The excellent Marc-Olivier Beaudoin raised a really interesting point regarding the Ivan Demidov situation.

It’s a hot topic of discussion these days.

Let’s start with a quick recap:

– We have SKA, who stated that Demidov will probably not be used during the playoffs and will seemingly spend the entire postseason in the stands.

– Then we have Elliotte Friedman, who said this:

Elliotte Friedman on Ivan Demidov signing with the Canadiens immediately after the end of his season with SKA:

“It seems the Montreal Canadiens are quite hopeful. Clearly, they’re doing everything they can to make it happen.”

 

– Next, there’s a source close to the situation who claimed that Demidov wouldn’t be able to join the Habs this season-even if SKA no longer needs him-because SKA intends (ridiculously) to have him play in the junior ranks once the KHL season ends.

That’s a pretty solid summary of the most important developments.

Now, Beaudoin pointed out a good angle.

Nick Bobrov’s Father Could Be an Asset for the Montreal Canadiens in the Ivan Demidov Case

Here’s an excerpt from the observer’s post:

“In the Ivan Demidov situation, I think people are really underestimating the fact that the father of Nick Bobrov, the Canadiens’ head amateur scout, works for the SKA organization.”

– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin

In his opinion, this might not necessarily help the Canadiens bring Demidov over this season, but it could definitely be helpful looking ahead to next year.

 

The most realistic and hopeful scenario is that Demidov signs a contract with the Montreal Canadiens sometime in June, given that his KHL contract ends on May 31.

Nick Bobrov’s father could help make that happen.

Very good point from Marc-Olivier Beaudoin here!

​Ivan Demidov, selected fifth overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2024 NHL Draft, has expressed a strong desire to join the team. His current contract with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL is set to conclude on May 31, 2025. ​

Nick Bobrov, the Canadiens’ co-director of amateur scouting, has a unique connection to Demidov through his father, Sergei Bobrov, who has been a scout with SKA St. Petersburg for the past 15 years. This relationship provided the Canadiens with deeper insights into Demidov’s character and playing style, potentially facilitating smoother negotiations regarding his transition to the NHL.

Despite these connections, Demidov’s contractual obligations with SKA St. Petersburg remain in effect until May 31, 2025. The Canadiens are expected to respect this timeline, with Demidov likely joining the team for development camp in July 2025 and participating in the rookie and main training camps in September 2025.

Therefore, while the Bobrov family’s involvement with SKA St. Petersburg has strengthened the relationship between Demidov and the Canadiens, it does not alter the existing contractual timeline. Demidov is anticipated to join the Canadiens following the conclusion of his KHL contract in 2025.