The Montreal Canadiens have officially signed top prospect Ivan Demidov to his entry-level contract, bringing one of the KHL’s most exciting young stars to North America. The deal takes effect immediately, making Demidov eligible to join the Canadiens during their playoff push.
The 18-year-old, who led SKA St. Petersburg in both assists and points this season, is already on his way to Montreal. TSN 690 reports that fans have been closely tracking his flight, with his arrival expected very soon—a reflection of the growing excitement around his debut.
According to RG.org, “Barring any delays, Demidov is slated to land in Toronto on Friday to link up with the Canadiens. If paperwork causes any hold-up, there’s a backup plan for him to head straight to Montreal instead.”
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With Demidov’s arrival imminent, Canadiens fans are brimming with excitement over the potential late-season spark he could provide.
When Will Demidov Make His Debut for the Canadiens?
Ivan Demidov is set to make his NHL debut on Monday night at home against the Chicago Blackhawks. The timing is perfect, as it gives him a few days to practice with the team and acclimate to the NHL’s pace before stepping onto the Bell Centre ice. He mentioned in an interview that adjusting to the speed of the game might be his biggest challenge.
From a developmental perspective, Monday’s game offers a relatively easy introduction. The Canadiens want him to play a couple of regular-season games before transitioning to a playoff environment. Debuting at home against a rebuilding Chicago team should help ease the pressure.
This game will be a must-watch, not only for Demidov’s debut but also because Connor Bedard will be on the ice. The matchup of Demidov vs. Bedard is shaping up to be an exciting way to end the season.
Despite the adjustments, the Canadiens are confident in Demidov’s readiness. He’s played significant minutes in the KHL this season and is reported to be in peak game shape. Most analysts who’ve closely followed his development believe he has the potential to become an NHL star.
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