![All signs point to Ivan Demidov missing SKA’s intra-squad game (again)](https://dose.ca/app/uploads/2024/06/GettyImages-1662125812.jpg)
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.
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.
The SKA IG page posted several clips of their scrimmage game today.
We didn’t see #91 Ivan Demidov on the ice or on the bench in any of the clips so he was likely watching from the stands again just like last week. https://t.co/3K7Wem5pV3 pic.twitter.com/FdUGX4L8nh
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) August 13, 2024
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.
Kuzy 2+1+ SO winner
HC SKA pic.twitter.com/3jMc65pplP
– Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) August 13, 2024
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.
Sam Rosen retiring as @NYRangers TV play by play broadcaster after this upcoming season. A gorgeous voice, a warm, kind manner and a man of profound decency. An all time Great. For me, “And this one will last a lifetime!” is the greatest call in NHL broadcasting history. pic.twitter.com/ZZ60YbkElD
– BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) August 13, 2024