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In a recent interview with Match TV—and written about in TVA Sports—former Montreal Canadiens blueliner and alternate captain Andrei Markov spoke on Russian prospect Ivan Demidov’s future experience playing in Montreal.
Markov, born in Voskressensk, Russia, was a leader inside the Habs’ locker room, where he spent 16 NHL seasons. He spoke on how hockey has changed and emphasized what Demidov would have to battle en route to success in the 514.
Related: Canadiens: Turin 2006 Olympics Was the Closest Andrei Markov Came to Medaling
“I am very happy that a Russian player was drafted by one of the biggest clubs in the NHL,” said Markov in the Match TV interview. “[Demidov] will definitely get his chance, but at the same time, there is a pressure in Montreal that he will have to deal with. If he does that, playing in Montreal will be the best memory of his life.”
Markov went on to say that learning French would boost Demidov’s profile among fans and media in the city. The Canadiens play in the only province or state in the NHL that recognizes French as its official language, and the organization is known for bringing in players and staff who speak the language. The attacker will also need to work on his English, but a few classes en Français couldn’t hurt.
While Markov was a sixth-round selection back in 1998, he spoke on the high bar that is set with the lottery pick slot Demidov was chosen in.
“Expectations are high after being selected in the first round, but there’s a lot of work to do to establish himself. If he keeps working, he’ll have a great future.”
Related
Canadiens: Ivan Demidov Places Second in Best Russian U20 Player Poll Behind Matvei Michkov
Canadiens: Ivan Demidov Should Spend Time in the AHL, according to Chris Peters
Canadiens: Who’s Been Through Dach’s Injury?
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