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Top-100 prospects (The Athletic): Ivan Demidov ranks 3rd

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 6:20 PM ET

Even though he only played a few games in the NHL (regular season and playoffs), we saw Ivan Demidov’s talent.

Some were quick to wonder why he slipped all the way to No. 5 in the 2024 draft… and that’s likely to be the case for years to come.

He’s that good.

Demidov is one of the NHL’s top prospects, and that’s no secret.

Scott Wheeler, who is an expert in this field, decided to make his annual top-100 list of the NHL’s best prospects (who have already been drafted)… and Demidov’s name comes in at #3.

Matthew Schaefer (#1) and Michael Misa (#2) are ranked ahead of him.

The list also includes David Reinbacher (39th) and Michael Hage (51st) among the Canadiens’ prospects:

Seeing Zayne Parekh and Zeev Buium ranked 4th and 5th overall in tier 1 and then seeing Tij Iginla ranked 28th overall in tier 3 really stings. #TusksUp https://t.co/9vYYUCyFiG

– Hockey Herd (@HockeyHerd) July 14, 2025

Seeing the Habs have three prospects in the top-51 is still telling.

And to see the Habs have one in the top-3… so is it.

In Demidov’s case, it’s special because we quickly realized that he has the skills to become an impact player in the National League before too long.

He picked up a point in his very first appearance on the ice… and a goal in his third against the Chicago Blackhawks.

And we agree: Demidov’s first goal was simply magnificent.

IVAN DEMIDOV’S FIRST NHL GOAL!!!

THIS KID IS SPECIAL!!

: @SportsOnPrimeCA https://t.co/93veFI9jrZ pic.twitter.com/z41pLqvvl4

– NHL (@NHL) April 14, 2025

Canadiens fans have reason to be excited about what’s to come with Ivan Demidov now in Montreal for the next few years.

He looked good at the end of last season… and I have a feeling it’s going to be the same in 25-26.

I can’t wait to see how he does, and I know I’m not the only one on my island who thinks that way.

Overtime

– Interesting.

My smart friend @mndamico reminds me that Eklund, because he is a 1st rder out of Europe, is eligible to play for BPT this season if he doesn’t make #Isles out of camp.

AHL age limit is only for CHLers. ELC still slides.

He’s going back to SWE. Can join BPT for playoffs…

– Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) July 14, 2025

– Eh boy.