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Roman Rotenberg : 'Demidov was ready to make the jump to the nhl'

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Apr 8, 2025 6:17 PM ET

Then… have a great Tuesday?

With the news of Ivan Demidov, it’s hard not to be in a good mood. We didn’t necessarily expect it this season, but he’s coming to Montreal and that’s what matters.

The fans of the Habs have every right to be excited right now.

Martin Lemay and his team managed to have Roman Rotenberg in for an interview this afternoon on BPM Sports, and Bob Hartley – who has coached in Russia – was also there to talk to the head coach of SKA St. Petersburg.

Right from the start, we heard Rotenberg say a few words in French… and it made me laugh because he has been driving the Habs fans crazy since the start of the season. Hehe.

No joking aside, Rotenberg mentioned that there were a lot of discussions this season between the SKA and the Habs organization.

Rotenberg praised Demidov, saying he has really progressed… and he also complimented him by saying Demidov was a “good student”.

Demidov wanted to continuously improve and he did what it took to make it happen because he was always well-prepared.

He (Demidov) was our MVP in the playoffs. – Roman Rotenberg

But there’s one sentence in particular from Rotenberg that caught my attention.

When Rotenberg talked about the process… the SKA pilot said Demidov was ready for the NHL.

Ivan Demidov shared his desire to join the Habs, and Roman Rotenberg – to the surprise of almost everyone – accepted the situation.

The SKA could have kept him on their roster since his contract was ending on May 31st, but the organization allowed him to leave to live his dream, which is to play in the NHL.

It’s also worth noting that Roman Rotenberg strongly believes Demidov will be able to really adapt well to the National League’s style of play.

The SKA pilot thinks Demidov can score even more goals in the NHL… and he sees him quickly becoming an impact player in North America.

This is promising, all of it.

Overtime

If the Habs make the playoffs, they’ll face Alex Ovechkin’s Capitals.

And this also played a role in the story because Demidov is eager to face his compatriot.

The Habs prospect wanted to face the best players in the world, and the SKA will allow him to do so:

Roman Rotenberg tells us he’s very close to Ivan Demidov, whom he’s known since his youth, and he wants to see his protégé become one of the best in the world!

Live interview with him on our airwaves: https://t.co/tpQOVHRqv0 pic.twitter.com/lsPecB2V65

— BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) April 8, 2025