Hockey

Ivan Demidov: once again, Roman Rotenberg praises him in North American media
Félix Forget
Ivan Demidov: once again, Roman Rotenberg praises him in North American media
Credit: Getty Images

Roman Rotenberg has not been a popular man in Montreal this season. The SKA head coach, who has had to deal with Ivan Demidov in recent months, was seen as an obstacle to the kid‘s development.

People wanted to see him in Montreal for his talent, of course, but also to give him better conditions in which to develop.

Then, two weeks ago, SKA announced that Demidov would be joining the CH to finish the season. And all of a sudden, Rotenberg became a lot more popular around town, hehe.

And what's interesting is that Rotenberg is also making the rounds of North American Russian media to praise his (former) protégé. We heard him on BPM Sports the day Demidov was announced… and today, he was on The Eye Test, Jimmy Murphy and Pierre McGuire's podcast.

He took the opportunity to praise Demidov, saying the kid is “one of the best players he's ever managed in his life” and that he's not surprised Demidov scored in his first game.

It's really interesting to see Rotenberg in the North American media given that this has never happened in the past. The Demidov craze is a game-changer, of course, but it's pretty special.

We know that he's trying to bring the KHL closer to the NHL: is he taking advantage of the Demidov wave to show off in the local media to try and get his project across better? After all, he talked about it again today…

What is clear, though, is that Rotenberg isn't afraid to give Demidov some love. He didn't always do it in Russia this season, but since Demidov has been with the CH, Rotenberg's discourse has really changed.

I can't wait to see if we continue to see the SKA coach in the local media… because it makes for an interesting perspective, especially with Demidov in town.


Breaking news

– Wow.

– Nice reading.

– Indeed.

– Hard blow for the Braves.

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