Canadiens’ Rising Star Demidov: Surprising Lessons and Breakthroughs Revealed…Read More…
In the heart of Montreal’s hockey universe, a quiet storm is brewing. His name? Ivan Demidov. The 18-year-old Russian phenom, drafted third overall by the Canadiens in 2024, is already making headlines—not for dazzling goals or highlight-reel assists just yet, but for the transformative journey he’s undergone since stepping into the pressure-cooker that is the NHL.
Demidov arrived in Montreal with the weight of expectation pressing on his shoulders. Touted as a dynamic winger with elite puck-handling skills and vision far beyond his years, fans and analysts alike saw in him a potential cornerstone of the franchise’s long-awaited resurgence. But what the stats and scouting reports couldn’t capture was the steep curve he’d face in adapting not just to a new team, but to an entirely different style of hockey, culture, and life.
Now, several months into his North American tenure, Demidov is opening up—offering rare insight into what he’s learned so far and what it really means to chase greatness in a city where hockey is religion.
The Reality Check: “This Is Not the KHL”
“The pace here is unreal,” Demidov admitted in a recent exclusive sit-down with RDS. “In Russia, we play a more structured, slower game. But here, everything is about speed and pressure. The forecheck hits you before you even think.”
Demidov’s preseason struggles were well documented. While flashes of his potential surfaced—his tight turns, deceptive release, and ability to navigate through traffic—he also looked overwhelmed at times. During the Canadiens’ first five preseason games, he registered just two assists and had a minus-4 rating. But behind the scenes, something more important was taking shape: humility and hunger.
“I was frustrated. At home [in Russia], I could dominate with skill. Here, I needed to rewire how I think on the ice,” he said. “It was painful, but necessary.”
Learning the North American Game
One of Demidov’s biggest challenges was adapting to the smaller NHL rink. In the KHL, the international-sized ice sheet gave him more time and space to operate. In Montreal, that cushion vanished.
To bridge the gap, Demidov leaned heavily on the Canadiens’ development staff, especially skills coach Adam Nicholas. Together, they broke down game film frame by frame. Sessions were brutal but eye-opening.
“He’s like a sponge,” Nicholas said. “What stood out wasn’t just his skill—it was his willingness to unlearn and relearn. That’s rare in young stars.”
Demidov’s positioning off the puck, backchecking effort, and puck-protection instincts all saw measurable improvement during his first few months in Laval, the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate. The plan, GM Kent Hughes said, was always about development over pressure.
“We didn’t want to throw him to the wolves right away,” Hughes explained. “Ivan needed to understand what it takes to thrive in this league—not just survive.”
The Language Barrier and Locker Room Bonds
Off the ice, Demidov’s journey has been equally demanding. He arrived in Montreal speaking very little English and zero French. But with the help of tutors and daily immersion, he’s made surprising progress.
“I can order coffee now without panic,” he joked, flashing a smile that fans are quickly learning to adore.
Veteran teammates have stepped up to support the teenager. Nick Suzuki, the Canadiens’ captain, has taken Demidov under his wing. The two often sit together during team meals and video reviews.
“He’s quiet, but he listens—and when he talks, you see his fire,” Suzuki said. “You can tell he wants to be great, not just good.”
Other teammates, like Juraj Slafkovsky and Cole Caufield, have helped bridge the cultural gap with humor and light-hearted banter. Slafkovsky even dubbed Demidov “The Russian Ninja” for his quick hands during practice.
Breakthrough Moments: Turning the Corner
Demidov’s AHL stint has been a crucible of growth. In late February, he recorded his first multi-point game, assisting twice in a 4–2 Laval win. But it was a gritty backcheck leading to a turnover and an empty-net goal that drew the loudest cheers from coaches.
“He’s starting to get it,” Laval head coach Jean-François Houle said. “Offense will always be there with Ivan. But now, he’s understanding the game away from the puck—and that’s the difference between a prospect and a pro.”
More recently, Demidov earned his first call-up to the Canadiens for a two-game stint against Tampa Bay and Detroit in mid-April. Though he didn’t score, his ice time was productive and measured. He made smart reads, avoided risky plays, and even blocked a shot on the penalty kill—something unthinkable for him six months ago.
“It felt real,” Demidov said. “I know I still have so much to learn, but I finally felt like I belonged.”
Looking Ahead: The Demidov Era Begins?
With training camp just months away, all eyes are on whether Demidov will crack the 2025–26 Canadiens roster full-time. While the organization has stressed patience, fans are buzzing with anticipation.
“He’s not a project anymore,” one scout said anonymously. “He’s almost there.”
And perhaps, that’s the most exciting part. Ivan Demidov is no longer just a hyped-up name on a draft board. He’s a young man who’s taken hard lessons, embraced humility, and transformed those experiences into stepping stones.
“I’m not finished,” he said. “I’m just getting started.”
For a franchise hungry for glory and a city desperate for a hero, that might be the best news of all.
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