Montreal Canadiens right winger Ivan Demidov has decided to remain in the city for the summer. The 19-year-old Russian prospect, who took a brief vacation to the Dominican Republic following the Canadiens’ elimination, has been back at work since May 16.
Demidov is training under the close supervision of the team’s development staff, including skills coach Adam Nicholas, who was seen working with him last week. Beyond the physical preparation, Demidov is also using his offseason to immerse himself in the local culture by learning English and French a move praised by both the organization and fans as a sign of his commitment to becoming a long-term part of the Canadiens’ future.
- His decision to stay in Montreal reflects not only his dedication to improving on the ice, but also his desire to adapt quickly to life in North America.
Montreal Canadiens fans hoping to see Ivan Demidov take the NHL by storm next season have reason for optimism. As confirmed Sunday morning by Marco D’Amico of Recrutes.ca, the 19-year-old Russian winger has chosen to remain in Montreal for the summer, signaling his commitment to development both on and off the ice.
After a brief vacation to the Dominican Republic following the Canadiens’ elimination from postseason contention, Demidov returned on May 16 and has wasted no time getting back to work. He’s been seen training under the close supervision of Canadiens skills coach Adam Nicholas, known for his innovative player development methods. But Demidov’s summer plans go beyond the gym and the rink.
The skilled forward has also prioritized language learning, dedicating time to improve both his English and French. It’s a move that shows he clearly understands the Montreal market and its bilingual fanbase. By embracing the local culture, Demidov isn’t just preparing to contribute on the ice he’s preparing to become a true Montreal Canadien.
His decision to stay in town reflects a growing maturity and professional mindset. Now that he’s had a taste of the NHL environment and fan expectations, Demidov seems intent on taking the next step in his evolution as a player. That mindset is further underscored by his decision not to attend the upcoming KHL Rookie of the Year ceremony on May 29, even though he’s a finalist for the award. Rather than celebrate past accomplishments, Demidov is focused entirely on the road ahead.
Early impressions of Demidov’s work ethic have drawn comparisons to fellow Canadiens prospect Lane Hutson, who is known for never missing an optional skate. If Demidov follows suit, the Habs could have another self-motivated star in the making.
Whether he can replicate his KHL success in the NHL remains to be seen, but his preparation, attitude, and desire to improve suggest he’s giving himself every chance to succeed and that should excite Canadiens fans.
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