electrifying performances once delivered by Alex Kovalev and Andrei Markov. Kovalev dazzled fans with his powerful presence, superb vision, nimble skating, and exceptional puck handling, while Markov commanded the blue line with his foresight, anticipation, and precise passing that created numerous scoring opportunities.
However, not all Russian acquisitions have been successful for the Canadiens. For instance, the trade involving Mikhail Sergachev did not yield the desired results, whereas the Alexander Romanov trade has shown more positive outcomes, though Kirby Dach’s health remains a concern. Nikita Scherbak, on the other hand, did not live up to expectations after his promising junior hockey career.
The Canadiens faced criticism for bypassing Matvei Michkov in the 2023 NHL Draft in favor of David Reinbacher. While some speculated that the decision was influenced by geopolitical factors, the reality is that Montreal simply preferred Reinbacher. The team’s decision was influenced by Nick Bobrov, who has strong connections in Russia and scouted Demidov extensively, indicating that Michkov’s development did not sway their choice.
As Demidov prepares to make his mark, anticipation is high, and there is speculation that his KHL games might be broadcasted by TVA and RDS in the upcoming season. Demidov’s skill set is seen as potentially transformative for the Canadiens, reminiscent of the impact Kovalev had during his tenure. The Canadiens are in the midst of building a team capable of long-term competitiveness, addressing concerns about a lack of star power and a deficient prospect pool. With the addition of Demidov and Michael Hage from the 2024 draft, along with Lane Hutson’s continued development, the outlook for the team’s future appears promising.
