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Dans les coulisses

Ivan Demidov is (quite) bigger than you think

We’re getting closer and closer to the 2024 NHL Draft. Right now, the consensus seems to be that Macklin Celebrini will be drafted first overall, and after that, who can predict the rest of the first round?

As soon as the second pick is taken, the suspense begins… and so much the better.

The Habs, who have the fifth pick, are probably hoping Ivan Demidov will slide up to their selection rank. The talented Russian forward would energize the club’s offense by bringing in some raw talent.

That said, he is often criticized for being a “small player”… but in reality, this may not be the case.

According to a scout polled by Scott Powers (The Athletic), Demidov isn’t 5’10”, he’s just over 6′ tall. He measures 184 centimetres to be exact, and the scout thinks he can still grow a bit considering that his father is 185.

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In fact, 184 centimetres is taller than Macklin Celebrini’s last (official) measurement of 180 centimetres (just under six feet). And yet, Celebrini is not referred to as a small player…

In the same text, the scout talks a bit about the kid, saying that his work ethic is impeccable and that on the ice, he’s not far from Celebrini’s talent level, who is seen as the(almost) consensus first choice. He’s convinced that if Demidov improves his shot, he can easily become a 50-goal scorer.

And he’s not at all worried about THE big question: he’s convinced Demidov will make the leap to North America in a year’s time.

These are reassuring words, especially in the wake of Daniel Brière’s recent slightly worrying comments that he doesn’t know if he’ll ever see Matvei Michkov in Philadelphia. I still think Demidov will be drafted before the fifth spot, but if the Russian question can scare a few teams in the top-4, the Habs will have the opportunity to draft a hell of a player at their draft rank.

In bursts

– Speaking of the draft.

– Nothing less.

– Still.

– Excellent summary of what Ross Atklns had to say in Toronto.

– Again and again, he’s in front.