Canadiens: A Demidov Replace

As reported earlier this week, the Montreal Canadiens fifth general choice on the final draft Ivan Demidov has made SKA St. Petersburg’s opening evening roster. The teenager was all smiles when he was launched to the gang earlier this week and offered together with his new 91 jersey. It appears to be like like Canadiens’ followers can relaxation straightforward, he will not be asking Gallagher for his quantity 11 jersey.

The common season kicks off on Sept. 3 within the KHL however SKA’s first recreation is scheduled for Sept. 5 in opposition to Metallurg MG. Earlier than the season will get beneath method, Demidov gave an interview to Russian media outlet Championat and Canadiens’ followers can be joyful to listen to that his dream stays to play within the NHL.

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Whereas his coach Roman Rotenberg has been quoted as saying there is no level for Demidov to go over to North America if he will not be enjoying on the Canadiens’ first line, the prospect is greater than able to pay his dues and play within the AHL if that is what it takes to realize his final purpose of enjoying within the NHL.

When questioned about his future, Demidov says he desires to play out the final 12 months of his contract after which take into consideration his subsequent step. Russian groups have been identified to wish to retain homegrown expertise after they can and this is a superb reply from {the teenager}. Saying he totally intends to cross the ocean to affix the Canadiens subsequent season might need resulted in much less ice time as has been the case with Russian prospects who had been dedicated to return over to the NHL up to now. He did add he feels able to go to the NHL and that he’ll greater than possible go subsequent 12 months.

Related: Canadiens: Ivan Demidov’s Puchkov Performance Merits Him Opening Day Lineup Spot

About former Canadiens’ alternate captain Andrei Markov suggesting he learns French to get much more respect in Montreal, the silky handed ahead replied that he is already began to study the language, however that it is no straightforward process, the pronunciation is giving him some hassle.

The brand new quantity 91 loved his expertise captaining the Russian U-23 on the Puchkov Match and added that Rotenberg requested him if he wished to be loaned to the nationwide workforce for the event. Because it got here with extra ice-time and accountability, he figured why not and agreed to do it. He wasn’t frightened his resolution may put him at a drawback to make SKA’s first workforce because the coach reacted positively to his resolution.

Related: Canadiens: Ivan Demidov’s Stance on Playing in the AHL

Demidov readily admits that he does not really feel in optimum form but, that he did not have that a lot time to arrange although the Puchkov Match helped him get again within the rhythm of the sport, however there’s nonetheless some work to be performed to get to the proper degree. Given he was rehabbing his ankle when the coaching camp began, it is hardly stunning he does not but really feel in tip-top form for the upcoming season.

Regardless that SKA has acquired fairly a powerful lineup, Demidov intends to place within the work and use each alternative he will get to safe himself an vital and secure position on the workforce. That is his most vital goal this season, he isn’t even desirous about maybe being named the league’s rookie of the 12 months.

Each week appears to convey new Demidov highlights and interviews today and I totally count on this development to proceed all season lengthy. The KHL common season is schedule to finish on March 23 whereas the Gagarin Cup playoffs will happen from March 26 to Could 25 on the newest.

Evidently that if SKA has a profitable season, Demidov will not be performed in time to affix the Canadiens on the tail finish of the NHL season. Final 12 months, St. Petersburg completed second within the league, three factors behind the leaders. Nonetheless, they bowed out within the second spherical of the playoffs dropping the sequence 4-1 to Avtomobilist. They will little question be hoping to compete for longer this time round.

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