Anyone following Ivan Demidov’s career with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL may be curious about what’s happening with the September Rookie of the Month.
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The Montreal Canadiens’ fifth overall pick in the 2024 Draft appears to be in the dog house with head coach Roman Rotenberg.
After registering eight points through the team’s first ten games, Demidov’s ice time has dropped from a season-high of 16:26 on September 19 to just 3:17 on October 10.
🚨ALERT🚨 Ivan Demidov’s stats today:
• Total TOI: 3:17
• 1st period: 2:01 (2 shifts)
• 2nd period: 1:16 (2 shifts)
• 3rd period: No shift
SKA lost 4-2.Over his last 5 GP, Demidov 23:49 TOI, averaging 4.70 minutes per game. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/nae4xfS0Je
— HABS NATION (@CoachFrenchy10X) October 10, 2024
Demidov averaged 13:06 a game in the first nine games and was plus-7. In the September 29 contest, a 5-4 loss, the rookie had an assist and collected only his third penalty of the year, watching his ice time drop to 7:32.
Interestingly, that was the last game Demidov registered a shot on goal, skating these times in the first four games in October:
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October 3 (3-0 W): 4:07
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October 5 (4-3 L): 3:22
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October 7 (4-3 W): 5:31
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October 10 (4-2 L): 3:17
Unfortunately, Demidov is under contract with SKA St. Petersburg for the remainder of the season, and Montreal fans want the Canadiens to try to bring the youngster to North America.
Despite the cries on social media, bringing Demidov here is no easy task since the KHL and NHL don’t have a working relationship like other professional leagues.
Given how he is used in the KHL, do you believe the Canadiens should try to negotiate with SKA St-Petersburg for the release of Ivan Demidov? #GoHabsGo📷 #NHL #Canadiens #Habs #CH Vote and retweet if possible thank you!
— Karine Hains (@KarineHains) October 8, 2024
However, as they say, never say never, and maybe behind closed doors, the two sides are discussing it with every passing day since it would appear that limited opportunities could damage Demidov’s progression moving forward.
Of course, if things really go sideways with SKA, he could return to the MHL, but after dominating at that level last year with 60 points in 30 games, the KHL is his best option, or a financial agreement could be reached to bring Demidov across the pond.
SKA St. Petersburg returns to action on Saturday against Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg.
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