"If the Canadiens' management wasn't very fond of Matvei Michkov last year, I'm told their opinion of Ivan Demidov is quite different. They wouldn't hesitate to select him if he were available at their spot.
He only has one year left on his contract in the KHL and has refused to sign an extension. But one year isn't three years like it was for Michkov, and I'm told the Canadiens see Demidov as a much more complete player than Michkov.
A source also tells me that the Habs' management has been granted permission to watch several of Demidov's games live via video this season, which they couldn't do last year for Michkov.
The Canadiens might even be tempted to pay the price to move up in the draft and select Demidov, but there are also other forwards they like who could be available at their spot, like Cayden Lindstrom or Tij Iginla."
- Arpon Basu