Hurricanes' Andrei Svechnikov draws striking parallel between Ivan Demidov and Red Wings superstar

Modified Apr 16, 2025 21:06 GMT

NHL: Chicago Blackhawks at Montreal Canadiens - Source: Imagn — Following Ivan Demidov's debut Andrei Svechnikov compared him to Patrick Kane (Credits: IMAGN)

Ivan Demidov made his NHL debut for the Montreal Canadiens on Monday, almost 10 months after getting drafted fifth overall in the 2024 draft. He got an assist and scored a goal in the first period. Fans at Bell Centre cheered loudly for him. The cheer for his assist was louder than the goal announcement.

Speaking to the media after the game, Demidov said he felt loved by the crowd.

"It’s crazy, you know?" Demidov said in Canadiens locker room on Monday. "I feel the fans love me. It’s cool, it’s amazing."

Before the Canadiens' final game of the season against the Carolina Hurricanes, forward Andrei Svechnikov made an interesting comment about Ivan Demidov. He said Demidov reminds him of Patrick Kane.

"(He reminds me of Patrick Kane) with the skill and the way he moves his shoulders."

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Patrick Kane is one of the most skilled American NHL players. He won three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks and has over 1,200 career points. He now plays for the Detroit Red Wings. This season, Kane has 21 goals and 37 assists for 58 points.

Patrick Kane - drafted first overall in 2007 and winning the Calder Trophy in his rookie year - is known for his puck control and scoring, which NHL analysts notice. Kane reached 1,000 points in January 2020 and became the youngest American to do so.

Demidov is still new to the NHL but has good vision and quick hands. He could become a top player in Montreal. The Montreal Canadiens hope he helps them for many years.

Ivan Demidov could play in the playoffs if Montreal Canadiens' win today

The Montreal Canadiens are still fighting for a playoff spot and need one point on Wednesday against the Carolina Hurricanes at Bell Centre. If they lose in regulation, they must wait for Columbus's results because this is their last chance to qualify. Demidov could likely play in the playoffs if Montreal makes it to the playoffs.

Ivan Demidov’s arrival generated significant hype. Fans tracked his flight to Toronto and greeted him at the airport. Demidov - who arrived from SKA St. Petersburg (KHL) where he scored 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists) in 65 games - signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Canadiens on Apr. 8.

About the author

Ankit is an NHL journalist at Sportskeeda with over 3 years of experience in the writing industry. He has expertise in sports, product, and travel content writing. His interest in ice hockey was piqued after watching Sidney Crosby play and he has been passionately following the game since then. Ankit admires Crosby’s personality and hockey IQ, and when he crossed the 1,500 points tally, Ankit was among the biggest fans to celebrate the occasion.

An Edmonton Oilers fan because of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Ankit also admires the Pittsburgh Penguins due to Crosby and the Colorado Avalanche for Nathan MacKinnon. He is also a fan of Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Language, Ankit believes his education has helped him develop a knack for presenting information in a precise and compelling manner. He only sources information from credible avenues and trusted people from his network for his articles.

When he is not watching or writing about the NHL, Ankit loves listening to music and reading books.

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Edited by William Paul