It didn't take long, but many fans and analysts seem to be closely monitoring for clues that Demidov could arrive in Quebec earlier than expected.
For now, the official word is that Demidov will stay in his home country for one more year before officially joining the Canadiens' lineup starting in 2025-2026.
However, there are many well-informed people who genuinely believe that Demidov could arrive as early as next fall, just like Matvei Michkov with the Philadelphia Flyers.
It should be noted that SKA is not very interested in Demidov, despite his immense talent, because they know they will lose him in 10 months.
So, it's not beneficial for them to try to develop him, and they prefer to build with players they can keep long-term.
This is why they negotiated a deal with the Philadelphia Flyers to send Matvei Michkov earlier than expected.
Will SKA do the same with Ivan Demidov and the Montreal Canadiens?
Stay tuned, but many fans are already on "Demidov Watch," looking for signs that he could leave the KHL as early as this summer.
Notably, the popular network «HabsOnReddit» mentioned that Demidov seems to be absent from SKA's camp, despite being invited.
See the images and associated posts.
It could be due to an injury; it could be for many other reasons, but the point here is mainly to let you know that many Habs fans are already on the case and watching for the slightest clues.
And you, would you like Ivan Demidov to play with the Montreal Canadiens as early as next season? Do you believe it?
POLL | ||
JUILLET 15 | 597 ANSWERS Demidov could join the Canadiens sooner than expected, latest report suggests Would you like Ivan Demidov to play with the Montreal Canadiens as early as next season? | ||
Yes | 495 | 82.9 % |
No, it's too early | 102 | 17.1 % |
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