Once again, Ivan Demidov impressed the hockey world, this time while captaining the Russian U23 team in the Puchkov Tournament. In a contest against HC Sochi yesterday, the forward netted two goals in a 4-2 victory.
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The scoring spree was not the most poignant news to follow the game, however. A reporter for RG.org asked Demidov about his feelings toward playing in the AHL. The 2023 fifth-overall draft pick said, “I’m not afraid of it. My main goal is to play in the NHL. And if that means playing in the AHL, I’m all for it.”
This question stems from analysts and media members suggesting that it may be valuable for Demidov to experience North American competition at the AHL level to aid him in his development and better acclimate the Russian to the NHL.
Earlier this month, The Hockey News discussed comments from Chris Peters on TSN 690 wherein he stated that Demidov should spend time in the AHL to get more reps. Initially, as the person who wrote that piece, the reaction was that the statement was overly cautious and that come training camp in 2025, the attacker would have a year of KHL competition under his belt, making him poised to show the NHL what he can do. However, recent developments are singing a different tune.
Related: Canadiens: Ivan Demidov Should Spend Time in the AHL, According to Chris Peters
After a training session during SKA St. Petersburg’s camp, Demidov told a reporter that he has been labelled as the 13th forward on the roster. The KHL organization acquired three notable formerly tenured NHL forwards this offseason: Mikhail Grigorenko, Sergei Plotnikov and Evgeny Kuznetsov. They will most likely garner more playing time than the young prospect this upcoming season.
Related: Canadiens: Demidov the 13th Forward?
With the recent trade for Patrik Laine, Montreal’s top six looks solid enough on paper. That is a potential rerun of the top line from the last campaign in Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, while Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook and Laine comprise the second unit. If it works out offensively this year, then thrusting Demidov into the NHL sooner rather than later will be a perished thought.
Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has made it the front office’s strategy to develop the prospects the Canadiens have instead of rushing to have them compete in the NHL (aside from Slafkovsky who made the jump to the NHL right away). Could Demidov benefit from AHL time if he doesn’t get those reps in the KHL this year? At least the player himself isn’t against the idea.
Related
Canadiens: Demidov and the Puchkov Tournament
Canadiens: Demidov’s Snipe in SKA Intrasquad
Everyone is Hyped for Ivan Demidov
Canadiens: Patrik Laine Is Not Jonathan Drouin
Canadiens: Hughes Asked Suzuki About Laine
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