Sports Express : the Canadiens expect to have Ivan Demidov this season

In recent weeks, we learned that Ivan Demidov had a chance to play in junior hockey once the SKA (KHL) was eliminated.

And with the SKA being eliminated in the last few days, more than ever, we knew there was a chance to see the best hockey player not playing in the NHL finish the season in junior hockey.

Everything to convince him to stay in Russia… with methods from the past.

What this means is that on the heels of the junior club’s game of the day, we were checking to see if Ivan Demidov would be in uniform today – even if the chances were slim.

And in the end, he is not.

Ivan Demidov is not on the SKA-1946 MHL lineup for their game today at 10:00am ET pic.twitter.com/2QWA0Y7UyJ

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) April 7, 2025

Note that this does not mean he will never be. After all, his season in the KHL has just ended and we need to let time for these decisions to be made.

But for today’s game, nothing has been decided. We expect to see these discussions take place early in the week.

What we need to know, however, is that a surprising news story has emerged from Russia in the Demidov file. And this goes against everything that has been said elsewhere.

What are we talking about?

According to Sports Express, a major Russian media outlet, the Canadiens are expecting to see Demidov arrive in Montreal before the end of the regular season, which is in the coming days.

A spot in the top-6 would have been guaranteed for him.

For what it’s worth, and going against everything that’s being said, Sport Express is reporting that Montreal expects Demidov to join them this season. pic.twitter.com/yXuaC1A49S

— Andrew Zadarnowski (@AZadarski) April 7, 2025

Since there is no agreement between the KHL and the NHL for transfers, it is really unlikely to see Demidov arrive in Montreal before the end of the season. This is what has been said for weeks.

I don’t believe it. But if it happens, the hockey vibe will be even crazier.

More details to come…