“He'll Light Up the NHL" - Samsonov on Demidov’s Future, Kaprizov’s Decision, Kucherov/Greztky Comparison

Ivan Demidov is selected by the Montreal Canadiens with the fifth overall pick during the first round of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The vast majority of Russian NHL players return home after finishing their careers in the league; with only a few stay in North America and even fewer continue to work in the NHL system. Former greats like Sergei Brylin, Evgeni Nabokov and Sergei Gonchar all decided to stay in North America; taking up jobs in the NHL. Sergei Samsonov, a Calder Trophy winner, All-Star participant, and 2002 Olympic bronze medalist, took a different path.  

After playing three years with Carolina towards the end of his career, the former winger became a scout for the team in 2014, then became responsible for forward development and eventually rose to role of Director of Player Development. But in the summer of 2023, he left the Hurricanes and moved to Dan Milstein's Gold Star Hockey agency, where he is also responsible for player development.  

Shades of a Young Ovechkin

One of Gold Star Hockey’s most popular clients is none other than the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Ivan Demidov. Seen as the next star for the Montreal Canadiens, team executives even came to personally see him play in St. Petersburg, where the young forward plays for SKA.  

Samsonov has the luxury of having played for the Canadiens and knows what it’s like to play in a market like Montreal. He had some great things to say about Demidov, who models his game after other Gold Star clients like Nikita Kucherov and Kirill Kaprizov.

"I agree [with the comparison] with Kaprizov. Demidov is the same type of playmaker as Kirill, he can also drive to the net himself and make his teammates better, regularly finding them with a sharp pass,” said Samsonov in an exclusive interview with RG. “It was great to watch him tear up the MHL last season; every game is a highlight! I hope he continues to do the same in the KHL.”

Demidov has been nothing short of impressive as a rookie in the KHL, putting up 30 points in 40 games while playing less-than-deal minutes up until recently. Samsonov was impressed with the youngster’s maturity when they first met, but also his overall “joie de vivre” when around people; something that reminded the former NHLer of a young Alex Ovechkin.

“I was very pleased to meet him in person in Vegas [at the draft], and I saw only positive things in him; he’s a very nice guy, always smiling.

With his positive energy, he reminded me of a young Alex Ovechkin, when we played together during the 2004-05 lockout with Dynamo Moscow,” said Samsonov. “Demidov is already a professional in so many ways. Sooner or later, I am sure, he will light up the NHL. But we should not put too much pressure on young guys who are just coming to the league. In Canada, this happens often, and I hope Montreal will approach this wisely. Not everyone succeeds right away, and even top draft picks need time to reach their full potential.”

As part of his mandate with Gold Star Hockey, Samsonov takes some time to work with all his clients; including Demidov. The former NHL All-Star praised Demidov’s adaptability and his eagerness to learn.

“We talk to Ivan during the season and we’ll sometimes I just congratulate him on a good game. We’ll watch some tape when we can, discuss those plays together. He’s quite quick and picking it up. It’s no surprise that he was able to make the jump to men's hockey so smoothly,” said Samsonov. “Unfortunately, we were unable to work with him at the summer camp in Florida, because he had an injury and did not skate. But his potential is huge, and I was sure that in the KHL it would take him very little time to find himself. I am not surprised that he his performing the way he is."

Kaprizov’s Big Decision

In comparing Demidov to Kaprizov, one can’t help but wonder what’s next for the Hart-Trophy favorite; as he’s set to become a free agent in the summer of 2026. There’s still lots of time for both camps to work things through, as a new contract cannot be signed prior to July 1, 2025.

However, Samsonov believes that Kaprizov’s future in Minnesota will play itself out organically.

For Samsonov, Kaprizov is more interested in fit and direction; which is fair considering he’s emerging as one of the top offensive players in the league. When you’re in your prime and deciding where you want to chase a championship for the next handful of years, Samsonov believes it’s important to make a wise decision.

“I think he’s going to win the Art Ross Trophy this year, and maybe even the Hart Trophy, based on his play during the first half of the season. His impressive offensive performances are not an accident. He’s hit 100 points before and came extremely close again last season. He’s 27 years old, he’s in his prime. The main thing is to stay healthy, and then he can achieve anything. The first half of last season wasn't very successful for him, but such players sooner or later come out of any small hole. Everything is going well for Kaprizov now and I hope it will continue that way."

Kaprizov still has lots of time before having to make a decision. Right now, Samsonov believes his focus should be on his current season and helping the Wild go on a long playoff run. The time for negotiating will come down the line.

Comparing Kucherov to Gretzky

One client that hasn’t done much negotiating lately is former Art Ross Trophy winner Nikita Kucherov. One of the top players in the NHL since the turn of the decade, Kaprizov has mystified teams with his combination of skill and hockey IQ.  

"We went to dinner with him at Vegas this summer; when he had just lost out on the Hart trophy.

Despite being a little upset about not winning the trophy, we still spent that entire dinner talking about hockey. He is so passionate about the game, is such a huge fan of it, so it’s very interesting to listen to him,” said Samsonov of his client. “If you, even being a great master, are not a fan of the game, then it simply won't come to such a conversation.”

Samsonov came away very impressed with Kucherov, praising his hockey mind and his “big picture” view on finding success in the NHL.

“We discussed what length of stick you can play with and what you can't - we talked even about such small details. I was amazed by the scale of his vision of hockey. How the team should be built to win the next Stanley Cup, etc,” said Samsonov. “I remember when I was playing, I was focused on myself, on what I was responsible for and how I could help the team. But Kucherov sees the whole picture, and I was very impressed.”

But Samsonov is most impressed at how Kucherov actually plays the game; which, love him or hate him, has been at an exceptional level for multiple seasons now. Kucherov will go down as one of the most creative players in league history, but Samsonov believes there’s one quality of his that could even rival that of the Great One, Wayne Gretzky.

Kucherov was, until Kaprizov’s recent ascension, the unquestioned most prolific Russian-born player in the NHL right now; just slightly overtaking the aging Ovechkin.

All eyes are currently on Alex Ovechkin as he attempts to break Gretzky’s goal-scoring record. Ovechkin also holds the distinction of being the highest scoring Russian in NHL history with 1580 points (and counting).

Kucherov currently sits with a sizable gap at 929 points through the first 761 games of his career, but, at his current pace, the 31-year-old could make it an interesting race before he too will have to call it a career.

For Samsonov watching from the sidelines and helping to mold the next generation of NHL greats, it’s all about enjoying the ride.