In recent weeks, Ivan Demidov and several other Russian players have not shown up at the NHL combine . That’s just the way it is.
But at least, to allow some teams to meet the big prospects playing in Russia, there’s a showcase taking place in Florida. This is the one that was announced in the last few weeks.
And it starts today.
Today marks the start of the Pre-Draft Showcase in Florida, featuring top prospect Ivan Demidov.
The #CH management will also be there (to meet him).
Can’t wait to read all about it, and to find out Demidov’s exact measurements! #NHLDraft https://t.co/HE3mu5lFWW
– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin (@MOBeaudoin1) June 18, 2024
The Habs will be there, as will several teams and journalists. He certainly wasn’t going to miss his chance to meet Demidov and other prospects.
After all, getting to know his personality and talking to him about the red flags surrounding his candidacy (injury, contract, Russian factor, etc.) is more than a luxury: it’s a necessity.
Seeing him in person helps clarify things. And Ryan Kennedy (The Hockey News) just proved it on Twitter.
He posted a tweet saying that he’d just done a face-to-face interview with Demidov and that, according to him, he’s definitely at least six feet tall. So he says he’s taller than publicly listed.
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Just did an in-person interview with 2024 draft prospect Ivan Demidov and he is at least six-feet tall – definitely bigger than listed
– Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) June 18, 2024
Demidov is officially 5’11. There had already been rumours that he was taller than that, but to read it from someone who has seen him and has no advantage in lying about his height is even better.
Of course, there are growing prospects who make publicly available measurements obsolete, but when it comes to a less accessible prospect like Demidov, it always raises questions.
Note that this morning, the guys present at the showcase skated. Later in the day, there will be training sessions in the gym to see what the prospects have up their sleeves.
To be continued.
Overtime
– The coach is 49.
Happy birthday to Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis, who turns 49 today. #Habs #HabsIO @mtlgazette photo by John Mahoney pic.twitter.com/agZW6WIACF
– Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) June 18, 2024
– Philadelphia and New Jersey on the menu (among others) for the Habs’ preparatory schedule.
Some #NHL teams have begun announcing their 2024 preseason game schedules – so far the two #Habs home dates I’ve seen are Monday, September 23rd (vs. PHI) and Tuesday, September 24th (vs. NJ)
– Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) June 17, 2024
– Good question.
Is this the big night for the Florida Panthers? Watch on our airwaves at 8 p.m. https://t.co/CG3AtSzecA
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) June 18, 2024
– It’s a tough blow for New York… even if they’re having a bad season.
It’ll force the Yankees to reshuffle the infield. https://t.co/jFpmIO6p7x
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) June 18, 2024
– Worth watching.
Two more players from here available next July 1🏒https://t.co/DhzTKM7fgo
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) June 18, 2024