Following the final match of the Puchkov Tournament, head coach of SKA St Petersburg Roman Rotenberg shared a piece of news that is a relief to Habs fans.
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The bench boss told Matchtv.ru that Canadiens’ prospect Ivan Demidov would be listed in the opening game lineup on Sept. 5 against Metallurg Magnitogorsk:
“Ivan Demidov has earned a place in the lineup. In the first game, he will definitely play for the SKA main team against Magnitka. We are happy with how the team is approaching the common denominator for the season,” Rotenberg told Matchtv.ru in Russian.
Demidov scored five points in the tournament while captaining the U-23 Russia team. SKA walked away with the trophy—Demidov and co needed to win in regulation to capture the tournament glory— but the young phenom netted a no-shot goal and the shootout winner.
SKA made three notable off-season transactions, adding former NHL forwards Mikhail Grigorenko, Sergei Plotnikov and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Demidov told a reporter earlier in August that he was labelled the 13th forward.
Related: Canadiens: Demidov the 13th Forward?
The recent statement from Rotenberg does quell the worries of Montreal fans and media. Analysts have suggested that Demidov spend time in the AHL if he doesn’t receive sufficient playing time, but if he is consistent on the ice, the original plan of him joining the Canadiens at training camp next year should work out, health permitting.
The forward put up 60 points in 30 MHL games last season, 23 goals and 37 assists. He then scored 11 goals in 17 playoff games before an ankle injury ended his postseason run. Demidov was drafted fifth overall back in June by Montreal and promptly became the organization’s top prospect.
Related
Canadiens: Demdiov Dazzles With Kucherov-esque Goal and Shootout Winner
Canadiens: SKA’s Rotenberg Discusses Role and Development of Demidov
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