The Montreal Canadiens, one of the NHL’s most storied franchises, have long prided themselves on their ability to identify and develop elite talent. From drafting legends like Guy Lafleur and Jean Béliveau to modern-era successes such as Carey Price and P.K. Subban, the Habs’ scouting department has often been lauded for its foresight.

However, the 2023 NHL Draft may come to be remembered as a turning point—and not for the better. The selection of Russian phenom Ivan Demidov with the fifth overall pick was initially met with cautious optimism, but recent revelations about the 18-year-old winger’s development, attitude, and adaptability have cast a dark shadow over the organization. What was once seen as a potential steal in the draft is now shaping up to be a nightmare scenario for a team desperate to return to contention. The truth about Demidov is out, and it’s not pretty.

The Hype That Preceded the Fall

When the Canadiens drafted Ivan Demidov, fans and analysts alike were electrified by his potential. The skilled forward had just completed a dominant season with SKA St. Petersburg’s junior program in the MHL, Russia’s top junior league, where he tallied an astonishing 60 points (23 goals, 37 assists) in just 30 games. His blend of size (6’1″, 185 lbs), silky hands, and hockey IQ drew comparisons to NHL stars like Nikita Kucherov and Kirill Kaprizov. Scouts raved about his ability to control the pace of play, his vision in the offensive zone, and his knack for making highlight-reel plays under pressure. For a Canadiens team that has struggled to find consistent scoring outside of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, Demidov seemed like the perfect fit—a dynamic, game-breaking talent who could anchor a line for years to come.

But even then, there were whispers of concern. Demidov had spent most of the 2023-24 season in the MHL rather than the KHL, Russia’s top professional league, which raised questions about his readiness for the NHL. While SKA St. Petersburg is one of the KHL’s powerhouse teams, Demidov’s limited ice time with the senior club (just four points in 17 KHL games) suggested he wasn’t trusted in high-leverage situations. The Canadiens’ management brushed off these worries, insisting that Demidov’s development path was typical for young Russian prospects. “He’s a special player,” said GM Kent Hughes at the time. “We’re willing to be patient.”

The Red Flags Emerge

Patience, however, is a luxury the Canadiens can no longer afford. Over the past six months, a series of alarming reports have painted a troubling picture of Demidov’s progress—or lack thereof. Sources close to SKA St. Petersburg have revealed that Demidov has clashed repeatedly with coaches over his role on the team. Despite being touted as a future star, he has been relegated to fourth-line minutes in the KHL this season, averaging less than 10 minutes of ice time per game. Worse, his production has flatlined: just two assists in 15 games, with zero goals. For a player expected to dominate at every level, these numbers are nothing short of catastrophic.

The issues go beyond statistics. According to insiders, Demidov has struggled to adapt to the physicality and structure of the professional game. His once-celebrated puck-possession skills have been neutralized by bigger, stronger defenders in the KHL, and his willingness to compete in dirty areas—a critical flaw for any NHL hopeful—has been called into question. One European scout, speaking anonymously, described Demidov’s play as “passive” and “unengaged,” noting that he often “disappears for shifts at a time.” These criticisms have been echoed by Russian hockey analysts, who have pointed to Demidov’s lack of urgency in defensive zones and his tendency to float away from puck battles.

The “Russian Factor” Rears Its Head

Compounding these on-ice struggles is the so-called “Russian factor”—a nebulous but very real set of challenges that have plagued many Russian prospects transitioning to North America. Demidov’s situation is particularly fraught. SKA St. Petersburg, known for its conservative coaching staff and rigid systems, has a history of stifling young talent. Former NHLer Evgeny Kuznetsov, who came through the same system, once lamented that SKA’s environment “sucks the creativity out of you.” For Demidov, a player whose game relies on improvisation and flair, this could be a death knell for his confidence.

There are also growing concerns about his commitment to the Canadiens’ long-term vision. In a recent interview with a Russian sports outlet, Demidov’s agent, Igor Larionov (himself a Hall of Fame player), hinted that his client might prefer to stay in Russia for “the foreseeable future” to “fully develop his game.” While Larionov later walked back the comments, the mere suggestion of reluctance to join the NHL sent shockwaves through Montreal’s fanbase. The Canadiens have already seen one high-profile Russian prospect, Alexander Romanov, leave for the KHL after a promising start in North America. Could Demidov follow the same path?

The Canadiens’ Dilemma

For Montreal, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The team is in a precarious phase of its rebuild, trying to balance the development of young stars like Caufield, Suzuki, and Juraj Slafkovský with the urgent need to win now in a competitive Atlantic Division. Demidov was supposed to be a cornerstone of this next era—a player capable of tilting the ice in the Canadiens’ favor. Instead, his trajectory now mirrors that of other infamous draft busts: highly skilled players who couldn’t adapt to the demands of the NHL.

The front office’s handling of the situation has only fueled criticism. Kent Hughes and VP of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton have remained conspicuously silent on Demidov’s struggles, opting for vague platitudes about “trusting the process.” Behind the scenes, however, tensions are reportedly boiling. According to sources within the organization, there is growing frustration that Demidov’s development plan—a mix of KHL time and mentorship from SKA’s coaching staff—has backfired spectacularly. The Canadiens lack direct oversight of his day-to-day progress, leaving them powerless to intervene as his game regresses.

What Comes Next?

The path forward is murky. If Demidov remains in Russia, the Canadiens risk losing leverage over his development entirely. The KHL has become increasingly hostile to NHL teams “poaching” their talent, and SKA St. Petersburg could pressure Demidov to sign a long-term extension, effectively ending his NHL aspirations.

Alternatively, Montreal could attempt to bring him to North America sooner—a risky move given his current form. Demidov would likely start in the AHL with the Laval Rocket, but his confidence is so shattered that even that might be too much to ask.

There’s also the financial and cap-related fallout to consider. Demidov’s entry-level contract, which carries a $950,000 cap hit, is already looking like an albatross. If he fails to develop, the Canadiens will be left with dead money on their books and a wasted draft slot that could have been used on a safer prospect like Zach Benson (Buffalo) or Oliver Kapanen (Nashville).

A Legacy on the Line

The Demidov saga isn’t just about one player—it’s a referendum on the Canadiens’ entire scouting philosophy. In recent years, the team has leaned heavily on European talent, with mixed results. Jesperi Kotkaniemi, the third overall pick in 2018, was traded for minimal value after struggling to find his role. Slafkovský, the first overall pick in 2022, has shown flashes of brilliance but remains inconsistent. If Demidov flames out, it will reinforce the narrative that Montreal’s front office is out of touch with the realities of modern player development.

In the end, the truth about Ivan Demidov serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in the world of professional sports. For every success story, there are countless tales of unmet potential and shattered dreams. The Montreal Canadiens, a franchise with a proud history and a bright future, must now navigate this challenging chapter with resilience and foresight.

While the situation may not be looking good at the moment, it is in times of adversity that true character is revealed. Whether Demidov ultimately fulfills his potential or becomes a cautionary tale, the Canadiens must remain committed to their long-term vision, learning from this experience and emerging stronger on the other side. The road to redemption will not be easy, but for a team and a fanbase as passionate as the Montreal Canadiens, it is a challenge worth embracing.