Ivan Demidov: A Much More Positive Season Than You’d Think! – Habs Prospect Scouting Report
Ivan Demidov, the brightest Canadiens prospect, has impressed in the KHL with SKA St. Petersburg.
The 19-year-old forward, standing 6’0″ and weighing 192 pounds, currently plays on the right wing. During the season, he set several records for a young player in the KHL and emerged as the leading scorer for his team in his rookie campaign. He rotated through different lines with Evgeny Kuznetsov and Valentin Zykov or Grigori Kuzmin when he wasn’t a healthy scratch. On the power play, he was often used in the bumper role. On a few occasions, the coaches experimented by placing him on the one-timer side of the man advantage. However, he does not play on the penalty kill.
Ivan Demidov: Game Analysis
In the games observed this season, Ivan Demidov’s situation sparked some frustration among fans. He produced when he played, and his statistics also reflect his explosive potential. That said, during the regular season, he may have occasionally lacked consistency. At times, being taken out of the lineup was even justified. Despite these fluctuations, his offensive impact remained significant, and he often stood out on the ice.
The Russian’s mobility is one of his most notable assets. It has always been excellent and hasn’t diminished with his transition to the KHL. He skillfully exploits the middle of the ice, makes sharp and quick direction changes, and shows enough explosiveness to compete with the league’s professionals. He practically flies on the ice, making any critique of his skating difficult to justify. Even though the NHL will be tighter and more physical, he possesses the mobility, agility, and instincts to find open space, which bodes well for a successful adaptation to the next level.
An Improved Shot
His shot is also well-disguised, thanks in part to his constantly moving hands, making it hard for goaltenders to read his intentions. He varies his shot placement well, targeting both high and low areas of the net. Early in the season, particularly in a game against Torpedo, he made some poor decisions—opting for telegraphed wrist shots or attempting poorly executed one-timers. These shots often missed the target or ended up rattling the glass. But overall, the preparatory work he puts in to position himself for a quality shot is flawless. His shot has also gained velocity, which is likely the result of extensive work in the gym.
As for his passing game, Demidov effectively targets his teammates and creates space for himself to execute plays. In the analyzed games, he seemed to prioritize shooting over passing, but when he did move the puck, he did so accurately. His ability to catch tough passes is impressive. He receives the puck so smoothly that it allows him to maintain possession even in difficult situations.
Significant Physical Growth
Physically, while he’s not typically a bruising player, Ivan Demidov does engage in battles along the boards and behind the net. He’s rarely seen throwing big hits, but he is present in puck battles and uses his body effectively to shield the puck and box out opponents during retrievals. With a wide base of gravity, he uses his legs well to keep opposing sticks at bay. He’s clearly made significant strides this season in the physical side of the game. While he may not deliver big hits, he’s definitely capable of holding his own in the NHL against players who favor a more physical style.
Offensively, he constantly positions himself in dangerous areas to remain a threat. His smart positioning and hockey sense mean he always knows where to go to retrieve a puck or make himself available for a shot. He excels especially in the offensive zone corners, where he combines anticipation, mobility, and offensive instinct to extend his team’s possession sequences.
His competitiveness is also worth noting. Sometimes, his positioning on the ice gives the impression he’s playing center, given how well he covers the ice. This isn’t an issue—it shows a solid understanding of his defensive responsibilities, and he stays active to cover gaps left by teammates. He gives his all every shift, though there are occasional drop-offs toward the end of shifts, likely due to fatigue or the intensity of the play.
NHL Projection
From a developmental standpoint, the overall assessment of Demidov suggests a long-term star and a short-term impact player. He has all the tools necessary to become a dominant player in the NHL, perhaps even part of the league’s elite. His ability to find space, exceptional mobility, and creativity are the cornerstones of his game and represent his biggest strengths. At present, no major weaknesses have been identified, though his game will need to continue improving in consistency and physicality as he works toward the highest level.
For the 2024-2025 season in the KHL, Ivan Demidov’s stats are as follows:
- Games played: 65
- Goals: 19
- Assists: 30
- Points: 49
- Plus/Minus: +14
These performances confirm the potential that scouts have long seen in him. He represents a key piece of the Canadiens’ future, with a great deal of room for growth, but already strong foundations on which to build a promising career.
TSLH Prospects Scouting Report Section
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