By Jason Bukala

It`s been interesting to watch the Montreal Canadiens` progress this season. After several years of rebuilding, their strategy of developing talent through the draft is starting to show positive results.

Barring unforeseen setbacks in their last few games, the Canadiens are expected to secure a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference and make it to the playoffs.

General Manager Kent Hughes challenged the scouting team to find top-tier talent across all positions, providing them with numerous draft picks over the past few years. The scouts have delivered, selecting promising players like Calder Trophy contender Lane Hutson, power forward Juraj Slafkovsky, and highly-rated prospects such as defenseman David Reinbacher and goalie Jacob Fowler, among others.

However, their most recent prospect signing might be the most exciting one yet.

Ivan Demidov, considered the best prospect outside of the NHL, was drafted fifth overall last year. In a surprising move, he signed with the Canadiens this week, paving the way for him to begin his NHL career this season and potentially contribute immediately in the playoffs.

Demidov, arriving in North America earlier than anticipated, is an incredibly skilled offensive player with the potential to become a star in the NHL.

Here’s an analysis of Demidov and what he can bring to the Canadiens.

Scouting Report on Ivan Demidov

Demidov is a left-handed shot who is most effective playing right wing. While capable of playing on either side, he excels when he can move out of the defensive zone with the entire ice in front of him. When wingers retrieve pucks rimmed around the boards on their strong side, they often receive the puck looking towards the boards, temporarily limiting their view of other options. Demidov, on the other hand, when receiving a pass on his off-wing, faces the center of the ice, giving him more open passing and playmaking lanes.

From this position, Demidov can attack in various ways.

Once he has the puck, he`s a threat on the rush, possessing the speed and skill to push defenders back. In the offensive zone, he has the strength to drive to the net from the perimeter or the vision to stop and distribute the puck using either his forehand or backhand.

[Example of his speed, skill and vision off the rush – description of GIF content]

This KHL season with SKA St. Petersburg, Demidov`s ice time fluctuated, averaging just over 14 minutes per game, primarily at even strength and on the power play. He is not expected to play on the penalty kill in the NHL.

His exceptional skill and hockey IQ enable quick and precise playmaking. The puck is on and off his stick rapidly. He anticipates plays ahead of time, making it difficult for defenders to block passes or disrupt his actions.

[Example of his quick execution on the power play – description of GIF content]

Generating scoring opportunities is challenging in the NHL. Young players face physically strong defenders and must adjust to less time and space to make plays.

A notable aspect of Demidov`s game is his competitiveness in tough areas. He competes hard to extend plays along the boards and in front of the net. When he gets to the puck first below the goal line, he is difficult to dislodge and persistently battles to regain possession.

[Clip displaying his competitiveness – description of GIF content]

Like any young player, Demidov will experience learning curves in the defensive zone and need to adapt to the NHL`s pace in all areas of the ice. Coming from the larger ice surface in the KHL, he will also need to adjust to the smaller NHL rink dimensions and maintain sharp awareness with and without the puck.

It`s common for young forwards to have defensive adjustments, and Demidov will have these moments. Even in the KHL, instances of defensive inexperience were visible.

[Example of defensive inexperience – description of GIF content]

However, Demidov is a highly promising prospect with strong hockey sense and natural talent for quick adaptation. It`s unlikely he will be a defensive liability in the NHL.

While his defensive game had lapses this season, Demidov showed overall improvement in this area. This suggests he`ll be ready to make an impact in the NHL quickly – his offensive skills are elite, and his defensive play is developing.

[Play demonstrating defensive improvement – description of GIF content]

The immediate challenge for the Canadiens and Demidov is planning his integration into the lineup.

From a coaching perspective, Martin St. Louis` team is on a six-game winning streak and close to securing a playoff spot with their current forward group. Introducing a new prospect and potentially sitting out a regular player always carries the risk of disrupting team chemistry.

It’s a difficult decision, but it`s believed that Montreal`s leadership, led by captain Nick Suzuki, has established a strong team culture and the players will adapt to changes that are in the team`s best interest.

Demidov is expected to be eager to join Montreal and establish himself within the organization. He has played over 70 games this season, recently completed a playoff series, traveled overseas, and is now settling into a new home. It’s a lot to handle in a short period. However, he is unlikely to lack energy upon arrival. He is expected to fit into Montreal`s top nine forwards and has the skill to immediately enhance their offense, particularly on the power play.

Montreal’s forward lines have been consistent and successful. Major changes to the top lines are unlikely upon Demidov`s arrival, but he could potentially fit on a line with Alex Newhook and Patrik Laine at even strength, and also be included in one of the power play units.

Here’s a possible line configuration considering Demidov: