Scout’s Analysis: What Ivan Demidov brings to the Canadiens

It’s been fun to watch the Montreal Canadiens evolve this season. The organization has been in rebuild mode for the past three-plus years and their hard work building through the draft is beginning to pay off. Unless something catastrophic happens in their remaining four games, the Habs should lock down a wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference and qualify for the playoffs.

GM Kent Hughes tasked his scouting staff with finding elite talent in all positions and armed the group with a plethora of draft slots over the last three draft cycles. The staff has responded by selecting Calder Trophy candidate Lane Hutson, power forward Juraj Slafkovsky, plus grade A prospects in defenceman David Reinbacher and goaltender Jacob Fowler, amongst several others.

But their latest prospect signing might just be the most exciting of the bunch.

Ivan Demidov, the top prospect in the entire world not yet playing in the NHL, was taken fifth overall in last year’s draft. Surprisingly, he signed a contract with the Canadiens this week, opening the door to the beginning of his NHL career this season where he could have an impact right away in the playoffs.

Arriving in North America ahead of schedule, Demidov is an electric offensive talent who has the potential to become a superstar in the NHL.

Here’s my breakdown of what the Habs have in Demidov, and what he could bring them right away.

Scouting breakdown of Ivan Demidov

Demidov is a left shot who’s most comfortable playing right wing. He can certainly play both sides, but he’s best when exiting the defensive zone with the entire ice surface in front of him. When wingers pick up pucks that are rimmed around the boards on their strong side they generally receive them over the board-side shoulder, which means they are momentarily not looking out at their options. When Demidov receives an outlet on the weakside he receives it facing the middle of the ice, thus opening up more clear exit options.

From there, Demidov has the ability to beat you a number of different ways.

Once Demidov has possession of the puck he’s a threat to attack off the rush and has the speed and skill to drive opponents back off their blue line. When he arrives in the offensive zone, he also has the strength to drive to the net off the edge, or the vision to pull up and distribute from either his backhand or forehand.

Here’s an example of his speed, skill and vision off the rush:

In the KHL this season, where Demidov played for SKA St. Petersburg, his ice time ranged wildly, but ended up with an average of just over 14 minutes per game, all at even strength and on the power play. Demidov will not play on the penalty kill at the NHL level.

His elite skill and hockey sense leads to quick and accurate playmaking. Pucks are on and off his stick in a flash. He thinks the game one play ahead, which doesn’t allow defenders to front him and intercept plays.

Here’s an example of how quickly he executes on the power play:

Creating scoring chances doesn’t come easy at the NHL level. Young prospects face the challenge of physically imposing defenders and need to adapt to having less time and space to operate when attempting to make plays.

One of Demidov’s endearing qualities is his competitiveness in the hard areas of the ice. He battles to extend plays along the boards and out front of the net. When Demidov arrives first on the scene below the goal line he’s hard to knock off the puck and relentlessly goes back at opponents to gain possession.

Here’s a clip displaying what I am describing:

Like any young prospect, Demidov will have his moments in the defensive zone and have to adjust to the speed of the NHL game in all three zones. Coming from the larger ice surface in the KHL, Demidov will also have to adapt to the smaller dimensions and be acutely in tune with the play on and off the puck.

It’s not unusual for a young forward to have growing pains on the defensive side of the puck, and Demidov will have those moments. Even in the KHL this season there were times where his inexperience on defence showed.

However, Demidov is a special prospect with a good head on his shoulders. He has the hockey sense and natural ability to adjust quickly and I don’t anticipate he’ll be a liability in the NHL.

While Demidov did have times where his defensive game lacked this season, he overall showed growth in this part of his game, too. This is why I think he’ll hit the ground running in the NHL — his offensive game is elite, and his defensive game is improving.

Here’s a play describing what I mean. It’s an area I’ve seen improvement in and shows Demidov identifying his proper check, taking proper routes around the defensive zone, and being dogged in his determination.

The challenge the Canadiens and Demidov have now is to strategize his entry into the lineup.

From a coach’s point of view, Martin St. Louis’ team is riding a six-game winning streak and on the cusp of clinching a playoff spot with their current group of forwards. There’s always the risk of upsetting the chemistry in the room by inserting a prospect into the lineup and healthy scratching a regular.

It’s a tough call to make, but I feel like the leadership group in Montreal, led by captain Nick Suzuki, has established a voice and the players will adapt to whatever is best for the team.

As far as Demidov goes, I anticipate he is eager to get to Montreal and establish himself with the organization. He has already played over 70 games this season, just finished a playoff series vs. Dynamo, had to travel overseas and now will be settling into a new place to live. That’s a lot to deal with in a short time. However, I don’t anticipate him lacking for energy upon arrival. He will slot into Montreal’s top nine forward group and has the skill to add a difference-making layer of offence right away, especially on the power play.

Montreal’s forward group has been riding a wave of consistency and success. It’s hard for me to imagine two of these lines changing upon Demidov’s arrival, but I do see him slotting on to a line with Alex Newhook and Patrik Laine at even strength, as well as one of the Canadiens’ power play units.

Here’s where I’d consider slotting Demidov.