Latest news with #Demidov
Ottawa Citizen
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Cowan: Canadiens prospect Michael Hage displays potential at centre
Michael Hage's skill level made him stand out at the Canadiens' development camp last summer in Brossard. Article content You could see right away why the Canadiens selected Hage in the first round (21st overall) of last year's NHL Entry Draft after taking Ivan Demidov with the fifth overall pick. Article content Demidov, 19, made the jump to the NHL this year after completing his KHL season with 19-30-49 totals in 65 games with SKA St. Petersburg, setting a league record for most points by a player younger than 20 and winning the rookie-of-the-year award. Demidov had a goal and an assist in two regular-season games with the Canadiens and added two assists in five playoff games. He showed he's ready to play regularly in the NHL next season. Article content Article content Hage, also 19, is coming off an impressive freshman season at the University of Michigan, where he had 13-21-34 totals in 33 games and was named his team's top rookie. Hage still isn't ready for the NHL, but if all goes well, the Canadiens hope he can develop into the second-line centre they need behind Nick Suzuki. Article content 'Yeah, I do,' Rassey said during a phone interview on Thursday. 'I think he's got top-six potential at the NHL level. It's going to take him some time to get there — it's not going to be an overnight thing. But from a potential standpoint, his ceiling is extremely, extremely high.' Article content Hage is listed at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds and needs to add more muscle in order to compete in the NHL. He's continuing to work on that with the University of Michigan players going through their spring-term training sessions with the team's strength coach. Article content Article content 'It's hard throughout the course of a hockey season to be able to grow and add (muscle),' Rassey said. 'But to see what he's done so far in the eight weeks in the post-season and still having eight weeks to go, I think he's going to be a different player next season from a physical standpoint. He looks really good in the gym. Article content MICHAEL HAGE ALL BY HIMSELF ‼️ @umichhockey It's all tied up in Ann Arbor, 2-2. #B1GHockey on BTN 📺 — Big Ten Hockey (@B1GHockey) February 16, 2025
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Ivan Demidov set for Calder Trophy run as Montreal Canadiens chase back-to-back wins
Demidov powers Montreal's Calder Trophy hopes (Image via: Getty Images) Lane Hutson made history this year by becoming the first Montreal Canadiens player since 1972 to win the Calder Trophy. But the spotlight is already shifting to the next big name: Ivan Demidov. After a promising start in the NHL, Demidov is entering the 2024–25 season with high expectations and many believe he could bring the Calder home again. Montreal eyes second straight Calder Trophy with Demidov in focus For the first time in over five decades, a Montreal Canadiens rookie claimed the NHL's top rookie honour. Lane Hutson's Calder Trophy win in 2024 not only marked a personal milestone but also ended a 52-year drought for the franchise. Now, the attention has quickly shifted to another young name making waves — Ivan Demidov. The 18-year-old Russian forward arrived in Montreal after a strong campaign in the KHL and didn't take long to draw attention. Despite limited NHL minutes toward the end of last season, Demidov showed flashes of skill that highlighted why he was one of the most talked-about international prospects. Canadiens' Ivan Demidov Targeting His NHL Debut | Saturday Headlines His early form has already sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike. Can the Canadiens do what no NHL team has done in more than 50 years — produce back-to-back Calder winners? The last to manage that feat was the Boston Bruins, with Bobby Orr in 1967 followed by Derek Sanderson in 1968. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Device Made My Power Bill Drop Overnight elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Pre-Order Undo Since then, the NHL has grown in size and competition, making consecutive wins for teammates an increasingly rare achievement. However, Montreal's shift toward a youth-first approach could create the right conditions for it to happen again. The Canadiens have been steadily building a core around young talent. With names like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, Kaiden Guhle, and now Hutson already in place, Demidov steps into a system that not only supports but accelerates player development. He's expected to see regular minutes and play a more involved role from the outset. The 2025 Calder Trophy race is expected to be competitive, with several top rookies across the league set to make their mark. But Demidov holds a few key advantages—brief but valuable NHL experience, a strong support system, and a style of play that fits modern league demands. Also Read: Justin Carbonneau faces crucial decision ahead of NHL Draft, balancing NCAA opportunities and Junior Hockey ties If his transition continues smoothly and he delivers consistently, Ivan Demidov may well become the second Canadiens rookie in as many years to be crowned the NHL's best.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'It's not just about talent': Montreal Canadiens eye stronger defense and smart forwards for Ivan Demidov
Montreal Canadiens eye stronger defense and smart forwards for Ivan Demidov (Image via Getty) The Montreal Canadiens are busy behind the scenes as the offseason begins. While fans are excited about the arrival of top prospect Ivan Demidov, there's more happening. Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman dropped some key updates on his '32 Thoughts' podcast that hint at what the Canadiens might do next. But the full story goes deeper than just Demidov's debut. Elliotte Friedman shares Montreal Canadiens want new defense and help for Ivan Demidov On the June 7 episode of the '32 Thoughts' podcast, Elliotte Friedman said there is growing talk that the Montreal Canadiens are not just focused on defense. While many believe the team needs to fix its blue line, Friedman shared they are also looking for strong forwards who can play well with 18-year-old Ivan Demidov. Demidov, who is one of the most talked-about young players from Russia, was picked by Montreal in the 2024 NHL Draft. He is expected to join the team soon, and the Canadiens want to make sure he is set up to succeed. Friedman explained, 'There's been a lot of talk that the Canadiens want to add defense, but I've also heard they are looking at forwards who could fit next to Demidov.' This means Montreal could be working on more than just one area of the team. The update came while Friedman and Jeff Marek were talking about summer trades, free agents, and how young stars will change NHL rosters soon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2oz Superior Ginseng Undo Also Read: Ivan Demidov Shortlisted For KHL Rookie Of The Year Following Strong Season With SKA St. Petersburg Ivan Demidov could shape how the Montrel Canadiens build their team this summer Ivan Demidov hasn't played a single NHL game yet, but his presence is already making waves. Montreal clearly sees him as a future star and wants to surround him with players who match his style. According to Friedman, the Montrel Canadiens are looking for skilled forwards who can play fast and smart just like Demidov. 'It's not just about talent,' he said on the podcast. 'It's about chemistry. They want someone who can grow with him.' This news came shortly after Demidov posted a training photo on Instagram from Russia, showing he is preparing hard for his first NHL season. With trades and signings expected in the coming weeks, fans now know the Canadiens are thinking long-term with Demidov at the center of their plans.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Ivan Demidov shortlisted for KHL Rookie of the Year following strong season with SKA St. Petersburg
Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov (via Getty Images) Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov was a finalist for the Rookie of the Year award from the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) after a breakout season with SKA St. Petersburg . The 19-year-old fifth-overall pick of the Canadiens in 2024 opened eyes with his stability and maturity on offence well over his years in Russia's top-level pro league before coming to North America. Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov is still on fire with KHL Rookie of the Year nomination View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) Ivan Demidov's KHL Rookie of the Year nod tops an impressive 2024–25 campaign that demonstrated his scoring game and readiness for the professional leagues. With 19 tallies and 30 helpers for 49 points in 65 SKA St. Petersburg games, the Russian right wing supplemented that with three scores and five points in six playoff games. Demidov's quick ascent earned him a summons to the Montreal Canadiens for April. He notched one goal and one assist in two regular-season games and added two other assists in five playoff games during the Canadiens' first-round series against the Washington Capitals in his first experience with NHL play. Semyon Vyazovoi and Yegor Surin complete a competitive Rookie of the Year lineup by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning For Working Professionals. BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo The Seattle Kraken's Semyon Vyazovoi and Nashville's Yegor Surin have both impressive resumes in the KHL. Vyazovoi, drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Draft, had a strong goal record for Salavat Yulaev Ufa, while Surin, Nashville's first-round pick, scored seven goals and 14 points in 41 games for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, establishing himself as a two-way presence in the KHL. Both players are among an increasing number of Russian prospects entering the scene almost immediately at both domestic and overseas levels. A bright future ahead for Montreal Canadiens' next scoring sensation With Ivan Demidov already producing on the NHL level and earning international recognition, the Montreal Canadiens have cause for enthusiasm regarding his potential. His electrifying skating, top-pick puck-handling, and exceptional hockey sense make him one of the best young prospects in the Canadiens' system. Also read: Alex Ovechkin in game 1 shining, young Ivan Demidov cracking under pressure Whether or not he wins the KHL Rookie of the Year award, Demidov is already making noise among fans and pundits as a game-changer during Montreal's rebuild.
CBC
01-05-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Canadiens eliminated from NHL playoffs after 4-1 loss to Capitals in Game 5
The Montreal Canadiens are out of the NHL playoffs. Montreal fell 4-1 to the Washington Capitals in Game 5 of their first-round series Wednesday, losing the best-of-seven matchup in five games. Washington will take on the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round, while Montreal becomes the second team knocked out of the post-season. The Canadiens unexpectedly returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2021, marking a turnaround for the storied franchise that began its first rebuild after a disastrous start to the 2021-22 season. Montreal lived near the NHL's basement for three years and was not a popular pre-season pick to reach the playoffs. The Canadiens stumbled out of the gate and ranked 31st in the NHL on Dec. 1, more than a quarter of the way through the season. A hot streak during the holiday season was one of many turning points in a roller-coaster campaign. The Canadiens struggled again in late January and early February to fall behind in the playoff race, but rebounded with a 15-5-6 run after the 4 Nations Face-Off break in a stretch filled with dramatic comebacks. WATCH | The buzz surrounding Habs rookie Demidov: Is all the hype over Habs recruit Ivan Demidov overkill? 16 days ago Duration 2:25 Montreal captured the second — and final — wild card in the Eastern Conference with a 4-2 win over Carolina in its final game of the regular season. The matchup drew so much attention that the French-language federal election debate needed to be rescheduled two hours earlier than planned. Captain Nick Suzuki led the way with 89 points — the most by a Canadien since 1995-96 — while Calder Trophy favourite Lane Hutson set franchise records for a rookie defenceman. Sam Montembeault established himself as a solid No. 1 goalie, and veterans Josh Anderson and Brendan Gallagher had their best seasons in years, among several other key performances in a special season. The youngest team to reach the playoffs, the Canadiens also qualified with the fewest points (91) and worst goal-differential (-20). After two months of playing playoff-like hockey to climb the standings, the wear and tear began to take its toll against a physical Capitals team. Top-seeded Washington won Games 1 and 2 at home before Montreal's electric Game 3 victory in the first sold-out playoff game at the Bell Centre since 2017. The Capitals then picked up the first road win of the series in Game 4 on Sunday. Montembeault missed Games 4 and 5 after exiting midway through Game 3 with a lower-body injury, and rookie goalie Jakub Dobes took over in the crease. The Canadiens also played without winger Patrik Laine (upper body) from Game 3 onward, while several other players nursed injuries.
