Ivan Demidov #93 of the Montreal Canadiens (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
For Ivan Demidov, the offseason isn’t about rest—it’s about readiness. After an impressive debut in North America, the highly-touted Russian forward is planting roots in Montreal this summer with a clear goal in mind: elevate every part of his game, on and off the ice.
Demidov took just a brief seven-day break following the Canadiens’ final game before getting back to work. On May 16, he officially resumed training, diving into a summer program that’s anything but casual.
“Ivan has already grown fond of Montreal and wants to get to know the city, its culture, and its people better, which is why he chose to spend the summer here,” a source close to Demidov shared with RG.
But this isn’t just about sightseeing. Staying in Montreal gives Demidov the opportunity to train intensively under the watchful eye of the Canadiens’ development staff. After a season of adapting to the faster pace of the NHL, he’s now focused on building the strength, endurance, and situational awareness required to thrive at the highest level. It’s a crucial period for a player projected to be a key piece of the Canadiens’ future.
What’s just as important to Demidov as his physical preparation is his integration off the ice. The 18-year-old isn’t simply trying to fit in—he wants to belong. That’s why his summer plans include a dedicated push to improve both his English and French.
“He will also focus more seriously on studying not just English but French as well,” the source confirmed to RG.
It’s a mature decision for a teenager who could have easily spent the offseason in a more familiar environment. Instead, Demidov is embracing the challenge of learning two new languages while immersing himself in Quebec’s unique culture. That effort hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans or the organization—especially in a bilingual market where communication matters just as much as production.
Even with his busy schedule in Montreal, Demidov remains in the spotlight back home. He’s one of three finalists for the KHL Rookie of the Year award, a recognition of his stellar play with SKA St. Petersburg before joining the Canadiens. He shares the honor with Yegor Surin, a forward selected 22nd overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2024 NHL Draft, and goaltender Semyon Vyazovoi, a Seattle Kraken draft pick who opted to sign a two-year extension with Salavat Yulaev rather than make the jump to the NHL.
The winner of the prestigious award will be announced on May 29 during a ceremony in Moscow. However, Demidov has already confirmed he will not attend. That decision, like the rest of his summer plans, underscores where his priorities lie.
While many young stars might seize the opportunity for a high-profile homecoming, Demidov is laser-focused on his future in Montreal. Skipping the trip to Russia means no distractions—just consistent training, ongoing language lessons, and time to absorb everything his new home has to offer.
It’s a move that speaks volumes about Demidov’s commitment. Talent has never been in question for the dynamic winger, but this summer, he’s showing the discipline and maturity that turn potential into performance.
Whether he’s working with coaches at the Bell Sports Complex, ordering coffee in French, or soaking in the rhythm of a city that lives and breathes hockey, Ivan Demidov is doing everything possible to make sure he’s ready—not just for October, but for a long, impactful career in Montreal.
Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.
