Ivan Demidov's new linemates revealed for the first time.

Ivan Demidov’s new linemates revealed for the first time.

Ivan Demidov slots into the Canadiens lineup for the very first time on Monday morning.

It is hard to explain the sheer level of hype that has surrounded Russian forward Ivan Demidov since he was in the first round (5th overall) of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. Fans of the Canadiens, one of the most rabid fan bases in all of sports, have been salivating at the prospect of seeing Demidov on their team and now the moment has finally arrived.

On Monday, Demidov will hit the ice for the first time as a member of the Montreal Canadiens and we now have an idea of where he will slot into the lineup.

As the Canadiens hit the ice for practice, Demidov was spotted working on a line centered by Alex Newhook and with Joel Armia on the opposite wing. Here is how the Canadiens forward lines looked on Monday:

Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Gallagher-Dvorak-Anderson
Demidov-Newhook-Armia
Laine-Evans-Kapanen

Some fans had wondered about the possibility of Demidov playing alongside the likes of Patrik Laine, and on Monday Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis confirmed that was indeed a possibility. That being said St. Louis also stated that he would take things as they come, not making any promises about who will be matched up alongside of who.

As for why Armia? St. Louis’ thought process is that the defensive minded forward will give the line a little bit more balance with Demidov now in the mix.

It looks like the Canadiens intend to give the dynamic Russian forward a chance to showcase his skills on the power play as well, with Demidov being immediately injected into the team’s second power play unit.

It will be an extremely exciting debut for both Demidov and the fans in Montreal, one made even more exciting by the fact that the Canadiens, and Demidov, could clinch a playoff spot with a win on Monday.

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