The wait is over—at least almost. Ivan Demidov, the Canadiens’ top prospect and one of the most anticipated arrivals in recent memory, has signed his entry-level contract. He’s expected to make his NHL debut either tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks or Wednesday night in Carolina against the Hurricanes.
The buzz in Montreal is deafening. The fanbase is starved for offensive flair, and Demidov arrives billed as a potential game-changer—an electric talent with elite hands, evasive skating, and a brain wired for highlight-reel hockey. As we explored recently, this team has been starving for offense, and Demidov’s arrival injects a jolt of adrenaline into a lineup searching for goals—and hope.
Tempering Expectations
Let’s be real: the hype is sky-high. And it’s no surprise. The Canadiens’ faithful are desperate for a spark, and Demidov’s KHL highlights offer the promise of a future star finally free from the grip of the Russian system. But it’s crucial to remember—he’s 19. He hasn’t played a game in North America yet. And no matter how dazzling the upside, the NHL is an entirely different beast.
Behind the scenes, there may be some quiet tension. It’s hard to ignore the sense that players—and maybe even the coaching staff—aren’t exactly thrilled with the constant stream of Demidov-related questions. Some are being asked about his arrival, about the crowd at Pearson International Airport, about him watching a Leafs game seated next to Jeff Gorton. While none of the excitement has been stoked by Demidov himself—by all accounts, he’s handled everything with grace—the noise is loud, and it’s not always helpful.
This team is chasing a playoff spot. For many in that locker room, the obsession with a rookie who hasn’t played a shift yet might feel like a distraction. And maybe that’s more a commentary on media priorities than anything else. Reporters looking for buzzworthy quotes can sometimes miss what truly matters to players in the thick of a playoff push. None of this infatuation is created by Demidov’s actions or words, however.
What to Expect in His First Few Games
While every debut is unpredictable—just ask Lane Hutson—there are a few things fans should realistically prepare for as Demidov finds his footing:
Nervousness: The adrenaline will be pumping. Expect a few awkward shifts, over-skated pucks, and maybe a moment or two where he looks overwhelmed. It’s part of the process.
Flashes of Greatness: This is what everyone’s waiting for. That one sequence where he makes a defender miss, pulls off an unexpected pass, or uncorks a wicked shot that gets the Bell Centre crowd on its feet. Those glimpses will remind us why the hype exists.
Blown Defensive Coverage: There’s no sugarcoating it—his defensive game will be tested. Tracking NHL speed and systems takes time, and he’ll likely get caught puck-watching or lose a man in coverage. It’s expected.
Missed Passes: Whether it’s nerves, timing with new linemates, or adjusting to smaller ice, he may miss a few setups he’d normally convert in his sleep. Chemistry takes time.
Scoring Chances: They’ll be there. Even in short bursts, his offensive instincts should shine through. He might not finish every opportunity, but the chances will come.
Odd Turnovers: Adjusting to the pace of NHL pressure is no small feat. Expect a few head-scratching giveaways as he tries to force plays that worked in the KHL but won’t cut it here.
Let’s keep in mind that the young man has yet to have a single practice with the team, or a chance to develop any on-ice chemistry with linemates. This takes time. But beyond all that, what Habs fans will see is something far more important—a young man bursting with potential, showing signs of becoming a player who could electrify Montreal for years to come.
Like Juraj Slafkovsky before him, Demidov’s journey won’t be a straight line. There will be peaks. There will be valleys. Development is rarely linear, and expecting perfection out of the gate is a setup for disappointment—or a pleasant surprise.
So if you’re expecting a saviour… well, maybe dial it back. But if you’re watching for sparks of something special to build around, you just might get your money’s worth.
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