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It’s official, the Montreal Canadiens have selected forward Ivan Demidov with the fifth overall pick at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
The incredibly talented winger is considered the second-most talented player available in the 2024 draft class, owing to his elite offensive instincts, his fantastic shot, and his high-end creativity.
Demidov was ranked second in many pre-draft rankings, but the usual worries about the ‘Russian factor’ came into play, which gave the Habs an opportunity to draft a player who should have been off the board by the time they took to the podium. It’s worth noting that despite the criticism sent their way, no top Russian prospect has ever failed to report to their draft team. On the other hand, prospects drafted out of the NCAA have forced trades on several occasions in the last few years.
INSTANT ANALYSIS: Canadiens Hit Home run with Ivan Demidov Pick
The 18-year-old right-winger spent his season with SKA-1946 St. Petersburg in the MHL, the Russian equivalent to the Canadian Hockey League. It was clear from the get-go that he was probably a little too talented for the league, as he scored 23 goals and 37 assists in just 30 games. He also enjoyed a fantastic run in the playoffs, earning 11 goals and 17 assists in 11 games.
Simply put, Ivan Demidov immediately becomes the top player in the Canadiens’ prospect pool, adding an important element to the equation that was desperately needed: elite talent.
Montreal Canadiens Draft Pick Information And Pre-Draft Trades
The Montreal Canadiens own 10 draft picks in the 2024 NHL Draft: 5th Overall, 21st overall (via Los Angeles), 70th overall, 78th overall (via Minnesota), 102nd overall, 130th overall (via San Jose), 134th overall, 166th overall, 210th overall (via Washington) and 224th overall (via Edmonton).
Heading into the draft the team owned 12 picks, but they swung a pre-draft trade with the Los Angeles Kings to improve their draft position. Montreal exchanged the 26th overall pick (via Winnipeg), the 57th overall pick (via Colorado) and the 198th overall pick for the 21st overall pick. Seeing as the Habs already own an impressive prospect pool, as well as plenty of draft capital, it’s the type of trade that fans were hoping to see prior to the draft taking place. Simply put, it’s a matter of focusing on quality over quantity for the Canadiens, both for picks and prospects.
If you would like to learn more about the state of the Montreal Canadiens rebuild we invite you to take a look at our ‘State Of The Rebuild‘ series which was published following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.
More must-reads:
- Carter Hart, others found not guilty in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial
- Hurricanes take care of business, sign star winger to lucrative eight-year extension
- The 'NBA Summer League MVPs' quiz
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Maple Leafs Urged to Strike Early on Rising 22-Year-Old Ducks RFA
NHL analyst Nick Alberga believes the Toronto Maple Leafs should make a serious push to acquire a young Anaheim Ducks forward. Alberga, discussing the hypothetical move on Friday during the "Leafs Morning Take" podcast, sees Mason McTavish, who remains without a new contract heading into the 2025–26 season, as the No. 1 player the Leafs should target on the trade market. McTavish, 22, is coming off a breakout campaign with 22 goals and 30 assists in 76 games. He's currently a restricted free agent without a contract signed after completing a three-year, $2.68 million deal. “Mason McTavish, I just think this guy checks way too many boxes,” Alberga said. “He can play the wing, he can play up the middle... I think ideally, you’re looking for somebody for John Tavares to pass the torch to when it comes to the 2C position.” Alberga added that targeting a player like McTavish could smooth the eventual transition as Tavares, who is about to turn 35, moves into a reduced role. “I think McTavish is a prime illustration of that type of player, where down the road, whether it’s next year or two years from now, you want (Tavares) in the 3C hole, or you want him on the wing," Alberga said. "I think that makes that transition easier—when you have a guy like McTavish." McTavish was drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in 2021 and remains a core piece of Anaheim’s rebuild, although his contract situation is a bit murky and could open the door for a potential exit via trade. While Anaheim is not actively shopping McTavish, Alberga thinks timing could be crucial and the more the offseason advances, the higher the chances the Ducks and their forward split ways. “(McTavish) is just 22, and he's going to get paid. I don’t know if it’s going to be with Anaheim or somewhere else," Alberga said. “He's going to make his money, but I think he's at a point where he hasn't totally popped off yet, and he's another great example of a guy that maybe you get him before he completely pops off. “That's what my approach would look like if I was (Leafs general manager) Brad Treliving. I’d try to find a guy who's ready to pop off.”
Trevor Zegras Reveals the Big Mistake He Made Dealing With Media After His Trade to Philadelphia
All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit in the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
Nick Saban responds to speculation about coaching return amid NFL rumors
Shortly after former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback and current college football analyst Greg McElroy shared that someone "in the know" believes there's a possibility Nick Saban — who retired in January 2024 — might return to coaching, NFL insider Albert Breer suggested that the Dallas Cowboys could be a potential destination for the seven-time national champion. According to Mike Rodak of 247Sports, Saban was asked during a Friday appearance on Fox News if he intends to come out of retirement. "No, I'm really happy with what I'm doing right now," Saban responded. "It's exciting to still be involved in the game. It's exciting for me to work with athletic directors, conference commissioners, people in Congress to preserve the integrity of our game and continue to be able to create opportunities to help young people create value for their future that will help them be successful in their life, which is what we always try to do as a coach." Saban, now working as an ESPN analyst, will be 74 in October. Per Christian Datoc of the Washington Examiner, President Donald Trump could consider having Saban "lead a new commission examining problems arising with the growth of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights and coinciding changes to the NCAA transfer process." Meanwhile, it's thought that Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones could look to hire a big-name candidate if first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer fails to impress during the 2025 campaign. Additionally, Fox Sports personality Colin Cowherd recently hinted that Saban could be interested in becoming the head coach of the Cleveland Browns if the team selects Texas quarterback Arch Manning as the first pick in the 2026 draft. "There is no opportunity that I know of right now that would enhance me to go back to coaching," Saban added during Friday's segment. "I enjoy what I'm doing. I did it for 50 years. I loved it. I loved the relationships with the players. I loved the competition. But it's another station of life now. I enjoy what I'm doing right now and want to continue to do it — spend more time with my family, my grandchildren, my children. It's been really, really good." The "right now" portion of Saban's comments attracted the attention of Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, who was quick to point out he did not say "no for good" regarding a return to coaching. In short, it seems that rumors about Saban's future could hover over the college and pro football communities through at least the rest of the year.
Packers rookie could miss time after suffering injury in training camp
The Green Bay Packers offense was dealt a bit of a blow early in training camp. Friday, third-round rookie wide receiver Savion Williams was a spectator for practice after suffering a concussion. Williams, chosen by the Packers with the No. 87 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, is aiming to climb the depth chart at a crowded wide receiver position this summer. At 6-foot-4 and 222 pounds, Williams ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.48 seconds during the NFL Combine and has the profile of potentially becoming a reliable possession receiver and after-the-catch weapon for quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers’ offense. Reaching those benchmarks and climbing the depth chart will have to wait, though, as Williams works his way through the concussion protocol and back onto the field for practices during training camp and the preseason this summer.
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