All quotes used in this article have been translated from Russian to English.
In an article published yesterday from Russian outlet matchtv.ru, SKA St Petersburg head coach Roman Rotenberg was asked about the progress of Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov.
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In the piece, Rotenberg stated that Demidov shouldn’t go to the NHL unless he’s completely ready:
I discussed Demidov’s development with the Montreal Canadiens management and the club’s president. The only one not on the Zoom call was head coach Martin St. Louis… There’s no point in Demidov going to the NHL until he’s ready to play on the first line. He needs to go step by step. We’ll make Ivan a leader. When he proves it with his actions and plays on the first lines of SKA, scoring goals like he’s doing now on the Russian junior team, that will be a huge plus for everyone… In my opinion, there’s no point in going to Montreal’s fourth line or even to the AHL.
What’s shocking about this quote is that Demidov’s role with his KHL team has been purely speculative so far. The latest tidbit was when the forward told a reporter during training camp that he was labelled as the 13th attacker in the club.
Related: Canadiens: Demidov the 13th Forward?
There have been analysts who think the AHL would benefit the Russian’s development if he doesn’t receive sufficient playing time with SKA. Demidov himself recently stated that he isn’t opposed to playing in the AHL.
Related: Canadiens: Ivan Demidov’s Stance on Playing in the AHL
Rotenbenberg sees Demidov as a young player who provides competition to the forwards he’s playing with, forcing them to battle for ice time:
Demidov is now playing the same role he will have in SKA… Thanks to Demidov, we have very serious competition, which is the engine of progress. He can earn a place in any line.
This doesn’t guarantee that Demidov will play on the top line this season, but it does show that if he is consistent in his work ethic and demeanor, he will merit a solid role on the team. A role that could eventually lead him to SKA’s first line.
With Demidov projected to join Montreal next season, how the season with SKA plays out will lend an accurate prediction for the next steps of his professional career.
Related
Canadiens: Demidov and the Puchkov Tournament
Canadiens: Demidov and Konyushkov Have Impressive Preseason Showings
Canadiens: Demidov’s Snipe in SKA Intrasquad
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