Ivan Demidov in 14 facts and photos

The best prospect of the Habs since Guy Lafleur saw his contract terminated by SKA Saint-Petersburg, so he could join the Habs. There is definitely a huge buzz around the young Russian!

Ivan Demidov, aged 19, is a native of Sergiev Posad, Russia, born on December 10, 2005. He has played his entire early career on Soviet soil, living in Saint Petersburg and Balashikha.

Before settling in the KHL, Ivan had tryouts, including in 2022-2023, the year he made his debut in the top Russian league. He did not amass any points in 2 games, as he mostly played in the MHL that season (62 points in 41 games).

Everyone knows Ivan Demidov, of course, but did you know that he has an older brother named Semyon, who is also a forward? At the age of 22, he has also evolved in the SKA Saint-Petersburg organization in recent years, going through all levels, namely the VHL, MHL, and KHL.

The young European won a championship with the SKA's farm team during the 2023-24 season, however he suffered an injury to the knee in the finals, which kept him out. He is however 100% recovered.

For geopolitical reasons, some NHL teams seemed reluctant to select Ivan Demidov in the top-3 of the draft. That being said, the Russian moved to North America before the session, demonstrating all his interest in playing in the best circuit in the world.

With the fifth pick in the NHL draft, the Canadiens of Montreal have set their sights on Ivan Demidov. This is a real gift, considering Demidov clearly had the talent to be called... well first.

The Habs wanted to do things big for this draft, as the team asked Céline Dion, the pride of Quebec and Vegas queen, to announce the organization's pick. What happens in Vegas...

Under Roman Rotenberg's direction, Demidov played the 2024-2025 season with SKA's main club, earning 49 points, including 19 goals, in 65 games. Quite an achievement, considering his young age and the fact that he was often limited in terms of ice time by his coach throughout the season. He still finished as the top scorer on his team.

It's known, in the world of hockey, or even sports, an athlete has a nickname, and Demidov is no exception. He has been nicknamed 'Demigod' by a portion of the fanbase!

The 6'1 forward had the opportunity to play with a former NHL star this season, none other than the polarizing Evgeny Kuznetsov, former Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes. Thus, these two have completed a dynamic and productive duo for the Russian team.

Not surprisingly, Demidov was the best player for SKA during the KHL playoffs, having accumulated 5 points in 6 games, finishing first in the team's scoring as he did during the season. However, his team lost in 6 games against Dynamo Moscow in the first round of the Gagarin Cup.

Several had hoped to see Demidov take back his number 91, certainly, but he opted for the 93, finally, making a nice nod to the Habs' last Stanley Cup. Also, it should be noted that Oliver Kapanen is already wearing the 91, having arrived before Demidov in the organization. A new start for the Habs' new jewel!

The SKA has decided to release Ivan Demidov, who signed his entry-level contract in the NHL on April 8. Two days later, he arrived in Toronto, where dozens of Habs fans decided to go welcome him. He skated for the first time on with his new colors on his back.

The young player seems to have already developed some affinities with a few of his teammates, including Arber Xhekaj, Emil Heineman, and Lane Hutson, as they have all skated together over the past few days. Demidov has been warmly welcomed into his new nest, to say the least. He made his NHL debut against the Chicago Blackhawks, scoring 2 points, including a goal!