Ivan Demidov “will reflect on his future” at the end of this season

In Montreal, many fans are dreaming of the day when Ivan Demidov will wear the Canadiens’ colors. The youngster, who has been the talk of Russia recently, continues to demonstrate the extent of his talent.

It’s hard not to be thrilled when you see him in action.

How can you not be excited to see Ivan Demidov in Montreal?!@grantmccagg joins @TonyMarinaro to discuss the #Canadiens prospect’s electric game with the Russian U-23 team

Full pod
Watch: https://t.co/FgCxakGC9E
Listen: https://t.co/zbGQACnHF9#GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast pic.twitter.com/H4jPjWA3BB

– The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) August 31, 2024

The question, though, is when. The youngster keeps repeating that he wants to honor the last year of his contract in Russia, and seeing him make the SKA team to start the year is good news for his development.

That said, with Bob Hartley saying earlier this week that he expects SKA to try to entice Demidov to stay in Russia, we know that possibility is up in the air… and in an interview with Championat (a Russian media outlet), Demidov had this to say about his future:

I want to honour my contract until the end and think about it afterwards. – Ivan Demidov

In fact, he’s a little more reassuring afterwards, repeating that his dream is to play in the NHL and that he thinks he’ll be playing in the Bettman circuit next year. He also notes that he’s already trying to learn French… but that he’s having trouble with the pronunciation.

That said, Demidov is keeping the door open for next season. He’s not completely closing the door on a return to Russia… even if his plan is to go to the NHL.

You’re free to interpret this as you wish.

In the same interview, Demidov talks about what his coach, Roman Rotenberg, said about not wanting the kid to “break his arms and legs” in the AHL. As for the Habs prospect, he seems open to wearing the Rocket’s colors.

He says he’s not afraid to work towards his goal of playing in the NHL.

Read the full interview HERE. Let’s see what’s in store for Demidov over the next 12 months.

Overtime

– Robert Bortuzzo in Utah.

Utah HC has signed veteran defenseman Robert Bortuzzo to a one-year, two-way contract.

– Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) August 31, 2024

– A statue of Johnny Gaudreau at Boston College would be a great idea.

Legendary @BC_MHockey coach Jerry York wants to erect a statue of Johnny Gaudreau at Boston College.@Ken_Campbell27 says it would be a fitting tribute to a champion and superstar at the school on and off the ice:https://t.co/NoY0OXgoa7

– The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) August 31, 2024