Hughes has just acquired the player who can take the Canadiens to the playoffs
Many are eagerly anticipating Ivan Demidov's arrival with the Montreal Canadiens.
The expectations and hopes will be very high when he makes the jump to North America.
According to many, the young man might even be the best talent drafted by the organization since Guy Lafleur.
One of those who have high hopes for Demidov's arrival is journalist Stu Cowan.
The Montreal Canadiens in the playoffs thanks to Ivan Demidov?
In a recent edition of Tony Marinaro's podcast (around the 33rd minute), he added more.
Stu mentioned that with the young Russian in the lineup in 2024-2025, the chances of seeing the Habs qualify for the playoffs would be very high.
Isn't that putting a lot of pressure on a young man who has never played North American-style hockey, don't you think?
It is true that Demidov has a lot of talent, probably more than Juraj Slafkovsky.
But just like the 2022 first overall pick, the Russian will need to adapt. This adaptation might be quicker than that of number 20, which took a year and a half, but it will still be necessary.
Nonetheless, the Habs might be better off experiencing this moment sooner rather than later. Seeing Demidov with the team as early as this season could be beneficial, especially if, as Cowan says, he quickly finds his comfort zone.
The journalist suggests that the Montreal organization should pay the price to bring him to town this season. The compensation to be given to SKA would be beneficial and much smaller than the immense revenue that would come if the young man helps the team qualify for the playoffs.
After years without seeing a full Bell Centre in the spring (the 2021 run doesn't count because there were no spectators), the top management might push in this direction. Rebuilding is great, but if they have the chance to progress while making the playoffs (and millions), it's something to consider.
Even without making the playoffs, the organization could recoup its investment. The young prospect's popularity would be huge. Imagine, as Cowan says, Demidov scoring two goals in the opening game. The excitement among fans would be immense, and jerseys would sell like hotcakes ($$$).
This discussion has certainly taken place at the highest levels of the organization. Paying SKA, for example, $3 million to release him would be advantageous for both sides. Especially knowing that Demidov will leave Russia for nothing next summer.
Credit: DansLesCoulisses
« Ivan Demidov pourrait permettre au CH d'être des séries cette saison »
| POLL | ||
With Ivan Demidov in the lineup, do you think the Canadiens would make the playoffs as early as this season? | ||
| Yes | 374 | 63.1 % |
| No | 219 | 36.9 % |
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