Ivan Demidov needs to play more

Ivan Demidov is not a prospect to be quietly “tested”. He’s not a long-term project to be simmered in the back of the kitchen. He’s a forward. He’s a player who creates something every time he touches the puck. And above all, he’s a player who converts his opportunities, even when he’s given fewer of them than others.

We’re talking about a top 5 draft pick, a phenom who already dominated the KHL before he was of legal drinking age in the U.S., and a youngster who made his impact felt in Montreal the second his skates grazed the Bell Centre rink for the first time. Nothing indicates that he should be “restricted”. Everything indicates that he deserves to be released.

In reality, the situation is becoming difficult for the coaching staff to defend. If a player performs better than everyone else in his cohort (except Macklin Celebrini), but receives less responsibility than them, there’s an imbalance. And that imbalance costs scoring chances and offensive rhythm.

If the Canadiens need goals, creativity or simply a spark, it’s simple: give Demidov more playing time. He’s already providing that in good quantity, even with limited ice time. Just imagine what he could do with two more minutes per game. Then four.

He’s proven he’s already a key player. It’s time to give him a starring role.

overtime

– Logan Thompson is sensational again against the New York Islanders.

– Flyers place Adam Ginning in waivers.

– Adam Fox will be unavailable for several weeks, but should be fit to participate in the Olympic Games.

– Lionel Messi breaks the record for most assists in the history of soccer with 405.

– Tom Wilson surpassed T.J. Oshie and Dave Christian for the eighth most goals in franchise history with 194.