Ignoring Ivan Demidov: Trevor Timmins’ latest big mistake

Ivan Demidov was drafted fifth overall in the 2024 draft. Who will regret not selecting him among the teams that picked in the top four?

We can all agree that the Sharks aren't kicking themselves for saying no to Demidov and yes to Macklin Celebrini.

We can assume that the Blackhawks are betting on the long term with Artyom Levshunov and that it's too early to tell—even though I think Demidov will be better than his compatriot. We can assume that the Ducks are happy to have Beckett Sennecke right now.

But what about the Blue Jackets?

Because Cayden Lindstrom was a sacrosanct “Western beef” who could play center, he was selected just before the CH had a chance to speak.

We already knew he had back problems, but that didn't matter; the Canadian player was selected by the Blue Jackets. He missed almost the entire last season (WHL) due to his injury.

And this season, in the NCAA, things aren't going well. In 23 games, he has only scored one goal. He may be young, but his injuries are really scary.

Trevor Timmins and his new friends at CBJ passed on Demidov to select this player fourth overall, a sort of redemption for all the mistakes he made while drafting for the #GoHabsGo https://t.co/1uqstNCJ0c

— Paul Ryan (@AvocadoPaul) February 17, 2026

As Paul Ryan pointed out on Twitter, Trevor Timmins works for the Blue Jackets. He is no longer in charge of drafting as he was when he worked for the CH: he is now assistant director of player development.

But never mind, he has an important role… and his club missed out on him. Did he owe the Habs one or something?

We know that Trevor Timmins doesn't always have a good batting average in Montreal in the first round. This is even more true in the top 10 picks, where the Habs have failed with Andrei Kostitsyn, Alex Galchenyuk, and Jesperi Kotkaniemi.

Mikhail Sergachev and Carey Price were good picks, though.

In Columbus, the Blue Jackets drafted three times with Timmins in the top 5. Adam Fantilli is a good pick, but David Jiricek and Cayden Lindstrom are not.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

In a nutshell

– Medal alert.

Ivanie Blondin, Valérie Maltais, and Isabelle Weidemann are defending their Olympic title in long track speed skating in the team pursuit event! This same Canadian trio won gold at the 2022 Beijing Games.

Presented by @BRPglobal @SSC_PVC… pic.twitter.com/43YkvsNo44

— Radio-Canada Sports (@RC_Sports) February 17, 2026

– He's playing his part.

Canada's Tom Wilson on how his fight with France's Pierre Crinon unfolded:

“It was kind of a dirty hit, and it's a little bit different in the Olympics, how you have to go about it. I obviously ended up with the same guy who had done it. Hockey is an emotional game. It's a… pic.twitter.com/A0MpVeH06E

— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) February 17, 2026

– What a sad story.

USA coach Mike Sullivan opened his media availability today sending condolences and prayers to families connected to the shooting at the rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 17, 2026

— One to watch.

Pierre LeBrun: I think Robert Thomas is such an intriguing player to watch in all this, he has a full no-move; odds are he's not going anywhere; pretty darn high to get in on Thomas – Basu & Godin (2/9)

— NHL Rumor Report (@NHLRumorReport) February 17, 2026