Canadiens’ Ivan Demidov to make NHL debut Monday against Blackhawks

One the most highly-touted prospects in hockey is ready to go.

When speaking to the media, Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis revealed that forward Ivan Demidov will make his NHL debut on Monday night when the team takes on the Chicago Blackhawks.

Demidov arrived in Montreal recently after signing his three-year, entry-level contract last week. The Habs were able to sign the 19-year-old after he and SKA St. Petersburg made a “joint decision” to terminate his contract with the Kontinental Hockey League power.

The Russian rookie was seen taking line rushes with Alex Newhook and Joel Armia during the morning skate at Centre Bell on Monday. St. Louis also stated that Demidov is expected to see some time on the team’s second power-play unit.

Demidov was taken fifth overall by the Canadiens in last year’s NHL Draft, and it has since led to him having an exceptional season. In 65 games, the 19-year-old posted 19 goals and 30 assists for 49 points, breaking Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov’s record for the most points in the KHL by an Under-20 player. Kaprizov held the previous record of 42 points, which he set during the 2016-17 season with Salavat Yulaeav Ufa.

Demidov’s run in the KHL came to an end early in the Gagarin Cup Playoffs, as SKA fell to Dynamo Moscow in six games in the opening round.

Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis says Habs fans will “adore” Demidov.

“Stylistically, the allure is unmistakable, Ellis wrote. “Demidov is extremely creative, has quick hands, is good on his feet and makes smart decisions with the puck. … His shot is notably deceptive in several ways; he often lulls defenders into thinking he’s aiming high before unexpectedly shooting between the goaltender’s legs. … Scouts love the speed of his shot, but also the way he varies it, making him difficult to stop.”

Demidov joins the Canadiens’ lineup at a crucial point in their season. With just two games left in the regular season, Montreal (39-31-10) is holding the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, sitting three points ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets. If the Habs beat the Hawks, they will punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2021.