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Bogdan Konyushkov wasn’t surprised to see Ivan Demidov join the Habs in April

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 3:40 PM ET

When we learned that Ivan Demidov was coming to North America in early April, the excitement in Montreal was palpable.

Fans were delighted, since he wasn’t necessarily expected this season.

It created a buzz around town… and the Bell Centre exploded when he scored his first two NHL points after only a few appearances on the ice.

But while everyone here and around the NHL was surprised to see him arrive, it was no surprise to Bogdan Konyushkov.

The Canadiens prospect – who will be spending time in Montreal this summer – had already discussed the situation with Demidov when the two guys played together with the national team.

Konyushkov discussed the matter inan interview with RG Media.

We’d talked about the possibility when we played together for the national team, so it was no surprise to me. – Bogdan Konyushkov

The interview can be found here:

Bogdan Konyushkov shares his reaction-and a hilarious story-about Ivan Demidov’s unforgettable first NHL goal with Montreal. Read now https://t.co/O5Of1 JXrTY

via @DariaTuboltseva pic.twitter.com/rAMSbVAJRH

– RG (@TheRGMedia) June 3, 2025

This is interesting, as it shows that the possibility was already on the table even if we didn’t necessarily know it.

Then again, Demidov was under contract with SKA, and the club wasn’t expected to allow him to leave Russia so “easily”.

Everyone really thought he’d have to fulfill his entire contractual agreement in St. Petersburg… and that’s why everyone was happy to know he’d have the chance to come and play in the NHL and finish the season with the Montreal Canadiens.

It would have been nice to see him arrive in North America for the 25-26 season.

But now Demidov has had a chance to familiarize himself a little with NHL hockey, and that’s sure to help him at the start of the next campaign. What’s more, he played in the playoffs, which gave him some valuable experience for what’s to come.

It’s really the best-case scenario that could have happened under the circumstances of his SKA contract, when you think about it.

Overtime

– What a surprise! #Sarcasm

Poulin, Stacey and Desbiens protected by the Montreal Victory https://t.co/axKqWqxIMn

– Radio-Canada Sports (@RC_Sports) June 3, 2025

– Good news.

Connor McDavid back on the ice after leaving Sunday’s Oilers practice early pic.twitter.com/TXIXiGxT1K

– Mark Masters (@markhmasters) June 3, 2025

– Wow!

We’ve been digging through the archives!

Photo gallery ↓ #GoHabsGo

– Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) June 3, 2025

– Go time.

Against tough opponents, we’ll find out if they’re contenders or more of a flash in the pan. https://t.co/o3zeLRbCVb

– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) June 3, 2025

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

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