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KHL Season Over: Ivan Demidov Technically Eligible to Join Canadiens for 7 Games and the Playoffs

Originally posted on Habs Fanatics | By Elias Adaime | Last updated Mar 24, 2025 10:05 PM ET

We continue to closely follow what's happening with the highly talented Ivan Demidov, who is the Montreal Canadiens' top prospect.

As you know, there are some rumors circulating suggesting that Demidov could come finish the season with the Habs. The well-known Elliotte Friedman even reported it.

But now that the KHL season is over, what's next for young Demidov?

Ivan Demidov could play 7 games with the Canadiens this season

As Alex Jodoin explains very well, there's an interesting possibility for Demidov and the Habs this season.

'If SKA loses their playoff series in 4, Ivan would be done with the KHL on April 2nd.
Obviously we know that they won't make it easy on him and most likely will keep him until the end of his contract, but technically he could join the Habs playoff push for 7 games.'

So that would be 7 games + the playoffs, in a best-case scenario.

Do you believe it?

Knowing that SKA is really not the favorite to win its first-round series, especially if they keep Demidov in the stands, things could end pretty quickly for them.

'What you need to understand is that SKA has little chance of pulling through. Dynamo won five of the six games between the two teams this season, and the only SKA win came in overtime.'
- Charles-Alexis Brisebois, DLC

Many don't believe it at all, but personally, I'm holding out hope that SKA comes to its senses and agrees to let Demidov come finish the season here (if they are indeed eliminated quickly).

It's a story we're watching closely.

Now that the regular season is over in the KHL, we can say Demidov wraps up his campaign with 49 points in 65 games, including 19 goals, at just 19 years old in the KHL. Very impressive!

This article first appeared on Habs Fanatics and was syndicated with permission.

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