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Jean Perron wouldn’t add Demidov to the lineup because it would 'change the chemistry of the habs'

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Mar 24, 2025 8:45 PM ET

Ivan Demidov has the talent and potential to change things in Montreal.

His arrival on the team could help the habs offensively… because he has the skills to quickly become an impact player in the National League.

But in the eyes of Jean Perron, it would be pointless to bring him in now – even if it’s impossible because of the fact that Demidov’s contract with SKA is not yet over.

The former NHL coach (Poche Bleue) thinks this way because, according to him, it could change the team’s chemistry (which is excellent right now).

Fair enough… But at the same time, it’s not like the habs have 12 indispensable forwards either.

If Ivan Demidov were to take Joshua Roy’s place, for example… I don’t think there would be many unhappy fans in the city.

The chemistry is extraordinary right now […] Let’s keep this chemistry going, it’s going so well right now!

« You’re a journalist, you want to talk about it every day, say he scored a goal and an assist. » – Jean Perron pic.twitter.com/LsHm4R0uc2

— La Poche Bleue (@lapochebleue) March 23, 2025

It’s true that good sports teams are often able to succeed when there’s good chemistry in the locker room.

But good sports teams are especially able to succeed when they have talented players on the roster.

It’s the same in soccer, hockey, baseball, football… name it.

From this perspective, adding a talented player like Ivan Demidov could certainly help.

Maybe it would “change the chemistry a bit” as Jean Perron mentioned… but at the same time, we’ve seen that Demidov has a great personality, as seen in his interview with the habs during the last draft.

And at this level, we also know that the guys are looking forward to seeing him arrive in town. Nick Suzuki said he’s really looking forward to playing with him, and seeing him go to the KHL, the players probably think the same way.

I have the impression that the players would welcome him with open arms, and not the opposite…

Overtime

– CF Montreal news:

The sides of the press conference/scrum of Gabriel Gervais this afternoon at the Centre Nutrilait (firing of Laurent Courtois):

1. I was told backstage that Marco Donadel spoke better French than Mark Carney. Interesting!

2. @JeremyFilosa and @TonyMarinaro were… pic.twitter.com/qcf3RpF5Cf

— Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) March 24, 2025

– His role has changed… partly because of Lane Hutson.

He didn’t pout after losing the first powerplay wave https://t.co/AfXuQlQeaD

— TVA Sports (@TVASports) March 24, 2025

– A return!

HE’S BACK

Thatcher Demko is making his return to the lineup for the @Canucks! pic.twitter.com/GCVwNqH3tz

— NHL (@NHL) March 24, 2025

– What do you think?

David Savard doesn’t deserve to be taken out of the lineup when Kaiden Guhle returns, according to @MartinLemay!! pic.twitter.com/UbbwfClFia

— BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) March 24, 2025

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

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