Top NHL prospect Ivan Demidov is coming to the Montreal Canadiens.
Canadiens fans followed KHL St. Petersburg all season because of Demidov, their fifth-overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft. With St. Petersburg’s season ending early in the playoffs just a few days ago, the watch was on to see if the super-prospect would head to North America to finish this season.
While there were many reports that Demidov was staying in Russia until June 1, when his contract officially expired, and was set to join the Habs in the fall, plans look to have changed.
St. Petersburg said goodbye to its 19-year-old leading scorer.
“SKA (St. Petersburg) and Ivan Demidov have taken a joint decision, which will see the forward join the Montreal Canadiens this season,” the team said in an X post. “His KHL rights will remain with SKA. He will return to Saint Petersburg if he doesn’t gain a foothold in the NHL.”
NHL clubs cannot legally negotiate early releases from KHL clubs, which means Demidov’s representation did that. Although St. Petersburg released his rights, Canadiens GM Kent Hughes must still work out an entry-level contract with Demidov and his agent.
There was some tension because although Demidov was clear in his desire to come to North America when his contract expired, his KHL club consistently said it felt his best development situation was to stay with SKA.
Demidov had 19 goals and 30 assists for 49 points in 65 games this year, recording the most points in a season by a U-20 player in KHL history. He played in just six playoff games, notching five points for St. Petersburg before its elimination in the first round of the playoffs.
Demidov is the No. 1 ranked prospect in The Hockey News' Future Watch issue after asking a scout, director of player personnel or GM from each NHL team.
Top 25 NHL Prospects In Future Watch 2025Some players make the NHL as teenagers, but many prospects take three, four or even five years to break through.
Routinely their most dynamic skater, Demidov’s relationship with coach Roman Rotenberg seemed strenuous, to say the least. He’s mentioned many times that he feels like Demidov has plenty to learn still and that Russia is where he can learn that. He’s limited Demidov’s ice time a number of times, including twice playing him under 10 minutes in the playoffs.
As soon as the Canadiens sign Demidov, he can join their run toward the playoffs and possibly give them a secret weapon offensively. His dynamism and skill are unmatched on the Habs roster.
Demidov should be suiting up in a Habs sweater soon enough.
'I Try To Take His Mamba Mentality': Canadiens' Ivan Demidov Ready To Be a Game-BreakerIvan Demidov's sporting idol is Kobe Bryant. He wants to be the difference-maker the Montreal Canadiens need with the Mamba Mentality. And he feels ready – when the time comes.
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