Expectations for Demidov: If he passes the 60-point plateau in 25-26, it will be a success

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Crédit: Ivan Demidov plays in first NHL game for Canadiens against Blackhawks.

Ivan Demidov is a player with the skills to become a star in the National Hockey League. We saw his talent in his very first NHL game: the Russian collected two points in his first period in the big league, and he did it in fine style.That said, we know he has what it takes to succeed.

Expectations will be high in his first full season in North America, much as they were with Lane Hutson, and, like the defenseman, if Demidov surpasses the 60-point plateau in his first year with the Canadiens, it will be a success.

That’s what Brian Wilde told the Sick Podcast:

[content-ads] Brian Wilde is right. Demidov probably won’t get 100 points right away… but with the quality of NHL players, seeing him produce sixty or so points as a rookie would be excellent.

He’ll be well surrounded – especially on the powerplay – and Martin St-Louis is likely to give him a chance to make his mark on one of the team’s top two trios, too. Given plenty of playing time – again, as was the case with Hutson – Demidov will have the chance to showcase his talent to the full.

And that’s just it, we know that talent comes out of his ears,as he demonstrated last night in the three-on-three league (LSHL):

It’s hard to predict how many points he’ll collect in 25-26, but we know he’ll play with good players and have an important role on the team. And knowing that, it makes you believe he can be productive even though this will be his first NHL season.

He’s not seen as the favorite at the Calder for nothing, after all…[spacer title=’En rafale’] – Logical.

– He’s too strong.

– Will he be traded before the season starts?