Confirmed with Link: Ivan Demidov released by SKA, signs ELC with the Canadiens (3 years, $940.833k AAV)

[le_sean]

I don't see it... He definitely rarely goes to the net... like rest of the PP he stays outside the perimeter and at best can make a nice pass. With his size he should be living in the goalies kitchen the entire PP... Slaf needs some talking to.

That’s because every other forward on the PP is a rightie. So they stick him in that spot so you don’t have a player passing it cross body. It’s the same reason why Hutson takes that role during 5 on 3s, since he’s a better passer.

Right now the player with zero role on the PP is Caufield. He just kind of skates around with no real objective. Demidov can replace Cole next year, and Slaf stays in front of the net.

 

[StCaufield]

He’s not a passenger.

So you agree that he’s the only reason the line doing anything? Someone said he’s the only reason why the line is so good when if fact yes he makes some good plays but it’s mostly Caufield and Suzi. He’s a passenger and that’s not a bad thing. He creates space at least but not the reason why the line is performing. Jesus. Apparently I’m not the only one who thinks this with people liking my original post

 

[Redux91]

I don't see it... He definitely rarely goes to the net... like rest of the PP he stays outside the perimeter and at best can make a nice pass. With his size he should be living in the goalies kitchen the entire PP... Slaf needs some talking to.

Goes in front of the net 5 on 5 in their zone

But he brings more then that mentality currently to the PP1 , but if they bring Demidov in and give him that spot THEN you stick Slaf front net PP since we know he can tip goals in

But like I said he brings more to the PP at the moment than just parking his butt in front of the goalie, he DOES have passing skills

 

[The Real Timo]

That’s because every other forward on the PP is a rightie. So they stick him in that spot so you don’t have a player passing it cross body. It’s the same reason why Hutson takes that role during 5 on 3s, since he’s a better passer.

Right now the player with zero role on the PP is Caufield. He just kind of skates around with no real objective. Demidov can replace Cole next year, and Slaf stays in front of the net.

I just hope that a switch will go off during playoffs and we'll discover that Slaf is the playoffs monster.

 

[BLONG7]

Slaf is a passenger who hits and makes the odd good pass. Otherwise it’s always Suzi and Caufield. Whatever it works but he’s not the reason why the first line is successful lol slap in the face to Suzi

A passenger??
Hutson and Suzuki run the PP, and the other three are busy waiting for a 1 timer, or a cross crease kind of play.

None of them are passengers......remember Slaf is all of 21 and playing in the NHL.

As for their line.............Suzuki and CC have more seasoning, and Slaf is coming in right behind. Patience...

 

[StCaufield]

A passenger??
Hutson and Suzuki run the PP, and the other three are busy waiting for a 1 timer, or a cross crease kind of play.

None of them are passengers......remember Slaf is all of 21 and playing in the NHL.

As for their line.............Suzuki and CC have more seasoning, and Slaf is coming in right behind. Patience...

Someone said he was the only reason why Caufield and Suzi were any good. I’m responding to that mostly. Passenger isn’t a bad thing although it would be nice of him to take control sometimes. Plenty of 21 year olds can do that

 

[le_sean]

I just hope that a switch will go off during playoffs and we'll discover that Slaf is the playoffs monster.

I thought he was a monster last night in many respects. Now the whole team was kind of on their heels, but he seems to have a physical rivalry with Seider everytime the Habs play Detroit. They go hard after each other. He was also the one that went after Chiarot, which isn’t his role at all.

 

[Redux91]

That’s because every other forward on the PP is a rightie. So they stick him in that spot so you don’t have a player passing it cross body. It’s the same reason why Hutson takes that role during 5 on 3s, since he’s a better passer.

Right now the player with zero role on the PP is Caufield. He just kind of skates around with no real objective. Demidov can replace Cole next year, and Slaf stays in front of the net.

Lol you said it but I was doing everything I can to NOT say it
But incredibly, I agree, it's Cole right now that doesn't fit on PP1 (only because of Laine tho, should be noted as well)

It always seemed like from the get-go of getting Laine that we would be better off having each sniper on both units and not the same one..
And the Slaf - Demidov PP problem only really stems from the doubled up Snipers

Reaaaaallllly wonder what they do lol
As these are essentially *good* problems to have

 

[ahmedou]

Senators fans aren't ready for Demidov's show in Ottawa...

Bettman, relocate the Sens in Montreal!

 

[Kennerback]

Goes in front of the net 5 on 5 in their zone

But he brings more then that mentality currently to the PP1 , but if they bring Demidov in and give him that spot THEN you stick Slaf front net PP since we know he can tip goals in

But like I said he brings more to the PP at the moment than just parking his butt in front of the goalie, he DOES have passing skills

I would kill to be in the room when MSL says this:
“Cole you’re playing net front tonight” or,
“Patrik you’re playing net front tonight”
“Nick you’re playing net front tonight”
“Lane you’re playing net front tonight” or,
“Ivan you’re playing net front tonight”

PS: Slaf was not a happy camper when he was first told.

 

[Leto]

Lol you said it but I was doing everything I can to NOT say it
But incredibly, I agree, it's Cole right now that doesn't fit on PP1 (only because of Laine tho, should be noted as well)

It always seemed like from the get-go of getting Laine that we would be better off having each sniper on both units and not the same one..
And the Slaf - Demidov PP problem only really stems from the doubled up Snipers

Reaaaaallllly wonder what they do lol
As these are essentially *good* problems to have

I expect that we'll balance out two units if we add a #2C next year. Taking Slaf out (playing the net) to keep Cole & Laine on the same unit doesn't make sense.

 

[dinodebino]

So you agree that he’s the only reason the line doing anything? Someone said he’s the only reason why the line is so good when if fact yes he makes some good plays but it’s mostly Caufield and Suzi. He’s a passenger and that’s not a bad thing. He creates space at least but not the reason why the line is performing. Jesus. Apparently I’m not the only one who thinks this with people liking my original post

I disagree that he’s a passenger. That is all. He’s not the line driver, he never will be. Passenger has a negative sound to such a post. He can initiate a play, he can create plays. But his role is that of creating space, winning board battles in all three zones and create chaos in the O-zone. Which he does fine.

 

[ahmedou]

Demidov's current favorite NHL players are Hughes and Kucherov.

So #86 can be a possibility... What y'all thinking about this #?!

 

[Redux91]

I would kill to be in the room when MSL says this:
“Cole you’re playing net front tonight” or,
“Patrik you’re playing net front tonight”
“Nick you’re playing net front tonight”
“Lane you’re playing net front tonight” or,
“Ivan you’re playing net front tonight”

PS: Slaf was not a happy camper when he was first told.

He will have no choice but to give up that half wall spot eventually as Demidov is the MUCH better talent and player for that location
Like I've been saying that doesn't mean automatically kick Slaf OFF of PP1
But yeah he will abdicate that spot eventually to the heir apparent and we better not hear a peep about it from Juraj

Become Thomas Holmstrom or become Slafkovsky one timer PP Machine on Unit 2
But for the next decade, he will no longer be the right halfwall PP1 man, the sooner he realizes and quickly adjusts and accepts this
The better for him and the team

Plain and simple

 

[Kennerback]

He will have no choice but to give up that half wall spot eventually as Demidov is the MUCH better talent and player for that location
Like I've been saying that doesn't mean automatically kick Slaf OFF of PP1
But yeah he will abdicate that spot eventually to the heir apparent and we better not hear a peep about it from Juraj

Become Thomas Holmstrom or become Slafkovsky one timer PP Machine on Unit 2
But for the next decade, he will no longer be the right halfwall PP1 man, the sooner he realizes and quickly adjusts and accepts this
The better for him and the team

Plain and simple

I agree. 1st PP Net Front will now be a big body that stays net front. Takes abuse. Tries to tip or stuff a puck.

 

[Redux91]

I expect that we'll balance out two units if we add a #2C next year. Taking Slaf out (playing the net) to keep Cole & Laine on the same unit doesn't make sense.

I suspect they go that route as well, also the smarter route

 

[Kennerback]

I suspect they go that route as well, also the smarter route

I don’t think they have a choice anymore.

 

[Leto]

I suspect they go that route as well, also the smarter route

If we're missing some pieces, I expect us to have Suzuki/Hutson play the full 2 minutes. I won't complain, I'd rather have Hutson QB the full PP.​

 

[Sasha Orlov]

 

[Kennerback]

If we're missing some pieces, I expect us to have Suzuki/Hutson play the full 2 minutes. I won't complain, I'd rather have Hutson QB the full PP.​

Agreed. I wouldn’t be surprised if Nick and Hutson play the full 2 minutes.

 

[sampollock]

690 says put Demi on 3rd line.. can't see it
#2 line

 

[Grate n Colorful Oz]

Right now the player with zero role on the PP is Caufield. He just kind of skates around with no real objective. Demidov can replace Cole next year, and Slaf stays in front of the net.

Lmao at this and people saying Slaf is a net front presence. If Slaf is a PP1 net front presence, he's a total failure at it. 4 goals, 9 points, with the 3rd most PPTOI of all habs forwards. 6th best PPG/60 (1.04) among our forwards, 10th best PPP/60 (2.33). A true net front presence should get you more goals from the very nature of the position, from deflections and rebounds.

As for Cole, 2nd in PPTOI (10 minutes more than Slaf), 2nd most PP goals, 4th most PP points, 4th best PPG/60 (2.48), 4th best PPP/60 (3.97). It's not even comparable. Most of Laine's goals are unscreened and we don't have a proper point shot, so screening isn't this PP's bread and butter. Moving the puck around is. Much better off with having guys who are all good at possession and passing, which everyone of Caufield, Laine, Suzuki, Hutson and Demidov are better at.

Keep the Suzuki line intact at 5v5, but the first one that should get off PP1 for Demidov is Slaf. Put Caufield as net front presence as he's pretty quick at retrieval and a better shot and deke than Slaf.

 

[ahmedou]

I suspect they go that route as well, also the smarter route

Ex GM and ex coaching staff: ''lEt'S pUt dEmIdOv iN tHe 4tH lInE tO lEaRn fRoM tHe vEtS''

 

[dauv]

anyone know what number he will wear?

I'm think he will choose a number between 0 & 98, but I'm not 100% sure yet, I have to keep researching this.

 

[Zine]

This is an info from Demidov's agent. There's a clause. That if Demidov doens't play a NHL game he can return in the KHL. That being said, normally Demidov will a play NHL game. If everything is alright (immigration paperworks, etc).

The clause is just for appearances. Why would he even go through the trouble of heading all the way back there to maybe play in the VHL? He’s collecting USD now and in North America.

It's likely a AHL assignment clause. Demidov gets to be loaned back to SKA if he's sent down.
But he's not gonna be sent to the AHL, so it's immaterial.