Prospect Info: [2024 - 5th] Ivan Motherbleeping Demidov (RW), SKA St. Petersburg (MHL)

[Zine]

He's not NHL ready, but he's KHL ready. That's the point.

Of course. But even a KHL ready player would be stuck in the CHL if he was born in NA and nobody would think twice, nor think developmnet is being ruined.

Point is Rotenberg can be a dick, but he can't get away with messing up development if that was his 'anti-NHL' agenda.
Players like Michkov and Demidov are too important to Russian hockey.
Also see Khusntudinov, Ivanov, Buchelnikov, Koromyslov, etc. All these higher level dudes are getting traded or loaned to get them minutes.

 

[Pompeius Magnus]

His skating is so unique. I've rarely seen that mix of super quick cuts and edge switches out of nowhere coupled with 0 to 100 instant acceleration like that. He's going to draw a ton of penalties with that skating.

 

[HabbyGuy]

Of course. But even a KHL ready player would be stuck in the CHL if he was born in NA and nobody would think twice, nor think developmnet is being ruined.

Point is Rotenberg can be a dick, but he can't get away with messing up development if that was his 'anti-NHL' agenda.
Players like Michkov and Demidov are too important to Russian hockey.
Also see Khusntudinov, Ivanov, Buchelnikov, Koromyslov, etc. All these higher level dudes are getting traded or loaned to get them minutes.

Here's hoping he's traded then, instead of the VHL.

 

[WeThreeKings]

He really came on in the 3rd. Was somewhat pedestrian outside of a rush in the 2nd. Then he just took over.

 

[badfish]

His skating is so unique. I've rarely seen that mix of super quick cuts and edge switches out of nowhere coupled with 0 to 100 instant acceleration like that. He's going to draw a ton of penalties with that skating.

Really hope he doesn't get caught by defensemen sticking out their knees when he burns them

 

[Adam Michaels]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1828095956707065917

 

[Lazytrout]

Demidov is so electric every time he has the puck, still feel like a fever dream that he slid to us.

 

[Trabdy2]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1828095956707065917

He's going to be a nightmare to defend against with that shiftiness and handling ability.

Also, it's not like he flashes skills and stickhandles himself into a corner like Galchenyuk did a lot. Demidov uses his skills with more planning and intention. He seems to be constantly adapting and thinking ahead. He really does seem to turn nothing into something on a fairly regular basis.

 

[Nico Cauzuki]

i think today Demidov would have a place in our top 6 next year hes a lock

 

[Sasha Orlov]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1828095956707065917

Kid is insane, would have had like 6 points in this game with competent teammates

 

[WeThreeKings]

Kid is insane, would have had like 6 points in this game with competent teammates

This was his worst game too lmfao

 

[Adam Michaels]

Kid is insane, would have had like 6 points in this game with competent teammates

If Dvorak was his center and Pez as his other winger, he'd had 7 pts today.

 

[Pompeius Magnus]

Really hope he doesn't get caught by defensemen sticking out their knees when he burns them

It's a risk, sure. It's the same with Hutson, some guys will instinctively throw an arm or stick a leg out when he shifts past them. Both will have to learn to protect themselves pretty quick.

 

[Pompeius Magnus]

The more I watch him, the more it strikes me that he moves more like a NBA point guard than a guy on skates. It's really peculiar.

 

[Habs10Habs]

Man he was electric in the 3-on-3 and then of course scored a beauty.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1827351409379234159

Damn he made that look easy.

 

[waitin425]

He has absolute elite edge work. He generates so much power from his edges that he can skate laterally and around people with ease. His eye hand and shiftiness is incredible.

Imagine if he develops a Bedard like shot! I can not wait to see this guy in our top 6.

 

[HuGo Burner Acc]

He's going to be a nightmare to defend against with that shiftiness and handling ability.

Also, it's not like he flashes skills and stickhandles himself into a corner like Galchenyuk did a lot. Demidov uses his skills with more planning and intention. He seems to be constantly adapting and thinking ahead. He really does seem to turn nothing into something on a fairly regular basis.

And he's as much of a triple threat as Justin Timberlake. Teams will have a really hard time game planning for him cause he can dominate you anywhere. He's as good off puck as when he has possession. Very rare ability for elite players to be dominant at both

 

[Sam de Mtl]

Oddly enough, it gets the reputation as the best and most necessary developmental league in the world.

Go figure.

Well yes, because most players are not exceptional and they need to work their ass off to make it. It's the right way for most players, but not all.

 

[417]

Well yes, because most players are not exceptional and they need to work their ass off to make it. It's the right way for most players, but not all.

I’d say it’s one of many leagues that players can gain experience in before they jump to the NHL.

But “best” is debatable.

 

[KevSkillz4]

So he have 3g 2a in 3 games so far in pre-season against KHL teams?

 

[Redux91]

So he have 3g 2a in 3 games so far in pre-season against KHL teams?

Thought it was some kind of tournament?

 

[Rapala]

I agree. AHL is not what it used to be. Demidov himself said he's willing to play in the AHL if it's what's needed to ensure he has a long NHL career. Also, not required for him to start his NHL career on the top line. Top-6, yes. But top line? Only if he truly earns it. But at the same time, with Cole, Nick, Kirby, Slaf & Laine also on the Top-6, the configuration of the top two lines could change.

Demidov is at the same level or better than a number of kids who passed Go collected $$$$ and never took a ride on the Reading.
Even if he came over this year he'd play a handful of games in the AHL at most. He could start on a third line in Montreal tomorrow.
I'm not sure where that 4th line quip is even coming from we aren't starting him at center.
He also does not have the issues with spatial awareness Slafkovsky had as players have probably been trying to nail him for years now.

 

[Andrei79]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1828095956707065917

Those moves were very Kovalev-like. Sometimes he glides when he makes them, but he'll adjust as he gains experience. He'll also get stronger, but he's the same height and a similar frame as Kovy when he came into the league with NYR.

One thing though is that Kovy would do these moves because for the sake of doing them. Sometimes it felt like it was an artist admiring his own work. Theres a lot more intentionality with Demidov. He does them to create space and plans 2 moves ahead. Really good IQ to go with the insane skill level.

 

[Rapala]

Don't translate it literally. It's a figure of speech to emphasis the AHL is unnecessary physical.

There is definitely a reason behind the physicality. WTF

 

[Zine]

Well yes, because most players are not exceptional and they need to work their ass off to make it. It's the right way for most players, but not all.

I’d say it’s one of many leagues that players can gain experience in before they jump to the NHL.

But “best” is debatable.

Depends on the objective.

Imo, the AHL can be good for Europeans to learn to the grind and physicality of the NHL.

Skill development? Stay away. A lot of the Russian ex-AHLers have said it really lacks in combination play and creativity.