If folks have been paying attention to NHL news cycles the past few weeks, young Montreal Canadiens forward prospect Ivan Demidov has garnered quite the buzz.
Although the 19-year-old Russian forward's impressive talent is on display - he had a goal and two points in the two regular-season NHL games he played prior to the Habs' first-round matchup against the Washington Capitals - he made some headlines Saturday because of his words.
During a media availability Saturday morning, Demidov was asked about facing Alex Ovechkin in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Someone followed up by asking if Ovechkin was one of his idols growing up.
His response?
"Probably in NHL," Demidov said. "But I love Malkin much better than Ovi, you know what I mean?"
Yes, Demidov was a big fan of Pittsburgh Penguins future hall-of-fame center Evgeni Malkin, who - along with Ovechkin - is one of the greatest Russian-born players of all-time.
Habs rookie Ivan Demidov today:
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 19, 2025
“I love Malkin much better than Ovechkin.” pic.twitter.com/dkHJSscp3g
Malkin, like Demidov, is known for his playmaking, and the 38-year-old has amassed 514 goals and 1,346 points in 1,213 NHL games. He was infamously omitted from the NHL's 100 Greatest Players Of All Time list in 2017.
In any case, that's one way for Demidov to spark something before going head-to-head with Ovechkin for the very first time in his NHL career - and in the playoffs, nonetheless.
You can catch Game 1 between Montreal and Washington on Monday, Apr. 21 at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Laine Saying He 'Couldn't Care Less' Facing Ovechkin In Playoffs Being Taken The Wrong WayMontreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine made headlines on Saturday after appearing to downplay facing Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin in the opening round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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