Ivan Demidov (Photo by HC SKA)
Legendary NHL coach Scotty Bowman has never been one to mince words, and his recent comments about Ivan Demidov, the Montreal Canadiens’ recent fifth-overall pick, have sparked excitement among hockey fans. Bowman, who has watched countless young talents rise to stardom, shared his insights into Demidov’s play and his potential to become a game-changing star for the Canadiens.
"I think he’s got a chance to be a star,” said Bowman in an exclusive interview with RG. “Montreal’s the mecca of hockey, and if he decides to sign there, he’s going to be well-accepted."
Bowman highlighted how Demidov’s journey through the KHL—seen by many as the second-best professional hockey league in the world—will prepare him well for the upcoming for the challenges of the NHL.
However, he also noted the unique challenges NHL teams face when scouting Russian players due to limited travel opportunities and geopolitical barriers.
“People don’t get a chance to scout the Russian players as much now as they would have 10 years ago, but it’s still a strong league.”
Despite these hurdles, the Canadiens’ management went the extra mile, having co-director of amateur scouting, Nick Bobrov, make the trip last season to watch Demidov play live. The Canadiens were blown away and showed confidence in Demidov’s talent by selecting him at fifth overall in the draft.
Bowman emphasized that this pick wasn’t without risk but could yield tremendous reward.
“Sometimes the risk-reward is worth it. Montreal could use some real high-end stars, and I think he’s got a chance to be one.”
Rising Above the Challenges
Stepping into Montreal’s hockey culture could be a transformative experience for Demidov. Bowman highlighted the unique aspects of the Canadiens’ environment that could help the young Russian thrive.
“He’s going to enjoy the culture. It’s all hockey. There’s no baseball, no NFL. Hockey’s number one.”
This singular focus on hockey, combined with the Canadiens’ passionate fan base, makes Montreal an ideal destination for a young player looking to leave his mark. Bowman also mentioned the proactive efforts of Canadiens GM Kent Hughes and special advisor Vincent Lecavalier, who recently traveled to St. Petersburg to watch Demidov live.
“They’re doing all they can to get him to come to Montreal,” said Bowman. “It means a lot that they went to see him live.”
Bowman’s observations from international tournaments and video analysis suggest that Demidov has the hockey IQ and work ethic needed to excel at the NHL level.
“He was in the conversation from watching U18 tournaments,” said Bowman. “They knew he was going to be a good player.”
As Demidov’s path to the NHL unfolds, the Canadiens’ fan base is brimming with anticipation. Whether it’s his ability to navigate the complexities of the KHL or the allure of playing in hockey’s most passionate market, Bowman sees big things in his future.
Building a Bright Future for Montreal
Beyond Demidov, Bowman also praised the Canadiens’ front office for rebuilding the franchise. With Kent Hughes and former NHL star Vincent Lecavalier leading the charge, Bowman believes the Canadiens are on the right path.
“They’ve got Jeff Gorton, who built up the Rangers, and Kent Hughes, who was an agent They know the business of hockey.”
Bowman highlighted the balance between experience and innovation in the Canadiens’ management team. By combining scouting expertise with a deep understanding of player needs, the team is creating a foundation for long-term success.
“They’ve done a good job. They have a nucleus of some players, but they need superstars.”
The Canadiens’ storied history of producing legends like Maurice Richard, Guy Lafleur, and Patrick Roy makes the prospect of another star like Demidov all the more enticing. For a franchise that has endured struggles over the past two decades, the possibility of adding a player with superstar potential is a beacon of hope.
Hope on the Horizon
The combination of the Canadiens young core, Ivan Demidov’s potential and the Canadiens’ forward-thinking front office creates an optimistic outlook for the team. While challenges remain, the legendary Scotty Bowman’s endorsement is a testament to the Canadiens’ commitment to building a competitive team.
And he’s not wrong, the Montreal Canadiens, against all expectations, find themselves in the heat of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference; this without their top prospect.
Naturally all eyes are on the young Russian star as he inches closer to the NHL. Should Demidov make the leap to Montreal, he could reignite the magic that has defined the Canadiens for over a century. As Bowman aptly put it:
“Montreal’s a mecca of hockey. They’re just clamoring and waiting for people that they can look at again because they’ve had so many stars in their history.”
The question is no longer if Montreal will rise again, but when—and Ivan Demidov could be the catalyst.
Igor Rabiner has written for Sport-Express, the biggest Russian sports website, since 1994. He has covered seven FIFA World Cups, seven Winter Olympics, and three Summer Olympics. He is the author of 28 books with total sales of over 500,000 copies. He won an AIPS Sport Media Award for best column and interviewed exclusively Pele, Wayne Gretzky, Franz Beckenbauer, Alex Ovechkin and many other soccer, ice hockey, and tennis superstars. From 2016 to 2021, he has regularly contributed to the Russian version of NHL.com. Has contributed to The Guardian, British soccer magazine The Blizzard, and other world publications. One of the authors of the encyclopedia 'Kings of Ice," which came out in North America in 2002. From 2013 to 2021, Rabiner was a co-owner and teacher in a private sports journalism school in Russia. He has 56,500 followers on X and over 25,000 readers on Telegram, Facebook and Instagram.
