Demidov will be so much fun to watch. Especially as a continuation of the Hutson mesmerization of opponents.
Right now, Hab players are a little bewildered themselves when Hutson puts his skills on display. I think that Demidov would be more of a keep that shit going once he got the puck from Hutson.
Demidov and Hutson are both reasons why we need skilled players in the top-6, at least, able to read developing plays in order to complete them. Otherwise, you end up with two special layers playing as one-man shows by necessity from others being unable to capitalize on their creativity and talent.
Laine fits into this category as a 'finisher'. It might not be the sexiest, but his ability to rifle that puck in à la Ovechkin is nothing to smirk at.
I don't know what the chemistry will be between Demidov and other top-6 options on the Habs, but players able to see the ice and creative enough to exploit what they see developing are clearly Suzuki, Caufield and Slafkovsky. The younger Mouseketeer doesn't get enough credit for his on ice vision that makes him want to be a playmaker more than a shooter (despite the good one-timer).
I would even be comfortable playing both Caufield and Laine on the same line since Caufield would benefit from Laine as a pass option to keep opponents guessing, rather than being a de facto shooter. This season Caufield has shown that he can be a dynamic puck carrier on his line and has exploited moving the defensive box by skating into different zones with the puck.
An opponent (or two) covering Laine would open up the ice to allow Caufield more room to shoot on net. Focusing on Caufield because of a high success rate when he shoots would open up shooting lanes for Laine to exploit.
It might not be the best option, but I would also consider a top-6 of:
Slafkovsky - Suzuki - Demidov
Caufield - Dach - Laine
Slafkovsky would add size to get pucks in the corners and playmaking to exploit two shooters like Demidov and Suzuki. Bot Demidov and Suzuki would have each other as pass options and Slafkovsky could well surprise opponents with his one-timer to keep everyone honest.
IMO, both Suzuki and Slafkocvsky are smart enough to Keep up with Demidov's creativity.
Dach, more of a playmaker than a shooter, would have two sniper options and Caufield could become the hybrid sniper/passer to keep opponents honest.
Right now, Hab players are a little bewildered themselves when Hutson puts his skills on display. I think that Demidov would be more of a keep that shit going once he got the puck from Hutson.
Demidov and Hutson are both reasons why we need skilled players in the top-6, at least, able to read developing plays in order to complete them. Otherwise, you end up with two special layers playing as one-man shows by necessity from others being unable to capitalize on their creativity and talent.
Laine fits into this category as a 'finisher'. It might not be the sexiest, but his ability to rifle that puck in à la Ovechkin is nothing to smirk at.
I don't know what the chemistry will be between Demidov and other top-6 options on the Habs, but players able to see the ice and creative enough to exploit what they see developing are clearly Suzuki, Caufield and Slafkovsky. The younger Mouseketeer doesn't get enough credit for his on ice vision that makes him want to be a playmaker more than a shooter (despite the good one-timer).
I would even be comfortable playing both Caufield and Laine on the same line since Caufield would benefit from Laine as a pass option to keep opponents guessing, rather than being a de facto shooter. This season Caufield has shown that he can be a dynamic puck carrier on his line and has exploited moving the defensive box by skating into different zones with the puck.
An opponent (or two) covering Laine would open up the ice to allow Caufield more room to shoot on net. Focusing on Caufield because of a high success rate when he shoots would open up shooting lanes for Laine to exploit.
It might not be the best option, but I would also consider a top-6 of:
Slafkovsky - Suzuki - Demidov
Caufield - Dach - Laine
Slafkovsky would add size to get pucks in the corners and playmaking to exploit two shooters like Demidov and Suzuki. Bot Demidov and Suzuki would have each other as pass options and Slafkovsky could well surprise opponents with his one-timer to keep everyone honest.
IMO, both Suzuki and Slafkocvsky are smart enough to Keep up with Demidov's creativity.
Dach, more of a playmaker than a shooter, would have two sniper options and Caufield could become the hybrid sniper/passer to keep opponents honest.
