Montreal Canadiens Prepare To Visit With Ivan Demidov – Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

During the first intermission of the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers on Saturday night, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet announced that the Montreal Canadiens were preparing to go overseas and visit with their first round pick from 2024 – Ivan Demidov.

The purpose of the visit is to go in with the fifth selected — to visit the team that they had planned when they drafted the Russian striker. The purpose of the visit is to watch Demidov play, perform and see for himself how he is developing. General manager Kent Hughes is also expected to be a part of the tour and it will take place in the coming weeks to months.

From Sam Bennett contract negotiations, to the Canadiens and Ivan Demidov. 📰@FridgeHNIC you have your Saturday Headlines. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/UM15OG4uUP

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 20, 2024

This visit also comes at an unusual time as Demidov has seen a decrease in playing time with his KHL team – SKA St. Some reports have his reduced ice time attributed to indoor competition and he needs to fight for more ice time. Either way, Demidov sees little ice time in what could be an important year for the player and the Canadiens when it comes to their 2024 first-round pick.

At one point in the offseason, reports had Demidov considering himself as SKA's 13th forward as he knew it could be a tough season. If reports about the lack of an overseas extension are the reason for his offseason layoff, this visit should be interesting for Hughes and the rest of the Canadiens staff looking to see Demidov.

In terms of what he has done this season, Demidov has five goals and 10 points in 17 games so far for SKA, even with the ice drop.