Ivan Demidov’s Bold Move: Leaving KHL for NHL Dreams
In a move that has sent ripples through the hockey world, the Montreal Canadiens’ top prospect, Ivan Demidov, has made a significant career decision. On Tuesday, the 19-year-old forward terminated his contract with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL, paving the way for his entry into the NHL. This unexpected development was announced by the Canadiens, marking a pivotal moment in Demidov’s burgeoning career.
Demidov has now signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Canadiens, a team currently clinging to the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. This potential playoff berth would be Montreal’s first since their remarkable journey to the Stanley Cup Final during the 2021 playoffs in the bubble. With just five games remaining in the regular season, the timing of Demidov’s signing adds an intriguing layer to the Canadiens’ playoff push.
Selected with the No. 5 pick in the 2024 NHL draft, Demidov’s decision to leave the KHL was described as a “joint decision” by SKA St. Petersburg. The team stated that his KHL rights would remain with them, adding an interesting twist to his future prospects. “He will return to Saint Petersburg if he doesn’t gain a foothold in the NHL,” SKA’s statement read. It’s worth noting that Demidov’s contract was originally set to expire on May 31, 2025, which would have been deep into the NHL playoffs.
Demidov’s performance in the KHL has been nothing short of impressive. He scored 19 goals and amassed 49 points in 65 regular season games, leading SKA this season. His prowess was further highlighted as he led his team in playoff scoring, with five points in six games, before SKA was eliminated by Dynamo Moscow. Despite the elimination, SKA had the option to send Demidov to their affiliates in the lower leagues, the MHL or VHL, for the remainder of the playoffs.
Interestingly, Demidov was considered one of the most talented players in the 2024 draft. However, he slipped to the No. 5 spot due to concerns from some teams about when he might be available to make the move to North America. This hesitation from other teams has now turned into a golden opportunity for the Canadiens.
In a strategic move last December, the Canadiens sent a high-profile delegation to visit Demidov in St. Petersburg. This group included GM Kent Hughes, adviser Vincent Lecavalier, and director of amateur scouting Nick Brobov. Their visit was significant, as it was believed to be one of the first instances of NHL executives entering Russia for scouting purposes since the country’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Key Points to Consider:
- Demidov’s contract termination with SKA St. Petersburg was a “joint decision.”
- He has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens.
- Demidov was the No. 5 pick in the 2024 NHL draft.
- He led SKA in scoring with 19 goals and 49 points in 65 games.
- Montreal is currently holding the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
As the Canadiens gear up for a potential playoff run, the addition of Ivan Demidov could be a game-changer. His talent and skill set are undeniable, and his decision to join the NHL at this juncture speaks volumes about his ambition and readiness to compete at the highest level. For Montreal fans, this move is a beacon of hope, signaling a bright future for the team and its newest star.
Originally Written by: Emily Kaplan
