It's not the first time Tony DeAngelo makes the headlines for pumping up Montreal Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov's tires, but it's music to Habs fans' ears.
Tony DeAngelo may be playing his trade in the KHL nowadays, but he is still talked about on this side of the pond, especially because of his take on Montreal Canadiens' prospect Ivan Demidov.
On the Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast, the exiled defenseman was asked just how good Demidov is and his answer definitely won't disappoint Habs fans. He didn't want to compare him to someone like Connor McDavid or Nathan MacKinnon as it would have put a lot of pressure on the youngster, but he did call him a world-class talent nonetheless.
DeAngelo adds its hard to believe that three guys who went above him have the same kind of skill set the Russian wonder. According to the offensive defenseman, his low end prediction for him is that he'll turn into a top-six, 30-goal scorer winger. The clip doesn't say what his top ceiling may be, but considering he calls Demidov a world class talent, one can imagine it's pretty high.
While Habs fans will have to wait until next season to see Demidov take his first strides on an NHL sheet of ice, right now, there's another Russian working his magic. Matvei Michkov is leading all rookies in scoring with 17 points in 20 games and there are still those who believe he's the one that got away in this Canadiens rebuild.
A great rookie season from Demidov when he does start in the NHL would go a long way to quieting the critics who still haven't got over the David Reinbacher selection. Of course, a bit of luck health wise for the Austrian would also help, but right now, all the right-shot defenseman can do is work on his knee rehabilitation.
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