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

[Pompeius Magnus]

I wouldn't give too much credit for Bargainbin drafting Caufield. He slid down the 1st round because of his size and fell into his lap.

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he actively fought against picking him, TBH . He doesn't feel like a Bergy type of prospect at all.

 

[Tyson]

Demidov combined with Slaf and Reinbacher is a very good start for Hughes and his top 5 picks. He's added many other things but these 3 are important pieces. Hutson as well.

Yeah, Demidov! I'm trying not to be too happy and just watch him develop... without setting a high bar so early on.

Here is a question for you- maybe you can answer this- if his team in Russia won't promote him to the KHL then why not the VHL? I assume the VHL is similar to what the AHL would be in NA. Habs last Russian pick in this years draft played in the VHL....

 

[Habs Halifax]

Here is a question for you- maybe you can answer this- if his team in Russia won't promote him to the KHL then why not the VHL? I assume the VHL is similar to what the AHL would be in NA. Habs last Russian pick in this years draft played in the VHL....

Not sure what they will do and how much influence Hughes has. If he doesn't make the KHL, I suspect they put him on load to another KHL team (like Michkov).

However, Demidov has one more year left so why mess with him if he is not good enough to help their team this year? If they feel is not good enough for KHL, release him like Michkov.

I do think he makes the KHL roster though. At what role? No idea. Doubt the VHL or MHL are good options for his talent/development at this stage. He needs to get in this next level of challenge against men.

Read this article. I think it's debatable if the VHL is as good or competitive as the AHL.

Russian hockey has been declining for years, it’s time to adjust how we view the prospects

Once a contender for second best league in the world, KHL has fallen in prospect development. Chace McCallum looks at the decline of hockey in Russia as evidenced by the KHL, VHL, and MHL.

eprinkside.com

 

[Kennerback]

What did you think of Andrei Kostitsyn as a prospect?

He killed at the WJC. He was an extremely good skater. He had a heavy shot. Very good passer technically. Motor was always going. He also hit like a truck for a skilled guy. So lots of tools. Unsure about his vision. Questions about his decision-making. We knew he had epilepsy.

 

[Leto]

Not sure what they will do and how much influence Hughes has. If he doesn't make the KHL, I suspect they put him on load to another KHL team (like Michkov).

However, Demidov has one more year left so why mess with him if he is not good enough to help their team this year? If they feel is not good enough for KHL, release him like Michkov.

I do think he makes the KHL roster though. At what role? No idea. Doubt the VHL or MHL are good options for his talent/development at this stage

They cannot. There is a rule that you cannot loan a player on the final year of his deal. That being said, they could trade him to another KHL team that would be willing to have him on the roster.​

 

[Habs Halifax]

They cannot. There is a rule that you cannot loan a player on the final year of his deal. That being said, they could trade him to another KHL team that would be willing to have him on the roster.​

Interesting rule.

I think he makes the KHL team. I'll put 90% odds on that.

 

[Leto]

Interesting rule.

I think he makes the KHL team. I'll put 90% odds on that.

It kinda makes you wish that he would be playing for a team like the Torpedo. Larionov doesn't seem to hesitate to play young players, plus Martin Lapointe is well connected with Larionov.

 

[EddyK]

Not sure if you allow links to other sites but this scouting report is one of the most comprehensive one of Demidov and gives you a perspective of his skills including skating, stickhandling, IQ, physicality, and pro projection:



Mods, please delete and/or let me know if I broke any hfboards rules that I am not aware.

 

[Leon Lucius Black]

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he actively fought against picking him, TBH . He doesn't feel like a Bergy type of prospect at all.

Based on the video it seemed like Bergevin had no idea about any of the prospects and just went with what Timmins was saying.

 

[morhilane]

It kinda makes you wish that he would be playing for a team like the Torpedo. Larionov doesn't seem to hesitate to play young players, plus Martin Lapointe is well connected with Larionov.

SKA captain last season was 22 years old Nikishin, we can't really say they don't play young players.

In Demidov's case, he got sidelined with a knee injury early in the season. I think that might have had more impact on him playing most of the season in the MHL than being punished for not extending. And he got more ice time in the MHL than he would have gotten in the KHL (or VHL).

 

[Tyson]

Not sure what they will do and how much influence Hughes has. If he doesn't make the KHL, I suspect they put him on load to another KHL team (like Michkov).

However, Demidov has one more year left so why mess with him if he is not good enough to help their team this year? If they feel is not good enough for KHL, release him like Michkov.

I do think he makes the KHL roster though. At what role? No idea. Doubt the VHL or MHL are good options for his talent/development at this stage. He needs to get in this next level of challenge against men.

Read this article. I think it's debatable if the VHL is as good or competitive as the AHL.

Russian hockey has been declining for years, it’s time to adjust how we view the prospects

Once a contender for second best league in the world, KHL has fallen in prospect development. Chace McCallum looks at the decline of hockey in Russia as evidenced by the KHL, VHL, and MHL.

eprinkside.com

Thanks for the reply and info.

 

[malcb33]

Not sure if you allow links to other sites but this scouting report is one of the most comprehensive one of Demidov and gives you a perspective of his skills including skating, stickhandling, IQ, physicality, and pro projection:



Mods, please delete and/or let me know if I broke any hfboards rules that I am not aware.

Thanks for this, it's a great read! I especially liked the pro projection.

Pro Projection:

While he doesn’t have the skating that Jack Hughes had, he’s still a great projection and comparable. A smaller but nimble player who isn’t afraid to get involved on the rush, around the boards, or in transition. Demidov’s offensive upside is similar as well – like Hughes, the defense isn’t the best, but he’s able to run an entire offense both on the wing and playing center. He’s creative to a fault, has a great set of hands, and the toolkit to be a consistent top 5 player at his position in the NHL. Pro projections are always hard because you can never guarantee how a player will turn out, whether they’re undrafted or a #1OA, but Demidov is truly all but a sure thing. His creativity rivals players like Nikita Kucherov and Mitch Marner in their ability to think ahead of where the play is, his handling rivals Kane and Datysuk, his defensive play is above average for a winger, he has a great shot comparable to players like Matt Tkachuk, and is a bitch to get off the puck. Even when Demidov is literally on the ground, he’s consistently able to hold possession and find a play with no room left. With a toolkit like his, decent size at an estimated 6ft, there should be no reservations that Demidov should succeed at the next level. Most scouts see his floor around 65-70 points, and his ceiling closer to 120. I stand by the Jack Hughes comp I made earlier. While they differ in skating, they play very similar games, and should expect similar success at the next level.

 

[HuGo Burner Acc]

Thanks for this, it's a great read! I especially liked the pro projection.

Pro Projection:

While he doesn’t have the skating that Jack Hughes had, he’s still a great projection and comparable. A smaller but nimble player who isn’t afraid to get involved on the rush, around the boards, or in transition. Demidov’s offensive upside is similar as well – like Hughes, the defense isn’t the best, but he’s able to run an entire offense both on the wing and playing center. He’s creative to a fault, has a great set of hands, and the toolkit to be a consistent top 5 player at his position in the NHL. Pro projections are always hard because you can never guarantee how a player will turn out, whether they’re undrafted or a #1OA, but Demidov is truly all but a sure thing. His creativity rivals players like Nikita Kucherov and Mitch Marner in their ability to think ahead of where the play is, his handling rivals Kane and Datysuk, his defensive play is above average for a winger, he has a great shot comparable to players like Matt Tkachuk, and is a bitch to get off the puck. Even when Demidov is literally on the ground, he’s consistently able to hold possession and find a play with no room left. With a toolkit like his, decent size at an estimated 6ft, there should be no reservations that Demidov should succeed at the next level. Most scouts see his floor around 65-70 points, and his ceiling closer to 120. I stand by the Jack Hughes comp I made earlier. While they differ in skating, they play very similar games, and should expect similar success at the next level.

It says smaller but it's very possible that by training camp next year, he's 6'1 200 lbs

 

[red devil]

Mixed up St. Petersburg and Moscow KHL teams, carry on

 

[TheBuriedHab]

Not sure if this is the correct thread for this is or not but Iskhakov is going to the KHL on will be on CSKA roster. Posting it here is it may hurts Demidov's chances to be on their roster this year.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1808872678209548793

CSKA Moscow and SKA St Petersburgh are different teams

 

[red devil]

CSKA Moscow and SKA St Petersburgh are different teams

Oops, that's a dumb mistake lol

 

[StCaufield]

Why do Russian players only compared to other Russians? Any other comparisons? He said Jack Hughes. I know it’s kind of useless but I like to see any other comparisons people might have. From the highlights I’ve seen I would say someone like Marian Hossa in his prime but a better passer

 

[StCaufield]

Thanks for this, it's a great read! I especially liked the pro projection.

Pro Projection:

While he doesn’t have the skating that Jack Hughes had, he’s still a great projection and comparable. A smaller but nimble player who isn’t afraid to get involved on the rush, around the boards, or in transition. Demidov’s offensive upside is similar as well – like Hughes, the defense isn’t the best, but he’s able to run an entire offense both on the wing and playing center. He’s creative to a fault, has a great set of hands, and the toolkit to be a consistent top 5 player at his position in the NHL. Pro projections are always hard because you can never guarantee how a player will turn out, whether they’re undrafted or a #1OA, but Demidov is truly all but a sure thing. His creativity rivals players like Nikita Kucherov and Mitch Marner in their ability to think ahead of where the play is, his handling rivals Kane and Datysuk, his defensive play is above average for a winger, he has a great shot comparable to players like Matt Tkachuk, and is a bitch to get off the puck. Even when Demidov is literally on the ground, he’s consistently able to hold possession and find a play with no room left. With a toolkit like his, decent size at an estimated 6ft, there should be no reservations that Demidov should succeed at the next level. Most scouts see his floor around 65-70 points, and his ceiling closer to 120. I stand by the Jack Hughes comp I made earlier. While they differ in skating, they play very similar games, and should expect similar success at the next level.

Isn’t he 6’1? Not small

 

[morhilane]

Isn’t he 6’1? Not small

When that scouting report was written, everyone still thought that Demidov was barely 5'11 and 170 lbs. Even a lots of NHL scouts didn't know he was almost 6'1 and 190 lbs until his agency combine in June.

 

[Leto]

Why do Russian players only compared to other Russians? Any other comparisons? He said Jack Hughes. I know it’s kind of useless but I like to see any other comparisons people might have. From the highlights I’ve seen I would say someone like Marian Hossa in his prime but a better passer

It's a bias that is not limited to Russians. Take Leo Carlsson, he is compared to Mats Sundin. Furthermore, comparing prospects coming from the same development systems (CHL, USHL-NCAA,MHL/VHL/KHL,Liiga,SHL,etc) is easier in terms of comparing apples to apples.​

 

[StCaufield]

It's a bias that is not limited to Russians. Take Leo Carlsson, he is compared to Mats Sundin. Furthermore, comparing prospects coming from the same development systems (CHL, NCAA,etc) is easier in terms of comparing apples to apples.​

I get it. Just seems lazy lol but it makes sense for sure

 

[Favster]

6'1 190 at 18 years old. Hopefully this kid ends up with a similar build to Tarasenko who's an absolute tank

 

[Kennerback]

Why do Russian players only compared to other Russians? Any other comparisons? He said Jack Hughes. I know it’s kind of useless but I like to see any other comparisons people might have. From the highlights I’ve seen I would say someone like Marian Hossa in his prime but a better passer

He plays like Bobby Orr using his edges for the spins, twists and turns.

 

[Habs Halifax]

It says smaller but it's very possible that by training camp next year, he's 6'1 200 lbs

Yup, new information has come out and he's not on the smaller side at all. Doubt he is going to be a physical type but he won't get pushed around.

The next thing to evaluate is does he like the contact or does he hate it. Others can try to tell me what they see but it's just too early to know. Got to see him play against men and with less time/space than the MHL. Then we will have a better idea.

 

[The Last Red]

He would never admit it but Reinbacher must be very happy that the Habs picked Demidov.