Demidov makes NHL debut with Canadiens against Blackhawks

MONTREAL -- Ivan Demidov, the No. 5 pick of the 2024 NHL Draft, made his debut with the Montreal Canadiens against the Chicago Blackhawks at Bell Centre on Monday.

The 19-year-old forward signed an entry-level contract with the Canadiens on April 8. He practiced at right wing on a line with Joel Armia and Alex Newhook at the morning skate Monday and will also see time on the second power-play unit.

“It’s exciting,” Newhook said. “Obviously he’s a guy who’s got a lot of skill coming into our lineup. I think it should give us a good boost here. We’re just looking for him to play his game. We all know what he’s capable of [and] it’s his first game, but it’s a big stage and I’m kind of just looking forward to getting the opportunity to play with him.”

Demidov jumps right into the thick of a Stanley Cup Playoff race. The Canadiens (39-31-10) hold a three-point lead on the Columbus Blue Jackets for the second wild card from the Eastern Conference and will clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2021 with a win against the Blackhawks. They would face the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference First Round.

Montreal and Columbus (38-33-9) each have two regular-season games remaining.

“Biggest game of the season,” Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said. “I think it was important … because we haven’t gone on the ice a lot for pregame skate as a team. I feel we haven’t had great starts at home, so I figured I’d switch that up.

“I feel it was important for us to feel Demidov with the group and Demidov to feel the group too. So, I think it was important. I was taking it all in. Getting ready for the biggest game of the season. Happy it’s at home.”

Demidov led SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League with 49 points (19 goals, 30 assists) in 65 games, breaking Kirill Kaprizov's record (42) for most in a KHL season by an under-20 player. He tied for the team lead with five points (three goals, two assists) in six playoff games before SKA St. Petersburg was eliminated with a 5-2 loss to Dynamo Minsk on April 6.

“We’re thrilled to have him here, but obviously at the moment the focus is trying to finish off with two games left in an 82-game season,” Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes said. “Credit to the coaches and players for getting themselves into this position. We’d be thrilled [to clinch] and it’s just that much more experience for our group as we continue to grow.”