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Ivan Demidov Makes NHL Debut as Canadiens Fight for Playoff Spot

The 19-year-old Russian phenom joins Montreal’s lineup against Chicago after a record-breaking KHL season and an expedited transition to the NHL.

Chicago Blackhawks' Ilya Mikheyev (95) moves in on Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault during second period NHL hockey action in Montreal, Monday, April 14, 2025.
Montreal Canadiens' Ivan Demidov skates during morning practice in Toronto, Saturday, April 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Alexis Belanger-Champagne
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Overview

  • Ivan Demidov, the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, is set to debut for the Montreal Canadiens in a pivotal game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
  • The Canadiens can secure a playoff berth with a win, holding the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference with two games remaining.
  • Demidov, who led SKA Saint Petersburg with 49 points in 65 games this season, set a KHL scoring record for under-20 players before his early release from the team.
  • He signed an entry-level contract with Montreal last week and has been integrated into the third line alongside Alex Newhook and Joel Armia, as well as the second power-play unit.
  • Demidov’s arrival has generated significant excitement among Canadiens fans, highlighted by large crowds greeting him at Toronto Pearson Airport and widespread social media engagement.