Canadiens Rumors: Updates From Russia On Demidov's Potential Playoff Arrival

1 week ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors  /  Read Time: 1 minute 6 seconds

With Ivan Demidov's SKA St. Petersburg team bowing out of the KHL playoffs early, the Montreal Canadiens started dreaming of being able to add their top prospect to the lineup in time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But not so fast, according to a report from insider Marco D'Amico at rg.org. He says that SKA will try to delay Demidov's arrival in North America. A source close to the young phenom told D'Amico that Demidov's camp will do their best to try to negotiate a contract termination with SKA—but they’re not optimistic about the outcome.Demidov’s camp will try to bring him over to the NHL this season, but the chances are slim. Most likely, he’ll play in the VHL or MHL instead.The reason being, according to another source with SKA, is that the organization, and head coach Roman Rotenberg, after their playoff flameout at the KHL level this year, want to bring home some hardware somehow, some way, and they'll need Demidov to do that. “Rotenberg’s main goal now is to win in the MHL and VHL to make up for the failure in the KHL. That’s all he cares about—he wants to prove that the SKA development system works."SKA is focused on winning a trophy—at least in the MHL or VHL.”"The organization’s desire to win at the developmental level, coupled with Demidov’s age and lack of extensive KHL minutes, makes it unlikely they’ll agree to let him leave before this offseason," confirmed D'Amico.The 19-year-old was a highlight machine this season in the KHL, where he finished with 19 goals and 49 points in 65 games, with a plus/minus rating of +14, but in sometimes limited ice time. But it may be next season before Habs fans see the budding Russian star in Canadiens' colours. ...

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