Why The NHL Will Have a ‘Demidov’ Problem
Nineteen years old—let that land. Just months ago, in early March, Ivan Demidov crossed the Atlantic and stepped into the Bell Centre for his first NHL game, and twenty-one thousand Montreal fans roared as if the Cup were at stake.
Rookie jitters? None. Toe-drags in traffic, seamless zone entries, a goal and an assist—each touch foreshadowed something bigger. Analysts lean on the easy comparison to Nikita Kucherov, but reputable voices inside the league whisper that Demidov’s upper limit could stretch even higher, reshaping how defenders must think about spacing for the next decade.
Therefore in the next few minutes we’ll track his rise from Arctic-wind rinks to playoff pressure cookers, dissect the mechanics that power his deception, project his immediate impact on Montreal’s standings, and explain why the Canadiens’ rebuild may be hurtling toward its finish line faster than anyone imagined.
33 Comments
I honestly think Montreal’s second line isn’t that bad. If you have a healthy Dach, playing like scouts thought he would once upon a time, Laine on the wing, and Demidov in the other side, you have a very solid line, very capable of doing damage to any team. Just sucks that Laine and Dach are both massive question marks every year
How many points do you think Demidov racks up in his best NHL season?
P.S. If you love deep-dive hockey breakdowns like this, make sure to hit SUBSCRIBE so you’re here for the next one! 🏒
This kid has Kovalev’s talent mixed with Lane Hutson’s dedication, he’s going to be scary
Future for the Habs hasn't been this bright since 1975
If Demidov becomes a legend Habs fans will be happy for many years.
How was he 5th pick?? Celebrini 1st is clear but all the rest, how?
Shut down Chez Paree just to be safe.
Thank you, chicago
I think Demidov could have gone 1st overall if he wasn't Russian
A new Conner McDavid?
Congrats on being able to pronounce players name this time
7:15 woah… 70+ pts in his rookie season, that's a bold prediction. I'd be happy if it happens, but let's see. The Kid was amazing on his first night, but afterwards, things got a bit more complicated… bright future ahead for sure, but let's not pressure the kid uselessly… I'll go with 50+ pts
He lacks the speed to be a dominant player
They barely found a solution against Hutson, now they're going to have to deal with Demidov too.
Slafkovsky – Suzuki – Caufield
Bolduc – Hage – Demidov
Guhle – Dobson
Hutson – Reinbacher
(all 25 y/o and under)
🤤🤤🤤
we will see. habs usualy destroys their prospects
Get ready to watch Demidov + Hutson highlights for years to come.
You script made this video really interesting. I have been deep diving Habs content for 2 weeks now and you added a LOT to the conversation with your data-based projections. Worth a sub.
My only two critiques is that you really should have the video footage match what you are talking about whenever possible, and you should also show, in graphic form, the advanced stats and projections you are describing as another visual layer.
Looking forward to watching your content style develop. Especially if you cover the Habs a lot!
The excitement here in Montreal is palpable, we just can't wait until the season begins!
Montreal is a very young team, so it may take some years for these drafts and trades to bear fruit. Still, they made the playoffs last season, and gave the young players a bit of playoff experience, so who knows.
They have a lot of potential. It would be nice if they can turn that potential into reality.
Screw that. NHL is gonna have a habs problem
This is the birth of a new dynasty like the late glorious Oilers/Gretzky era!
I see shades of Pavel Datsyuk
Mark my word , in a few years , we will have realised who was the real 1st ovr in 2024
If a team loaded with as much talent as leafs can't go beyond 2nd round what chance do the habs have ? But I still enjoy all the HABS WILL BE SCARY videos…..your optimism makes me laugh
Reinbacher mailloux beck fowler dach hage demidov etc all put on pedestal, ike saviors..like god.?when none h ave proven anything at nhl level..lane hutson only one….and even then 6 goals mean jack
Zach bolduc, Joe VELENO, if he joins habs..won't add any substance to team…and I can't wait
to see if dobson will ever reach a 70 point season again…don't get me wrong I'm a habs fan
The next season cannot come fast enough!!!!
Putin is a HABS fan or a fan of money.
great video!
I was at that game. It was a sight to see! The building was deafening!!
He reminds me of the russian five if no one here has wtached that movie i suggest it to allof usergei fedorov what he did for my detroit team but yes this kid is scary good
As a leafs fan, I hope this kid is a monster