SKA has just changed its mind about Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov.



Just a few days ago, head coach Roman Rotenberg announced that he wouldn’t be using Demidov in the playoffs.. and now we’ve got a major twist!

Ivan Demidov leaves the sidelines and is immediately placed on SKA’s top line with Evgeny Kuznetsov

After just one game, it looks like Rotenberg realized he needs Demidov to win, following their Game 1 loss to Dynamo.

“Ivan Demidov is back on the 1st line with Evgeny Kuznetsov today.

SKA faces Dynamo Moscow at 12:30 PM ET.

They trail 1-0 in the series.”

– HabsOnReddit

 

What a pleasant surprise!

Demidov will now have the opportunity to play a major role in a crucial KHL playoff game.

An unexpected promotion for Ivan Demidov in the KHL

This can only be good for his development!

It also seems to suggest that SKA may have abandoned the idea of pressuring the young Demidov.. To be continued!

Demidov, only 19 years old, recorded 49 points in 65 games with SKA this season, including 19 goals, and finished as the team’s top scorer-despite questionable usage all season long and many games with just 2-3 minutes of ice time.

His KHL contract technically ends on May 31, 2025.

We’ll keep an eye on this for you, as the game is starting very soon.

Feels like SKA is suddenly going to start winning games now that they’ve stopped punishing their best player for no reason.

 

Go Demidov!

Update

Ivan Demidov just scored the first goal of the game, marking his first career playoff goal.