A Kirill Kaprizov in Montreal: Kent Hughes could get lucky
While Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky are solid players and form a strong trio, it's been a long time since Montreal has had a true superstar forward.
Players like Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov, Kirill Kaprizov, or Jack Hughes haven't graced the Canadiens' roster since Vincent Damphousse, who had three seasons with over 90 points. That was 30 years ago.
Kent Hughes now has the chance to draft a forward with the potential to become the superstar the team has been waiting for if Ivan Demidov is available in the draft.
Demidov is often compared to Kirill Kaprizov, which is no small feat. Kaprizov has had seasons of 108 and 96 points in four years in the NHL.
He prides himself on his hockey IQ, agility and shot, while he wants to continue getting more explosive and adding to his skills. For NHL talent hawks, there's a lot to like about the kid already. - THN
According to several analysts and insiders, the chances that he will still be available at the 5th overall pick are very good. San Jose is expected to pick Macklin Celebrini, Chicago Artyom Levshunov, and Anaheim and Columbus are reportedly not interested in Demidov.
Of course, surprises can always happen, and the young prodigy could be picked earlier, but he is reportedly the top priority for the Canadiens. At the same age as Demidov, Nikita Kucherov had a season with 58 points in 41 games in the MHL, while Demidov amassed 60 points in 30 games. That's phenomenal.
His status and country of origin work against him, no doubt, as he could theoretically be the first or second overall pick. If the Canadiens can secure him, the future Kirill Kaprizov or Nikita Kucherov could very well play in Montreal for many years to come.
Source : The Hockey News
2024 NHL Draft Prospect Ivan Demidov Has Entered the Spotlight
| POLL | ||
Do you think Ivan Demidov will become as good as Kirill Kaprizov? | ||
| Yes | 357 | 78.8 % |
| No | 96 | 21.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
