Ivan Demidov went out to lunch with Andrei Svechnikov

This allows him to make friends in the Habs locker room and fans across the league, including of course in Quebec. His name is circulating more and more for the right reasons – unlike you-know-who. #Philly

The fact that he’s Russian also means that, throughout the NHL, guys from his country are taking notice.

For example? As Eric Engels pointed out, his compatriot Andrei Svechnikov invited him to dinner on Wednesday night, December 31, for New Year’s Eve. It was the night before the game against the Canadiens.

Alexander Nikishin, who played with Demidov last year in Russia and is playing in Carolina this season, was also potentially there for dinner with his two friends.

Interestingly, the Hurricanes star didn’t know Demidov too well before Wednesday night, but the two guys got to know each other.

The result? Svechnikov is very impressed with the Habs player.

You can tell he’s working hard and really wants it. – Andrei Svechnikov

The more time goes by, the more people will be impressed by the Canadiens’ rookie. His desire to improve is obvious – and his skating session with Lane Hutson in NDG on December 25 is a good example of that.

The Habs have a good one on their hands.

overtime

– Happy birthday, Cole Caufield.

– Big job in Buffalo.

– Please note.