This week will probably be a lot of Demidov hype as he and many other Russian/other players are in Miami, FL for a separate combine-esque event this week, following the actual NHL Combine last week that Russian players were not invited to.
Early signs are all very positive towards Demidov and it will be interesting to see what else we hear!
For the Hawks interest:
– Demidov has worked to get his English to a good level, can hold conversations without a translator.
– As has been speculated for a while now, he is bigger and taller than what he has been listed at online (official measurements TBD). He also is striving to improve his two-way game and play more like a center, so the consistent characterization of “small Russian winger” may not really be all that accurate moving forward.
– Davidson is there personally (as expected) and it sounds like the Hawks are planning on having dinner with Demidov’s camp this evening. Article alludes to the team probably giving him the same “rockstar treatment” that they gave Levshunov at the Combine.
– Ivan says he doesn’t know why he wasn’t in the KHL but obviously was gunning to get that promotion all season. His camp reiterates his plan is to still play in North America starting in the 2025-26 season after his current deal expires, he could even be available for development camps this summer before going back to the KHL for his last year.
– Apparently from [one source](https://x.com/OviClapBomb/status/1803087264378974295), Demidov has confirmed he will be on SKA’s KHL roster next season, though I am not familiar with this person and verification on this quote will definitely be needed.
archasaurus
I figured there would be some hype during this showcase. Let’s see where it goes! Not sure that I buy him being a center. Sounds like agent talk or wishful thinking. It’s great that he’s improving his two way game though. He’s already no slouch there.
SgtPeppersReprise
I’d be ok with Levshunov if the FO thinks it’s the best move but boy is the prospect of Demidov on this team exciting.
PhilyJ
Hopefully Kyle Davidson happily shocks Chicago fans and drafts him.
SummitSloth
Man I would be so happy with either Demidov and Levshunov. Super stoked
AARM2000
I think it really gives a lot of weight to the argument that if he was not in Russia, imo he would be at least the frontrunner at 2.
6 Comments
This week will probably be a lot of Demidov hype as he and many other Russian/other players are in Miami, FL for a separate combine-esque event this week, following the actual NHL Combine last week that Russian players were not invited to.
Early signs are all very positive towards Demidov and it will be interesting to see what else we hear!
For the Hawks interest:
– Demidov has worked to get his English to a good level, can hold conversations without a translator.
– As has been speculated for a while now, he is bigger and taller than what he has been listed at online (official measurements TBD). He also is striving to improve his two-way game and play more like a center, so the consistent characterization of “small Russian winger” may not really be all that accurate moving forward.
– Davidson is there personally (as expected) and it sounds like the Hawks are planning on having dinner with Demidov’s camp this evening. Article alludes to the team probably giving him the same “rockstar treatment” that they gave Levshunov at the Combine.
– Ivan says he doesn’t know why he wasn’t in the KHL but obviously was gunning to get that promotion all season. His camp reiterates his plan is to still play in North America starting in the 2025-26 season after his current deal expires, he could even be available for development camps this summer before going back to the KHL for his last year.
—-
*Edit:*
– [Per Milstein](https://x.com/HockeyAgent1/status/1803083273695908314), Demidov is currently 6’1” but official measurements will be taken on Thursday (6/20).
– Apparently from [one source](https://x.com/OviClapBomb/status/1803087264378974295), Demidov has confirmed he will be on SKA’s KHL roster next season, though I am not familiar with this person and verification on this quote will definitely be needed.
I figured there would be some hype during this showcase. Let’s see where it goes! Not sure that I buy him being a center. Sounds like agent talk or wishful thinking. It’s great that he’s improving his two way game though. He’s already no slouch there.
I’d be ok with Levshunov if the FO thinks it’s the best move but boy is the prospect of Demidov on this team exciting.
Hopefully Kyle Davidson happily shocks Chicago fans and drafts him.
Man I would be so happy with either Demidov and Levshunov. Super stoked
I think it really gives a lot of weight to the argument that if he was not in Russia, imo he would be at least the frontrunner at 2.