Benoit Groulx sees Ivan Demidov & Maxim Shabanov as elite Russian talents, saying NHL teams will be lucky to land them (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
One of the most decorated coaches to never take on the role of head coach in the NHL, Benoit Groulx is a highly respected hockey mind across the globe. After seven years of coaching in the AHL for the Syracuse Crunch, Groulx made the jump to the KHL, where he took on the job of head coach for Traktor Chelyabinsk.
It’s not only been a great professional opportunity for the 57-year-old, but it’s also allowed him to get a first-hand view at some of the top young Russians coming up through the ranks.
The one that has caught his eye is certainly Montreal Canadiens top prospect, Ivan Demidov. The two recently crossed paths at the KHL All-Star Game last weekend, and Groulx came away impressed.
“I wanted to introduce myself and wish him good luck for his career in Montreal. I think it's a great opportunity for him,” said Groulx to RG. “No doubt, he's a very talented player.”
Groulx had heard much of the hype and interest surrounding Demidov this season, and came away incredibly impressed with how well the youngster played and conducted himself off the ice.
“If you talk to any coaches in Russia, they will tell you he's one of the best talents in many years that will go to the NHL,” continued Groulx. “He'll probably become a very impactful player.”
Comparisons to Guy Lafleur
Since having been drafted by the Montreal Canadiens at 5th overall, the comparisons simply haven’t stopped coming. Be it comparisons to current NHL stars like Kirill Kaprizov and Nikita Kucherov or stars of the past like Sergei Fedorov or the late Guy Lafleur, the hype has been high for the 19-year-old.
Some analysts came forward to state that Demidov is the best talent the Canadiens have drafted since Lafleur all the way back in 1971. Although it may be true, these types of comparisons can be problematic to Groulx.
Although Demidov has broken the U-20 scoring record previously held by Kaprizov last week, Groulx believes that the heightened expectations aren’t fair to the young phenom.
“I don't think it's fair for Ivan Demidov to go to Montreal with expectations to be their top player right off the bat,” said Groulx. “He has to be himself. And we must give him the time to be the best version of himself.”
Maxim Shabanov to the NHL?
Maxim Shabanov has quickly become one of the most intriguing names for NHL scouts, with teams closely monitoring his development in the KHL. The 23-year-old forward has shown elite skill and versatility, making him a prime candidate for an NHL contract as soon as this season. His coach at Traktor, Benoit Groulx, has worked with some of the best talents in hockey and sees Shabanov as a player with rare ability.
“I have no doubt he's growing as a player. He's still a really young man, he's only 23 years old. He's a one-of-a-kind talent,” said Groulx.
“I have the opportunity to be with him on the ice every day. And I had the opportunity throughout my career to be on the ice with very talented players. No doubt, Shaby is on that list.”
Shabanov’s offensive instincts, puck skills, and hockey IQ have drawn comparisons to some of the top Russian players who have made the jump to the NHL. While there will be an adjustment period, his raw talent is undeniable, and his ceiling is high. Groulx believes that whichever NHL team secures his rights will be getting a player with game-breaking potential.
“I think the NHL team that is going to give him a chance to play in their organization will be happy,” said Groulx. “It's gonna be an adjustment for sure. But I think talent-wise, he's an outstanding talent from Russia.”
With his KHL contract nearing its end and interest from multiple NHL teams, Shabanov’s path to North America seems inevitable. The only question now is which team will secure his services and how quickly he can make an impact at the highest level.
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
