Bob Hartley Reveals Major Insights on the Canadiens' Next Franchise Player

He has accumulated 31 points in 40 games so far this season, despite limited ice time from his coach, SKA's Roman Rotenberg.

However, we all know that Demidov will be in Montreal for next year's training camp in the fall, and it's expected that the young Russian prospect will wear the Canadiens' uniform for the 2025-2026 season.

For some experts, Demidov is the best offensive prospect for the Canadiens since Guy Lafleur, but for one Bob Hartley, he's much more than that.

Bob Hartley believes Ivan Demidov is the next franchise player for the Montreal Canadiens

During his segment on BPM Sports, the former NHL coach stated that he sees nothing less than a franchise player in him.

I think with the Habs, Demidov is going to be a franchise player!

He continued:

He's the steal of the draft, and on top of that, he's a good kid. He's a kid who wants to play hockey, loves showing up at the rink, listens, and is coachable.

I've seen young players grow and develop in the KHL, and Demidov is a step above the rest

- Bob Hartley

These words will surely please many Canadiens fans who are eagerly awaiting Ivan Demidov.

Hartley also mentioned that it was a real steal by Kent Hughes, and the latter can thank the Blackhawks, Ducks, and Blue Jackets for passing on him.

If all goes well, Demidov should arrive in Montreal next fall and could really make an immediate impact on the team's success.