"Biggest bust in the draft" "Massive steal": Fans divided as Montreal Canadiens pick Ivan Demidov with No. 5 2024 NHL draft pick

NHL fans are left divided followed by the Montreal Canadiens selecting Ivan Demidov with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft. Demidov was one of the top-ranked players available, but he is under contract in the KHL in Russia next season so when he will make the move to the NHL is uncertain.

However, Demidov is one of the top players in the draft as he had 23 goals and added 37 assists for 60 points in just 30 games in the Russian junior league. In 17 postseason games, he added 28 points to win the championship.

Despite all the accolades, some fans liked the Canadiens' selection.

"Great pick. Massive steal," a fan wrote.

Although some fans liked the move, other fans didn't like the Habs' pick.

"Biggest bust in the draft," a fan added.

Ultimately, most fans did like the selection and praised Montreal for taking one of the top players in the draft.

"Demidov and Caufield bout to be the next great NHL duo," a fan added.

Although fans are torn on the pick, fans will likely have to wait at least a year before Ivan Demidov makes his NHL debut.

Ivan Demidov was a questionable pick due to nationality

Ivan Demidov was the second-ranked player by TSN's Bob McKenzie but due to him being Russian, there were concerns of drafting him.

Demidov is under contract in the KHL next season, and one scout told McKenzie that drafting a Russian needs everyone to be on board.

“If you’re going to take a Russian in the top five picks, your owner has to be on board,” one scout said. “It’s not just a hockey decision. Your GM has to have an idea of how soon that [Russian] player will or won’t be coming to North America. It’s not insurmountable, but there are added layers to taking a Russian really high in the draft.”

However, another scout said he had no concerns about Demidov and believes he is the second-best player in the draft.

“I have no problem personally ranking Demidov at No. 2,” said a scout, “but I couldn’t assure you my team would take him there if we were picking second overall. There’s a lot more that goes into it now, especially that high.”

Montreal also has the 21st overall pick in the first round.