Demidov's linemates

Where would you start Demidov?

  • Suzuki

    Votes: 18 10.2%
  • Newhook

    Votes: 119 67.6%
  • Dvorak

    Votes: 4 2.3%
  • Evans

    Votes: 35 19.9%

  • Total voters
    176

Milhouse40

Registered User
Aug 19, 2010
22,184
26,806
I'm still under the shock of Demidov's playing with the Habs this season but it's the reality.
Now where did you place him to start his NHL career ?

It's a tougher question that many might think.

Not sure he can play the minutes that Suzuki's line play, as they mostly face top opponent and it's one of the best lines in the NHL
Newhook ? Production wise 5-0n-5 they are mostly the 4th line these days
Dvorak ? That line has been money on both side of the ice lately
Evans ? They also face top opponent and more of a shutdown role.

No perfect situation....even on the PP it's not going that easy
 
Pobably with Suzuki. He doesn't have to play every shift that line plays. Suzuki works with his linemates like Slaf to help them mesh with the other linemates
 
I get the argument for putting him on the Evans line, but the 2nd line has been a disaster all year, he really won't hurt it, and he's responsible defensively enough that it won't be a train wreck.

Swing big and hope he fixes the 2nd line, because if he does and all of a sudden Laine is scoring 5v5, we are a much much scarier team.
 
I think he starts with Evans, gets acclimated to the NHL and then his play will dictate if changes will be made moving forward. Don't overthink it.
 
I'm still under the shock of Demidov's playing with the Habs this season but it's the reality.
Now where did you place him to start his NHL career ?

It's a tougher question that many might think.

Not sure he can play the minutes that Suzuki's line play, as they mostly face top opponent and it's one of the best lines in the NHL
Newhook ? Production wise 5-0n-5 they are mostly the 4th line these days
Dvorak ? That line has been money on both side of the ice lately
Evans ? They also face top opponent and more of a shutdown role.

No perfect situation....even on the PP it's not going that easy

Caufield - Suzuki - Slaf
Laine- Evan's- Demidov
Gallagher - Dvo - Anderson
Kapanen - Newhook - Armia/Heineman/Pez
 
I’d keep him away from one-handed Armia and Laine because of the bad pace and turnovers. All hab centers will be the best he’s played with pretty sure.

I chose Evans for his 1st shift but if he’s the best lw he should play with Suzuki. He’ll most probably slot in with Newhook and Laine I imagine.

Demidov-Evans-Kapanen?
 
I voted Evans, but it is true that the 2nd line has been struggling badly this season and it would provide a nice spark to them (Newhook / Laine). We can always try it for a game as we are in a position to do so, and see how they fit together. Evans will always remain an option should we need to ease him in, but he has top hockey smarts and he is a top talent, so I wouldn't be as concerned as any other young players coming in (example: Kapy, Roy, Beck, etc.) He will not need to be sheltered.
 
Ride or die with Newhook and Laine.

We need offence. Don’t overthink it.
I'd rather shift down Caufield and play Demidov with Suzuki before putting him with the offensive blackhole Evans and Armia who's probably the worst forward on the team at the moment.

Newhook and Laine riding shotgun with Demidov while getting the favourable matchups is the obvious answer.
 
Trade Caufield to Anaheim for Mason McTavish.

You have your top 2 lines centers for years to come and wingers are much easier to acquire via trades or UFAs.

You could also Dach a last shot on the top line with Demidov and Suzuki and have Laine-McTavish- Slafkovsky on your 2nd line.
 
Like most have said, let's not overthink this...put him on the 2nd line with Laine/Newhook. TBH i'm not a huge fan of either Laine (on the 5v5) or newhook, but from what i've read Demidov can be the type of player that can transform a line and push his linemates to be better.
 
Laine and Newhook. That line is struggling and maybe Demidov can provide some spark.
That line would have 2 guys who can carry the puck and 2 shooters. Laine is weak in skating and defensive play but he can shoot. Newhook is weak shooting the puck but can skate and cover some mistakes. Demidov can skate, shoot and create perfect plays. It's not the perfect line but it can work.
 
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