“Pressure Makes You Better”: Ivan Demidov on KHL Records, Development, and His Future with the Canadiens

Ivan Demidov breaks the KHL U-20 scoring record and eyes a future with the Canadiens, all while staying focused on SKA’s playoff push (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

Top Montreal Canadiens prospect, Ivan Demidov has continued to impress in the KHL so far this season as a rookie; playing a key role for SKA as they continue to push for a favorable finish heading into the playoffs.

Demidov recently just broke the KHL record for U-20 scoring with an assist early in the week, bringing his in-season total to 19 goals and 44 points in just 52 games. The previous record of 42 points was held by none other than NHL superstar Kirill Kaprizov.

Despite the international praise for his play, the 19-year-old remains focused on the collective goal of helping his team win.

“This is a valuable achievement, but I don’t want to dwell on it. Our priority is the team’s goals,” Demidov said in an exclusive interview with RG.

One of the reasons Demidov has been such a dynamic player for SKA this season has undoubtedly been his one-on-one ability. Demidov is known for his ability to beat opponents one-on-one; be it on the rush, along the boards or in front of the net.

The forward admitted that his dekes come purely from instinct and feeling out the play.

“You just see every detail—where the opponent is moving—and then, through reflex and instinct, you start making a move,” said the 5th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. “I don’t specifically watch clips of opponents. In general, most teams play in a similar way. I guess I just rely on intuition.”

Development & Playing Center

Speaking about his development, Demidov noted that working with former NHLer, Sergei Samsonov last year, was a huge help. Samsonov, a Calder Trophy winner, NHL All-Star, and 2002 Olympic bronze medalist, took a different career path and now works with Demidov’s agent, Dan Milstein, as a player development coach.

Samsonov recently praised Demidov’s ability to absorb information and pick up tactics quickly; qualifying his Hockey IQ as elite. Demidov remains very thankful for the time that Samsonov spent with him last season.

“We don’t talk as often now, but last season, we worked together a lot,” said Demidov of the former NHLer. “We discussed my games and analyzed tape to improve in some key areas.”

One of the biggest questions regarding Demidov’s development, especially when it comes to his future with the Montreal Canadiens, is whether or not he would be comfortable transitioning back to center.

The young forward played in the middle before, when he was a junior player, but wasn’t quite sure that moving back to center would be the best idea.

“Honestly, I don’t even know if I could play center. I’d have to try. I played center a few times in junior hockey and felt fine,” said Demidov. “But SKA never uses me there. Face-offs would probably be the key factor—I don’t always win them.”

The youngster remains focused on his time with SKA, but admitted to following the Canadiens quite closely this season. However, Demidov declined to name specific players on the Canadiens he would like to play with, choosing his words carefully to not ruffle any feathers.

“I won’t name anyone—someone might get offended,” he said with a smile.

Getting Ready For His Time in Montreal

Demidov’s contract with SKA expires on June 1, 2025, and Montreal will look to sign him immediately so that he may join the club for the 2025-2026 season. The young forward is already universally loved among the fan base, but has also been going the extra mile to make sure he will be able to integrate seamlessly into the team culture.

Ivan mentioned that he is continuing his English lessons, but added that he’s also started studying French.

“I think my English is decent, but it’s not for me to judge. I study when I have time, taking online lessons with a tutor,” the young star said to RG. “I’ve also started learning French. The hardest part is the pronunciation. Actually, everything about it is difficult—English is definitely easier.”

Just having a basic understanding of French would propel Demidov from being a fan favorite to a cultural icon in a split-second; but the young forward seems intent on learning both languages out of respect and his love for the organization.

The Canadiens reciprocated that respect last December, when Kent Hughes, along with Vincent Lecavalier and Nick Bobrov, flew to Russia to visit their prolific prospect.

“They just asked how I was doing and told me, ‘Keep working, and everything will come.’ Maybe their presence in the stands added a bit of pressure. But pressure is great,” said Demidov. “I feel like I’m growing mentally. Pressure makes you better.”

Demidov mentioned that he tries to watch the Canadiens games, but the time difference makes it difficult to do so consistently. As for the attention surrounding him, he remains unfazed.

“I just don’t read anything in the media. I have a phone, but it’s always on ‘Do Not Disturb.’ Five hours before a game, I don’t touch my phone—I don’t really want to talk to anyone,” said Demidov. “On Instagram, I’ve disabled all notifications, so nothing pops up. I just open it, check quickly, and close it.”

One of the biggest things that followed him around over the last year were comments, from fans and analysts alike, about his skating and his perceived lack of foot-speed.  Demidov said he doesn’t care about what people say and wasn’t bothered by pre-2024 NHL Draft discussions about potential skating issues.

“I don’t care at all about what’s being said. I just do my job.”

Demidov remains focused on doing what he can to continue helping SKA to push for a strong finish this season and, eventually, a real shot at the Gargarin Cup this spring. But, in the meantime, he’s preparing himself for what is expected to be a long and prosperous career in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens.