MONTREAL (AP) — Ivan Demidov is set to make his anticipated — and sooner-than-expected — NHL debut on Monday night.
The 19-year-old Russian forward is expected to take the Bell Centre ice when the Montreal Canadiens host the Chicago Blackhawks with a chance to clinch a playoff spot.
“He has a unique blend of skill, hockey sense, deception,” general manager Kent Hughes said, highlighting Demidov’s ability to move laterally on the ice. “Let’s see how it is. He’s going to adjust to a different game of hockey here.”
Demidov was the No. 5 pick in last year's NHL draft.