To go get his “Conn Smythe bonus” in 2025, Ivan Demidov will have to beat Alex Ovechkin

Dose
Crédit: Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

It’s official: Ivan Demidov is a member of the Canadiens. And don’t adjust your device: we’re still in April 2025.

The arrival of the Russian is imminent and will energize the Montreal formation – in addition to energizing Canadiens fans who didn’t ask for so much in this wild playoff chase.

He will be eligible to play in the playoffs and with the talent he has, he will play.

Moreover, it’s interesting to note that Demidov, in his entry-level contract, can earn $525,000 this year if he wins the Conn Smythe, awarded to the best player in the playoffs.

Nice clause in the contract, that. It’s probably a formality, but…

Could Ivan Demidov do like Ken Dryden: win the playoff MVP title BEFORE being the rookie of the year the following season? And can he do it by succeeding Lane Hutson – okay, that’s a stretch.

But what’s more realistic is to think that Demidov will face Alex Ovechkin in the playoffs.

Naturally, as Roman Rotenberg said to BPM Sports and Martin Lemay, facing the best in the world, including Alex Ovechkin, will be a significant challenge for Demidov. But he wanted that challenge.

This will be a passing of the torch for a young player who is possibly the next face of hockey in Russia and for his idol, the all-time leading scorer in the NHL.

So, to win his Conn Smythe, Demidov will really have to beat Ovechkin.

Yes, we know it’s a long shot: the Canadiens don’t really have a chance to make it to the finals. But since Demidov has that clause, it gives us the right to chat a bit, right?

overtime

– Seen from the same perspective… #CommeEn2010