Rumour Roundup: Canadiens Establish Top Draft Target

Now that the Montreal Canadiens have made their first trade of the day, the rumours concerning their draft intentions are multiplying.

TVA Sports reported Anthony Martineau is reporting that the Canadiens have Ivan Demidov as their ideal target for the fifth overall pick.

Below is the translation from the original tweet, which was in French.

“Here’s the info I have for you all, based on the discussions we’re hearing behind the scenes in the last few hours” he wrote. “Obviously, things can change between now and the draft, especially this year. When it comes to Ivan Demidov, at the moment of publication of this tweet, according to multiple sources, he is the Montreal Canadiens’ No.1 choice at the draft, if he’s available. Again, things can change between now and tonight, and I have no control over that. I’m just reporting what I have been told in recent hours. The Canadiens met with the young man and the meeting went very well, as Demidov himself confirmed. The questions asked by Kent Hughes hit on his personality, as well as the type of player he thinks he can become. Demidov met with certain teams while in Vegas, including the Blue Jackets and the Kraken.”

Montreal Canadiens Brass Tacks

There are a lot of balls in the air at the moment, as Kent Hughes continues his juggling act leading up to the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The Canadiens are also rumoured to be interested in adding another top-10 draft pick to the mix.

Simply put, Hughes seems to be involved in a bevy of trade negotiations, but in the meantime, he has his sights set on Ivan Demidov as the team’s top draft target. It’s a logical approach, seeing as Demidov is considered the second-most talented player available in 2024. Of course, there are no guarantees he will be available once the Habs take to the podium, but recent draft intentions suggest there’s a distinct possibility Ivan Demidov will be drafted at fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens.