Canadiens: Demdiov Dazzles Wit...

Ivan Demidov turned heads again today in the Puchkov Tournament game against SKA St Petersburg, the club he plays for in the KHL.

The top prospect in the Montreal Canadiens system pulled off what looked to be a no-shot goal. While driving in on the net, the young Russian looked to have pulled the puck to his backhand but the puck continued its momentum and snuck five-hole on the opposing goaltender. The goal tied the game at 2-2.

Demidov was captaining Russia’s U-23 team, as he’s done all tournament. The game was locked at 3-3 and it came down to a shootout to decide the winner.

Both sides scored a goal in penalties and Demidov settled into the center-ice circle for a chance to win the game. The young Russian sniper did just that, rifling the rubber top shelf over the left shoulder of the opposing keeper. This sealed the game for Russia U-23, 4-3.

Russia U-23 has won three of their last four matches of the tournament, with the only loss coming against Kunlun Red Star 7-1. Despite the shootout loss, SKA went home with the tournament win. The U-23 side needed a regulation win to be crowned tournament champs.

Demidov was selected fifth overall by the Canadiens in the 2024 draft. He averaged two points per game last season playing in the MHL. His coach with SKA, Roman Rotenberg, spoke out recently about the forward's role within the KHL club.

The bench boss stated that he sees the attacker working his way to a top-line position and putting pressure on the veteran forwards who rank ahead of him in the depth chart. The belief among fans and media is that Demidov will spend the 2024-25 campaign in the KHL and move across the pond for training camp next year.