- Jun 24, 2012
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Confirmed with Link: Ivan Demidov released by SKA, signs ELC with the Canadiens (3 years, $940.833k AAV)
- Thread starter Koivu11
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HabbyGuy
Registered User
We don't have two elite centres, so we can't have two elite lines - yet.
For this year, run with Newhook. Dvorak would be a responsible choice, but it messes up our dominant third line. Evans is better in a counterpunch role.
Newhook may not be fully mature yet, but he will work his butt off, and his speed combined with Demidov's skill might open up space for Laine.
And this gets Heineman back into a more appropriate chair for him right now.
Not lookin too bad. (second Anderson is Armia right?)
But just for an idea, how about trying Laine - Evans - Demidov? I just fail to see Newhook having any offensive IQ at all. He is a speedster that can cause problems for the opposition, but I think that Laine and Demidov needs someone that is either on the same page as they can be, or at very least would be the defensive support and structure to the line that enables Laine & Demidov -duo to make the play. Who knows, maybe Newhook is up to the latter task and that would be the optimal for the team, but I am sceptical.
Vachon23
Registered User
I think the idea is there's a possibility it will improve Laine's 5v5 production. Demidov has the skill to create space out there so Laine can use his shot. If Laine has time and space to shoot, he will score, whether that's on PP or 5v5. The problem is he hasn't had a linemate at 5v5 all season that has the ability to do that. He will now so it's on him to take advantage of it.
A55P2
Registered User
I'm I alone in really not seeing what he means by this? I don't feel like Demidov has a "suboptimal foundation" at all for one thing, which should impact how he'll adapt to the NHL.
salbutera
Registered User
- Sep 10, 2019
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Demidov can improve anyone but he need to play with warriors like Gallagher and Dvorak to dominate.
Obviously we can't break that line though. So he's gonna have to play on the fourth line.
He doesn't, that's why he's so special. He will be doing well on any line he's on but the priority is not that. We still need to clinch a spot in the playoffs.
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His skating technique is unorthodox and unheard of at the nhl level. It requires beyond elite flexibility and strength in the ankles and legs and very very very few players historically have been able to manage it. The amount of strength require to cut and change directions at speed using the posture he uses is increidible.
It’s part of what makes him unique, as the older habs scout said in the draft video, nobody has skated like him since Makarov. Most scouts however can’t comprehend just how special he is so they criticize it.
hmmkay whatever you think. I watched like 90% of his shifts this year and I think I'm right.
You're basically saying that because a player is so talented he can play with 4th line grinders, it makes no sense man. Let's just play him with Pez and turn him into a 30 goal scorer.
Michelangelo
Registered User
This…Armia has been horrible lately. He’s not good enough to play injured.
Dagistitsyn
Registered User
Just hope they don’t stick him with Newhook. I’d rather they do Laine-Kapanen-Demidov and send Newhook to Alaska, but they wont because he skates fast and tries hard. They won’t “demote” Newhook down to Evan’s wing either, at least I don’t imagine. Suzuki and Dvo line shouldn’t be touched right now.. so realistically Demidov is probably better off with Evan’s and a useless injured Armia. Atleast they will take the defensive responsibility’s and maybe Evan’s can get going offensively again. Newhook is a black hole for offense, can’t pass, terrible shot selection, just generally dumb hockey IQ. Laine, as much I used to love him, is a power play specialist on one knee. Demidov won’t get that line going 5 on 5, itll just make him want to go back to Russia 
Ideally, Demidov *should* be with Suzuki. Plain and simple.. but I don’t think Slafkovsky has any success without Suzy and Caufield. Demidov can probably still create something on his own even with useless line mates.
Ideally, Demidov *should* be with Suzuki. Plain and simple.. but I don’t think Slafkovsky has any success without Suzy and Caufield. Demidov can probably still create something on his own even with useless line mates.
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Dagistitsyn
Registered User
BLONG7
Registered User
Fitting the kid into the lineup means there will be a couple of interesting decisions upcoming.
Pretty sure MSL puts him with Newy and Laine........they have tried a few players there, and nothing has stuck.
Curious to see over the summer, into camp next year, if they try to fit him in at the 2C spot? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I suppose that could depend on what deals or ufa's they can come up with.
Pretty sure MSL puts him with Newy and Laine........they have tried a few players there, and nothing has stuck.
Curious to see over the summer, into camp next year, if they try to fit him in at the 2C spot? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I suppose that could depend on what deals or ufa's they can come up with.
Zorro
Registered User
- Aug 5, 2011
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Just put him on the "2nd" line and on PP2 and let it roll. When Caufield stepped into the league at the end of the reg. season and the POs, he wasn't playing bottom 6 (if i recall correctly). We know where the holes exist in our line up and it isn't on the 1st/3rd/4th line. Can the bottom 6 be better? Sure, but that's not a priority, right now.
Michelangelo
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