‘He Absorbed Everything’: German Titov on Coaching Kaprizov and Demidov’s NHL Potential

German Titov spent ten seasons in the NHL, playing a total of 624 games. He played six years for the Calgary Flames and then represented the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Edmonton Oilers, and the Anaheim Ducks.  

He retired at age 40 and began his coaching career eight years later. During the 2013-14 season, he joined Metallurg Novokuznetsk as an assistant and eventually assumed the role of head coach two months later.

The Rise of Kaprizov

Under Titov’s guidance as his head coach, hometown boy Kirill Kaprizov made his professional hockey debut at just 17 years old. According to Titov, Kirill was a special talent, even back then.

"What was endearing about him was that he absorbed everything like a sponge," Titov shared in an interview with RG. "We had Ryan Stoa on the team, who had previously played for the Washington Capitals. Kirill often approached him, asking me to translate something because his English wasn’t good back then. He was eager to learn new things even at a very young age."

Titov admitted he couldn’t have imagined Kaprizov becoming an NHL superstar and vying for a record-breaking contract. Next summer, the Russian forward may extend his contract with the Minnesota Wild, and it’s expected he could be looking at a cap hit as high as $14 million.

The former coach also highlighted Kaprizov’s open-mindedness, being a very positive guy.

"I’ve never seen Kirill get angry; he’s always smiling, always positive, always has something to say. He exudes such incredible energy! He was a very young man, but even back then, he managed to energize the veterans with his positivity. Everyone loved being around him. He fits perfectly with the American mindset of always smiling."

The Next Big Thing

After Metallurg, Titov worked for several other KHL and MHL (junior league) teams. Last season, he coached SKA-1946, SKA St. Petersburg’s junior team, leading them to the Kharlamov Cup. Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov led them to a championship victory, leading the MHL playoffs with 28 (11+17) points in 17 games.

"Ivan Demidov is an extraordinary player. For his age, he moves remarkably well and has all the qualities to become an impact player. I think he’s destined for a great NHL career, but I don’t want to compare him to anyone because every player is unique in their way. And there’s no need to copy anyone. I tell my players: 'Don’t try to be the second Kucherov or Panarin. Be the first of your name.' I try to explain them that everyone has their own path and Demidov thinks that way."

Titov worked with Demidov for only a month and a half, taking over SKA-1946 during the first round of the playoffs.

"It’s clear that he’s highly motivated and determined to achieve his goals. There’s no questioning his drive. This is just the beginning of his career.

The main thing is to avoid injuries. During the Kharlamov Cup final, he was injured and missed the decisive game, sidelined for a month and a half. Otherwise, he’s an exceptionally talented guy. Off the top of my head, I can’t recall anyone as talented as Ivan."

Titov also noted Demidov’s incredible work ethic, which sometimes required limiting his practices.

"Ivan always asked me for advice about whether he could have additional ice or gym or whatever. If he wanted to stay for extra practice, he always asked, and we decided together whether it was necessary. Rest is important, too. You can’t always be focused solely on hockey. There’s life outside: going to the movies, going out, spending time with family. “

But as Titov warns, there needs to be a balance, where an athlete is able to unwind and enjoy themselves to be better focused on his goals when the time comes.

Titov may not want to call Demidov the next Kaprizov, but it’s clear that he expects big things from the top Canadiens prospect in the not-so-distant future.