Canadiens Celebrate Draft Steal Ivan Demidov as Michkov Faces Challenges
The Montreal Canadiens are celebrating what they consider a major draft coup with the selection of Russian forward Ivan Demidov, who has quickly proven to be one of the most valuable picks in recent memory. Meanwhile, fellow Russian prospect Matvei Michkov, whom the Canadiens passed on in a previous draft, is experiencing significant challenges with the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Draft Day Surprise
When the 2024 NHL Draft unfolded, the Canadiens didn't expect Demidov to be available with the fifth overall pick. Martin Lapointe, the Canadiens' director of player personnel and amateur scouting, immediately labeled Demidov "the steal of the draft"—a assessment that appears increasingly accurate as the season progresses.
Demidov has posted impressive numbers in his rookie campaign, recording 12 goals and 34 assists for 46 points in 56 games. This performance places him first among NHL rookies in scoring, ahead of Beckett Sennecke of the Anaheim Ducks, who was selected two spots earlier.
Why Other Teams Passed
Several factors likely contributed to Demidov's availability at the fifth pick. The "Russian factor" played a significant role, with most NHL scouts unable to travel to Russia due to geopolitical tensions. Additionally, Demidov was under contract with St. Petersburg SKA in the KHL, creating uncertainty about his immediate availability.
The Canadiens' thorough scouting process proved crucial. Nick Bobrov, the team's Russian co-director of amateur scouting, maintained regular contact with Demidov in Russia. Bobrov's father serves as a scout for the St. Petersburg club, providing unique insight into Demidov's character and potential.
The Michkov Comparison
The Canadiens' decision to select Demidov stands in stark contrast to their approach in the 2023 draft, when they passed on Russian prospect Matvei Michkov. Instead, Montreal chose defenceman David Reinbacher with the fifth overall pick.
This season has validated that decision, as Michkov has struggled with the Philadelphia Flyers. After posting 63 points as a rookie last season, Michkov has managed only 29 points through 55 games this year. The young forward arrived at training camp overweight and has reportedly feuded with head coach Rick Tocchet.
Flyers general manager Daniel Brière recently addressed the situation, stating, "Matvei Michkov is not going anywhere. He's going to be here for a long time. What he's going through right now is all part of the learning process."
Draft Context and Performance
The 2024 draft class has produced several notable performers:
- Macklin Celebrini (1st overall to San Jose): Fourth in NHL scoring with 81 points in 55 games
- Artyom Levshunov (2nd overall to Chicago): 21 points in 52 games with a minus-27 differential
- Beckett Sennecke (3rd overall to Anaheim): 44 points in 56 games, second among rookies
- Cayden Lindstrom (4th overall to Columbus): 6 points in 21 games with Michigan State University
Demidov's performance clearly stands out among this group, particularly considering his draft position.
Team Dynamics and Player Routines
The article also explores various aspects of Canadiens team culture and player habits. Captain Nick Suzuki revealed that most players arrive at the Bell Centre around 4 p.m. for 7 p.m. games, with Suzuki himself arriving by 4:15 p.m. He emphasized the importance of routine, noting, "My whole day revolves around my routine. I've kind of had the same routine since junior."
This contrasts with historical practices. Former Canadiens Chris Nilan recalled arriving between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., while legend Guy Lafleur would arrive as early as 3 p.m. The two would drink coffee and smoke cigarettes while taping their sticks, with Lafleur occasionally enjoying a hot dog before games.
Goaltending Situation
The Canadiens' goaltending remains a topic of discussion. Samuel Montembeault has struggled with consistency this season, posting a 10-8-2 record with a 3.34 goals-against average and .875 save percentage. However, head coach Martin St. Louis continues to show faith in the veteran netminder.
Jakub Dobes has emerged as a reliable alternative, posting an 8-0-2 record in his last ten starts. The Canadiens' offensive production—ranking third in the NHL with 3.46 goals per game—means they don't require exceptional goaltending, but consistent performance from both netminders would strengthen their playoff position.
Roster Decisions and Trade Speculation
Several roster questions remain unresolved. The article discusses whether Josh Anderson should receive an opportunity on the top line with Suzuki and Cole Caufield, particularly since Juraj Slafkovsky was moved to play with rookies Oliver Kapanen and Demidov.
Defensive pairings also generate discussion, with Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble competing for the sixth defenceman spot. Xhekaj has played 50 games averaging 11:20 of ice time, while Struble has played 39 games averaging 14:04.
Trade speculation surrounds Patrik Laine, with the article suggesting the 27-year-old forward likely won't remain with the Canadiens beyond the March 6 trade deadline. General manager Kent Hughes may need to retain salary to facilitate a trade, given Laine's $8.7 million cap hit.
League-Wide Concerns
The proliferation of broken sticks in the NHL has raised safety concerns. Former NHL referee Dave Jackson explained that there's no uniform policy regarding officials picking up broken sticks, noting that some officials always collect them while others avoid doing so to prevent missing calls.
Jackson personally never picked up sticks during his career, recalling two instances early in his career when doing so caused him to miss significant penalties. He emphasized that player safety should remain paramount as the league addresses this growing concern.
The Canadiens' selection of Ivan Demidov represents a significant success in player evaluation and development, while the contrasting fortunes of Demidov and Michkov highlight the unpredictable nature of drafting and developing young talent in the NHL.
