Canadiens Prospect Ivan Demidov: Departure to NHL, Goals For the Season, Texting with Slafkovsky

Ivan Demidov (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

Ivan Demidov has begun training for the season with SKA in the Kontinental Hockey League, with a possible departure to the NHL next year. The Montreal Canadiens selected the 18-year-old forward with their fifth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

"I need to have a good season, and then we'll see," Demidov told RG exclusively. "Injuries affected me last season, so now I need to prepare and play well for the season. And then I'll be able to think properly [about his departure to the NHL]."

Demidov missed the end of the MHL (Minor Hockey League) playoffs last year with a lower-body injury. He will spend this season in the KHL. However, the Canadiens may negotiate a loan if he does not have a roster spot.

"I know that [head coach] Roman Rotenberg has spoken with Canadiens management and that they have discussed my development plan," Demidov said. "I also keep in touch with the Canadiens. They ask how I am doing, how my leg feels, etc. It's a work in progress."

Demidov took the ice for the first time since his injury in early August.

"I'm not working out at full strength yet," he said. "That will probably happen in about a week. I do what I can in the gym. And if I can't because of my leg, I replace it with other exercises."

Demidov believes that before heading to the NHL, he "first and foremost needs to work on his explosive speed and build muscle mass in his lower body." He has also kept in touch with Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky, the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

"He sent me a couple of messages, asked about my health, and congratulated me on being drafted," Demidov said. "He also wrote that he couldn't wait for me to come to them."

Demidov said that having Evgeny Kuznetsov, who came from the NHL and signed a four-year contract with SKA, and other strong players on the team will help him in the long run.

"Of course, it's much competition, but also much experience," he said. "I'm watching them closely and trying to adopt their best qualities."