People in Montreal are excited to see Ivan Demidov play for the Canadiens in the coming years.
And kids too, it seems!
We felt that he was really happy following being selected by the Canadiens in 5th place and Demidov even liked an Instagram post in which we see a montage of him “alongside” Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki:
The fact that Ivan Demidov himself watched & liked this awesome video edit by @GregoryHamel_ is pretty damn cool. pic.twitter.com/T2Jd5W2LP6
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) July 17, 2024
Everyone is happy, apparently. That’s the important thing!
Ultimately, we know that we will have to wait before seeing the young man arrive in Montreal because of his contractual situation in Russia.
However, by then, the very popular comparison game will be going to town and it’s logical because even if we know a little regarding his style of play, those who haven’t followed him en masse will want to have an idea of the player he is.
It’s all well and good watching highlights… But it doesn’t stop there either, mind you.
That said, that’s what Craig Button tried to do during a recent appearance on the Sick Podcast. And the “easy” comparison that comes to mind?
Button talks regarding Nikita Kucherov in terms of talent:
Ivan Demidov is the talent of Nikita Kucherov. -Craig Button
Button: Ivan Demidov Has Nikita Kucherov Talent | The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro July 17 2024
— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) July 18, 2024
This is not the first time we hear the names of Kucherov and Demidov in the same sentence.
Even the CH hopeful compares his style to that of the Lightning forward!
Obviously, it is too early to know if Ivan Demidov will be as dominant as Kucherov has been in recent years.
On the other hand, if Demidov is able to use his talent and tools wisely and has production similar to Kucherov’s…
The Canadian and all supporters in Montreal will be happy:
(Credit: HockeyDB)
There is no point in creating expectations and saying that Demidov will become a 100-110-120 point player per season in the National League.
But when you hear the comparisons with Nikita Kucherov in terms of talent, it makes it even more hype which is being created in the city.
And that… is for better or for worse.
A lot of
– Notice to interested parties:
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Inscription ↓ #GoHabsGo
— Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) July 18, 2024
– It’s time for this to end.
Since then, they’ve added:
— David Jiricek
— Adam Fantilli
— Cayden Lindstrom
— Denton Mateychuk
— Gavin Brindley
— Jordan Dumais
— Luca Del Bel Belluz
— Sergei Ivanov
— Kent Johnson
— Cole Sillinger
— Corson Ceulemans
— James MalatestaWhen is this rebuild ending? pic.twitter.com/vnr0TSkiS3
— Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) July 18, 2024
– I love the Junior World Championship, personally. What regarding you?
Question of the day 👇 pic.twitter.com/QKuc9u87Hu
— TSN 690 Montreal (@TSN690) July 18, 2024
– Things are bad in Toronto.
THE @BlueJays are there 4th worst team of the american 😱😱😱
THE @Athletics
THE @Angels
THE @whitesoxAre the only ones worse than the #jays
The season is a failure across the board…
With very little good hope coming!!!
— Martin Lemay (@MartinLemay) July 18, 2024
– Come on Felix!
FAA meets Berrettini in the quarter-finals!
— RDS (@RDSca) July 18, 2024
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Ivan Demidov: The Next Nikita Kucherov? Montreal Hopes So
The Montreal Canadiens drafted Ivan Demidov fifth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, and excitement is bubbling over in the city. While fans eagerly await his arrival, they’re also engaged in a familiar game: comparing the young prospect to established NHL stars. And for Demidov, the name that keeps popping up is Nikita Kucherov.
Craig Button, a well-respected hockey analyst, even went so far as to claim that Demidov possesses the same level of talent as the Tampa Bay Lightning forward during a recent appearance on the Sick Podcast. This isn’t a new comparison either, with Canadiens fans themselves noting similarities between Demidov’s style and Kucherov’s.
While it’s far too early to declare Demidov the next Kucherov, the comparison is certainly fueling the hype in Montreal. Kucherov is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and Hart Trophy winner, and his offensive prowess is undeniable. The thought of a player with similar talent joining the Canadiens, even if only in the future, is enough to get fans dreaming.
Demidov’s Potential
Demidov boasts a unique skill set that draws comparisons to Kucherov. He’s a creative playmaker with a knack for finding open teammates, a dangerous shot, and impressive puck-handling ability. However, it’s crucial to remember that potential is just that—potential. It takes more than skill to reach the heights of a player like Kucherov.
Demidov faces a significant challenge in the form of his current contract in Russia. This likely means a wait for Canadiens fans before they can see him in a Montreal uniform. And when he does arrive, he’ll need to navigate the challenges of adapting to a new league and a new culture.
Of course, the Canadiens faithful are hoping for the best. They’re visualizing a player who can transform the team’s fortunes and bring back the glory days to the Bell Centre. However, for now, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy dose of realism.
The Comparison Game
The comparison game is a part of hockey culture, and it’s hard to resist. Fans love to speculate and debate, and it adds a layer of excitement to the sport. But it’s also essential to remember that comparisons can be misleading.
Demidov is his own player, with his own strengths and weaknesses. He has the potential to become a dominant force in the NHL, but it’s impossible to predict his future with certainty.
The Importance of Patience
The Canadiens are in a rebuild, and Demidov is a key piece of the puzzle. It’s tempting to get swept up in the hype and expect immediate results, but patience is vital. It takes time for players to develop and reach their full potential.
Fans in Montreal would be wise to relish Demidov’s potential without setting unrealistic expectations. He’s a young, talented player with a bright future, but his journey is just beginning. Let’s give him the space to reach his own heights, without the pressure of living up to a comparison that may or may not be accurate.
