The Montreal Canadiens have decided to give their star player, Ivan Demidov, a launch pad in preparation for his first full season in the NHL.
The Habs’ management has chosen to include the 19-year-old Russian in the group that will participate in its rookie camp and the Face-off of Hopefuls.
Demidov was selected by the Canadiens with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft.
He impressed fans upon his arrival in North America last spring, scoring a goal and adding an assist in his NHL debut.
He was more subdued thereafter, recording just two assists in six games, including five playoff games.
“Seeing the excitement in the city, even though it’s September and we’re at training camp, is always beneficial,” said Laval Rocket Head Coach Pascal Vincent, who will be coaching the Canadiens’ rookie camp.
“We’re going to introduce a few concepts, refresh their memories, let them play some hockey games and put them in different situations. Practicing is one thing, but finding yourself in game situations is different. He can benefit from that environment,” Vincent added on Wednesday, as the rookies had their annual photos taken and underwent physical exams.
Expectations will be high for Demidov this season.
He shone last winter in Russia, racking up 19 goals and 30 assists in 65 games with SKA Saint Petersburg in the KHL.
Fans expect Demidov to fly across the ice at the Bell Centre in games against the Winnipeg Jets rookies on Saturday night and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday afternoon.
Vincent, however, was keen to temper expectations.
“Expectations are high because he’s a talented player, and I understand that, but we want him to eventually dominate in the NHL,” he said. “He’s coming, he’s a very, very good player, we know that, but what I’d like to see is how he executes the concepts we’re going to teach him.
“It’s not just spectacular offensive concepts, but good stickhandling, positioning without the puck, things like that. To develop a hockey player, he has to be able to play both ways. Demidov is going to be good. Does he need to dominate? Does he need to put that pressure on himself? I don’t agree with that,” Vincent insisted.
In addition to Demidov, other players worth watching during the rookie camp as they try to get ahead and earn a spot with the Canadiens this fall include forwards Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen and defenceman David Reinbacher.
Plus, forwards Filip Mesar, Florian Xhekaj and Luke Tuch, and defenceman Adam Engström may hope to surprise, or at least make a good impression.
“I’ve been around for a long time (...) It’s exciting for the coaches to see us drafting this way,” said Vincent. “We’re counting on players who have a good sense of hockey and character, a little weight. There’s a nice mix, it’s exciting.”
Happy at home
During the summer, Vincent’s name came up a few times in rumours for an NHL head coaching position.
Nine teams changed head coaches at the end of last season.
Marco Sturm, with the Boston Bruins, was ultimately the only one promoted from the American Hockey League.
Vincent insisted that he was happy with the Rocket.
“I had conversations this summer with different organizations, but as I’ve said from the beginning, I needed an offer I couldn’t refuse to change jobs,” he said. “In our line of work, how often can you say you’ve worked in your hometown, in your environment or your province? It doesn’t happen often. I’m privileged.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Sept. 10, 2025.
