Ivan Demidov, an 18-year-old forward selected by the Montreal Canadiens with the fifth overall pick in the recent draft, is preparing for the season with SKA in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
After missing the end of the MHL playoffs last year due to a lower-body injury, he is now back on the ice.
Demidov is focusing on improving his speed and muscle mass in preparation for a potential move to the NHL next year.
He remains in contact with Juraj Slafkovsky, a Canadiens forward, who has expressed excitement about Demidov's future arrival.
"I need to have a strong season and then we'll see. Injuries affected me last season, so I need to prepare well and perform this season. After that, I can seriously think about moving to the NHL. [...] He has sent me some messages, asked how I was doing, and congratulated me on my selection. He also said he is looking forward to me joining the team." - Ivan Demidov
Demidov believes that the arrival of Evgeny Kuznetsov on his team will provide valuable experience.
Canadiens GM Kent Hughes has discussed Demidov's development with SKA and is closely monitoring his progress.
Last season, Demidov scored 60 points in 30 games in the MHL, an impressive pace for his age.
To read the full interview with Ivan Demidov, click here:
