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Second center: it will take a front-line player for Ivan Demidov
Marc-Olivier Cook
Second center: it will take a front-line player for Ivan Demidov
Credit: Getty Images
Kirby Dach will no longer play this season. But with what we’ve seen from him in 2024-2025… It’s normal to ask one particular question.

Does Dach really, really have what it takes to be the Montreal Canadiens’ 2nd center one day?

We know he has great potential, but we also know that his health often works against him. And now, after two fairly significant injuries, maybe he’ll never come back as the player we saw during the 22-23 season…

Right now, it’s Owen Beck who’s replacing him at the center of the second unit. But clearly, this is not the Canadiens’ long-term plan… And ultimately, Kent Hughes will have to find a way this summer to have a good second center in place for next season.

Why?

Because it’s important for the Canadiens to be able to progress… But mostly, because Ivan Demidov needs to be surrounded the right way.

The one who was selected to the KHL’s All-Rookie Team in January needs to play with talented players, as Stéphane Leroux reminded us last night on the radio (98.5 FM):

The Canadiens must not take the same path as the Blackhawks.

In Chicago, Connor Bedard is in his second season in the NHL… And it’s been two consecutive seasons that his team has been bad.

It’s been two seasons in a row that he’s had to play with many different teammates because his team lacks depth and has never surrounded him the right way.

What’s happening now is that Bedard seems to be getting frustrated.

The Canadiens can’t afford to “mess up” with Demidov, who has the potential to become one of the best players in the National League:

Kent Hughes will have to be aggressive in his efforts.

There are some interesting players right now: Ryan O’Reilly, Dylan Cozens, Sidney Crosby (?)…

The important thing for the Canadiens’ GM will be to find a complement so Demidov can progress the right way. And with the creativity he has… it seems like I’m not too worried about that.


In a hurry

– A first goal this season for David Reinbacher.

– The Penguins and Predators are trading veterans. All three players are under contract beyond this season.

– Vincent Desharnais is going to the Sharks. In return, the Penguins are getting a 4th-round pick… in 2028.

– You can understand why.

– Arber’s brother is impressive.

– Good listening.

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