Every time there’s a ranking of the best hopefuls, there’s a lot of talk.
Some of the choices are highly questionable… and that’s why they always cause such a stir.
I say that because it’s rare to see Ivan Demidov’s name ahead of Matvei Michkov’s in such a ranking. Sportsnet’s Sam Cosentino, Jason Bukala and Emily Sadler, however, decided to do things a little differently.
The three Sportsnet analysts have compiled a list of the best players aged 23 and under who have yet to play a single NHL game.
Lane Hutson, for example, doesn’t make the list because he played with the Habs at the end of last season.
All this to say that at the top, unsurprisingly, is Macklin Celebrini of the Sharks. He’s seen as the best prospect in the world, after all.
But it’s what happens next that gets interesting, because Demidov is placed 2nd on the list… while Michkov is placed 4th.
For those wondering, defenseman Alexander Nikishin (Hurricanes) is ranked 3rd.
From potential franchise cornerstones to soon-to-be everyday NHLers, here are Sportsnet’s top 23 NHL prospects under 23. https://t.co/UsIb3Mp3aG
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 11, 2024
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Like it or not, and like it or not… There will always be a link between Ivan Demidov and Matvei Michkov, because the Habs could have had both in the Montreal organization via the draft.
On the other hand, it’s hard to judge the potential of the two players, as they have yet to play a single game in the National League.
KHL highlights may be interesting, but we know that the KHL and NHL are two completely different leagues.
That said, Simon Boisvert has seen enough: for him, Demidov could become a player who can score 90 points per season.
That’s what he said in the first episode (of season 2) of Process:
The Snake thinks Ivan Demidov can become a 90-point player!
To listen to the latest episode of Processus: https://t.co/BHlnWyxwBi
On Spotify: https://t.co/mEc4ikMhSq pic.twitter.com/R0OqMyFvWF
– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) September 11, 2024
Expectations are huge right now when it comes to Ivan Demidov.
And that’s normal, because it’s been a long time since the Habs have had a quality prospect like him.
It remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to live up to those expectations, because if not, I have a feeling there’s going to be some frustrated fans in Montreal…
Overtime
– Speaking (in particular) of Michkov: He’s been working hard this summer to add muscle.
See this post on Instagram
– The worst is done!
Physical testing: complete ✅
Physical testing: complete #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/8emMq0OzXT
– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) September 11, 2024
– Hello, Filip.
Filip Mesar at the Habs rookie camp today. pic.twitter.com/FpWL84wes3
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) September 11, 2024
– Evander Kane and Darnell Nurse are injured.
Hearing that Evander Kane & Darnell Nurse are expected to start training camp on the shelf due to injury.
Nurse has been on the ice for informal skates & continues to heal up a lingering injury from the playoffs. The projection is he will be good to go later in camp.
– Tom Gazzola (@TomGazzola) September 11, 2024
– Three players on trial with the Ducks, including Gustav Lindstrom.
#NHLDucks are bringing three players to camp on PTOs: Mark Pysyk, Boris Katchouk, Gustav Lindstrom.
– Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 11, 2024
– Still!
30,000 spectators this afternoon at the Rogers Center in Toronto, on a Wednesday afternoon in September to see a club that’s been bad all year. And now eliminated. No worse…
– Jeremy Filosa 🎙 (@JeremyFilosa) September 11, 2024
– Too bad.
Relief ruined it though. https://t.co/gJIEWKOB8P
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) September 11, 2024