Hockey

“It wasn’t always pleasant to play on Ivan Demidov’s line”
Félix Forget
“It wasn’t always pleasant to play on Ivan Demidov’s line”
Credit: Getty Images

Ivan Demidov is a guy bursting with talent. As we saw last year, the Habs' first-round pick in 2024 is possibly the most talented prospect we've seen in Montreal in a long, long time.Expectations for him are high… and to see him put his shoulder to the wheel this summer is encouraging.

The fact that he's so good means that sometimes, you have to expect him to take control of the situation in a game. In an interview with the MHL website, a former teammate of CH forward Maxim Ilyichyov was asked what it's like to play on the same line as Demidov. And his answer is… interesting:

It wasn't always pleasant. All he did was pick up the puck and outwit the five players. Every time he passed me the puck, I was the happiest guy in the world.

–

Maxim Ilyichyov

You can tell from his comments that he's being a bit sarcastic, as he says he's still in touch with Demidov and wishes him all the best… but then he goes on to say that, in his eyes, Demidov didn't deserve the KHL Rookie of the Year award last year, despite his historic season.He would have preferred to see forward Artyom Nabiyev win, who collected… 14 points in 62 games. Demidov, meanwhile, collected 49 points in 65 games, so it's all a bit peculiar… and one has to wonder whether Ilyichyov's comments aren't based on a hint of jealousy. After all, this is the first time we've heard any real criticism of Demidov in this regard…but it's interesting to get the perspective of a former linemate of the young Habs forward.

'Overtime'

– Hi, David!

– He continues to prepare for next season.

– Interesting.

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