MONTREAL — The anticipation for Ivan Demidov’s appearance at the Montreal Canadiens rookie showdown against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell Centre was immense. Numerous calls from friends and family poured in throughout the day, all eager to confirm the young star`s status. It seems not everyone in Montreal is engrossed in hockey quite as early as September, but the near-sellout crowd at the Bell Centre for the first Canadiens game since April 27 proved otherwise, generating an incredibly lively atmosphere.
Fans remained standing, particularly whenever Demidov was poised to touch the puck. The 19-year-old Russian forward constantly orchestrated plays, assisting linemates Florian Xhekaj and Oliver Kapanen on goals, before netting a highlight-reel goal of his own. With each impressive maneuver, chants of his name reverberated through the arena.
Demidov, the fifth-overall pick in the 2024 Draft, reacted humbly to the fervent crowd, stating, “I remember last year was the same.” When asked about becoming accustomed to such attention, he simply replied, “We’ll see.” This modest demeanor belies a talent that seems destined for NHL superstardom, a potential already evident from his KHL performances and previous appearances in a Canadiens jersey.
The excitement Demidov generates is truly special, drawing comparisons to the most revered Montreal Canadiens players of all time. The mere expectation of him handling the puck electrifies the entire venue, creating a memorable experience for every fan present.
Pascal Vincent, head coach of the Laval Rocket, who was at the helm for the Canadiens` bench during the game, lauded Demidov`s impact. “Every time you send (Demidov) on the ice, you get the impression something’s going to happen. And something does happen, and we get a chance to score,” Vincent observed. “We had a lot of chances to score tonight, and he was responsible for the majority of them. What he can do on the ice isn’t luck. He’s a guy who’s worked on his game. He’s still young, he’ll continue to improve. But he’s a player who can make the difference on every shift. For a coach, that’s fun to have.” Vincent conceded, however, that his opportunity to coach Demidov would be brief, as the young sensation`s journey with the Canadiens has truly just begun for the fanbase.
Quick Observations from the Game
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Florian Xhekaj: While much attention has been given to Xhekaj`s 15-pound off-season gain, intended to prepare him for a robust NHL style, his refined skill and impressive hockey sense were equally noteworthy. He seamlessly integrated with Demidov and Kapanen, contributing a goal and an assist, alongside his customary physical presence.
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Jacob Fowler: The 69th pick in the 2023 Draft and the reigning NCAA goaltender of the year enjoyed a flawless Bell Centre debut, stopping all 11 shots he faced during his half of the game.
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David Reinbacher: Despite appearing somewhat rusty, likely due to a serious knee injury last season, the 2023 fifth-overall pick showcased remarkable poise, smooth skating, and sharp hockey sense. Even with a couple of one-on-one challenges, his overall game impressed scouts. As one scout noted, “You can just see it in his movement, and in the way he always seems to know what he’s going to do in advance.” Reinbacher himself acknowledged the need for continued improvement, stating, “Did some confident plays, tried to make some plays. And for sure not every play is happening or goes through. For sure there’s stuff that you want to improve. Forget it, it happens. That’s the process. Gotta watch the game and be ready for tomorrow.”
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Owen Beck: Pascal Vincent offered a highly positive assessment of Beck, the 33rd-overall pick in 2022. He praised Beck as a strong skater who attacks the net, plays physically, excels on both power plays and penalty kills, and is versatile enough to play wing or center. Vincent added, “He’s got a lot of interesting tools, and he’s a cerebral guy. We’ll see where he goes with all that.”
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The Significance of the Jersey: Vincent thoughtfully reflected on the profound meaning of the prospects game for many participants. “For some guys, unfortunately, it’s the only time they’re going to wear an NHL jersey. Just to experience that is the story you’re going to tell your kids and grandkids,” he explained. He recounted an anecdote about Luke Tuch, who, upon being named captain, expressed deep emotional pride in wearing the `C` for the Montreal Canadiens, highlighting the immense privilege and honor associated with the iconic jersey for these young athletes.
