For the past few days, there has been growing excitement about the possibility of seeing Ivan Demidov join the Montreal Canadiens as early as this season.



The following statement from a highly reputable insider seriously gave us hope.

 

But in the end, not so fast.

A source claims that, unlike Alexander Nikishin, Ivan Demidov will not be released by SKA to finish the season with the Montreal Canadiens

That definitely throws cold water on our hopes..

Let’s remember that SKA’s regular season ends in two days, and they plan to keep Demidov out for the entire playoffs.

So they no longer need him? Not so fast..

According to reports from Marco D’Amico, Demidov will join SKA’s junior team in the MHL at the end of the season. Unbelievable..

“If SKA is eliminated early from the playoffs, Demidov will continue playing in the MHL to help the team compete for the Kharlamov Cup, a trophy he won in 2024 with SKA-1946,” a source close to the situation told RG.

“The organization prioritizes winning championships at all levels, not just the Gagarin Cup.”

via RG.org

So he won’t follow in Nikishin’s footsteps, and SKA is making sure to keep him as long as possible, and make things difficult for him as long as possible..

“Unlike Alexander Nikishin, whom SKA agreed to release earlier than expected for the NHL, Demidov does not have that option due to his eligibility for the MHL.”

via RG.org

As for Demidov, he has reportedly accepted the situation.

 

 

The good news is that we should see him with the Montreal Canadiens as soon as next season!