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All signs point to Ivan Demidov missing SKA’s intra-squad game (again)

 Michael Johnson
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All signs point to Ivan Demidov missing SKA’s intra-squad game (again)
Credit: Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

With Ivan Demidov selected fifth overall in the latest draft, many Canadiens fans are keeping a close eye on what’s happening with SKA in the KHL. After all, Demidov is the team’s top prospect, and he’s one that fans are excited about.

And with the Habs’ activities slowing down in August, there’s something to look forward to.

That said, we know that the kid has been injured, so his preparation has obviously been slowed down. The good news is that he’s been back in training for a while now, even though we didn’t see him play in SKA’s first intrasquad game.

Today, the Russian team was playing a second intra-squad game, so the young forward was under scrutiny. However, all indications are that, once again, Demidov was not in uniform for the game.

He’s nowhere to be seen on the SKA’s official publications… and in the media that covered the game, there’s no mention of Demidov at all.

Of course, it’s important to remember that this is only an intra-team match, so we shouldn’t jump to conclusions. That said, considering that the youngster will have to compete with several other forwards for playing time, it’s not ideal to see him miss games where he has the opportunity to earn points.

He doesn’t have the chance to shine like Evgeny Kuznetsov, for example.

Remember that Demidov recently opened the door to playing in the VHL this season. For the Habs, who are hoping to see their prospect play in the best league in Russia, this really wouldn’t be an ideal scenario… and one wonders if such a scenario would prompt the Habs to try and repatriate the kid.

We know that SKA is very tight on money with the salary cap, and with the potential arrival of Tony DeAngelo, ending a contract to give themselves room to maneuver could help. We don’t know if the club would consider doing this with Demidov, but if he’s going to play in the VHL before he leaves in a year’s time anyway…

The question now is when Demidov will be able to play a game with the rest of his teammates. And, more importantly, whether he’s healthy enough to do so right now.


Overtime

– The voice of the Rangers will bow out at the end of the coming season.

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