Ivan Demidov (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7c4218ca-cf10-4163-87b3-341e11f87a12.jpeg] Ivan Demidov (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images) We all know how much Montreal loves its hockey – specifically its Montreal Canadiens. There’s a lot for the Canadiens [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens] to get hyped up about, including being close to a playoff birth. But with top prospect Ivan Demidov joining the club [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/ivan-demidov-watch-top-nhl-prospect-set-to-join-the-montreal-canadiens] and making his NHL debut Monday night [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/canadiens-st-louis-on-ivan-demidovs-linemates-and-hughes-on-his-arrival] against the Chicago Blackhawks [http://thn.com/chicago] – Montrealers are falling head-over-heels for the 19-year-old. Will Ivan Demidov boost the Montreal Canadiens? Demidov has been embraced by Canadiens fans, be it at the airport arriving in the city or just during practice [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/demidov-takes-his-first-strides-as-a-member-of-the-montreal-canadiens] – the affection is probably more than he expected, even with Canadiens staff trying to prepare him for life in a massive hockey hotbed. That said, Demidov’s hardly the first Russian to potentially thrive in the fishbowl environment of Montreal. Whether it was Ilya Kovalchuk – who played for the Canadiens briefly in 2020 – or former Habs fan favorites Alex Kovalev and Andrei Markov, Canadiens fans have never shied away from expressing their affection for the creativity, craftiness and high-energy games these players bring to the table. Canadiens management is also fully aware of the mutual admiration that exists between Montrealers and their exciting talent. “It’s another part of what makes Montreal the best hockey city in the world,” Canadiens GM Kent Hughes said Monday [https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/kent-hughes-it-s-what-makes-montreal-the-best-hockey-city-in-the-world-apr-14-2025] regarding the Demidov hype. “We see it often with soccer around the world. When there’s a passion, there’s other aspects that come with it. But I think I have the impression that Ivan has felt the welcome to Montreal.” Canadiens' Ivan Demidov Brings 'Mamba Mentality' And Otherworldly Skill To The NHL [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/fada4c24-b07c-47b3-8f7a-c20f0b025a03.jpeg] Canadiens' Ivan Demidov Brings 'Mamba Mentality' And Otherworldly Skill To The NHL The Montreal Canadiens got a pretty special talent in Ivan Demidov. [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/canadiens-ivan-demidov-brings-mamba-mentality-and-otherworldly-skill-to-the-nhl] The hype around Demidov extends to current Canadiens players. Injured Habs center Kirby Dach moved his stationary bike to the bench [https://x.com/HabsInHighHeels/status/1911813743358378407] just to watch him practise. But before everyone gets carried away with expectations for Demidov, they should give him a little room to breathe and get his feet under him as he begins competing in the best hockey league on the planet. To that end, Kovalchuk talked to RG.org about Demidov [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/ilya-kovalchuk-has-advice-for-ivan-demidov] in March and how he has to be ready for the sky-high expectations in Montreal. “He needs to be ready for the reality of playing in a city where hockey is like a religion,” he said. “Every move he makes will be scrutinized by management and the media. The key is to not be shy and speak their language. It goes a long way in a market like Montreal.” Demidov needs to heed those words. If he doesn’t light the league on fire as soon as he logs his first few games, the pressure on him will only grow. And if he does excel right away, Demidov will be expected to raise his game even higher. Because he’s eligible to play in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Demidov reportedly has an intriguing clause in his first NHL contract, which would pay him $525,000 if he wins the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the post-season [https://x.com/PuckPedia/status/1909705245678354946]. He can make an even bigger splash as a rookie, but that’s part of the sky-high expectations that may need to be tempered this season. Canadiens fans are already gaga for the potential Demidov has shown in his on-ice career. If he does lay the foundation to be something truly special in this initial taste of NHL action, Habs fans will surely dive headfirst into a love affair with him that will last for many years. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.
