We have an update on the young Montreal Canadiens forward, Ivan Demidov. In a press conference moments ago, head coach Martin St-Louis announced that he has officially changed his mind and has changed his forward lines.

One of those changes involves Ivan Demidov’s line.

St-Louis revealed that he has officially decided to swap Patrik Laine and Joel Armia permanently, confirming that Demidov now has a new regular line.

Patrik Laine placed on a line with Alex Newhook and Ivan Demidov

This decision is not unanimous among the experts, who worry it might put too much defensive pressure on Demidov, but St-Louis justified it by saying he assumes this is a line that won’t be spending much time in its own defensive zone.

Let’s really hope it works.

Here’s what it looks like now:

Caufield-Suzuki-Slafkovsky
Laine-Newhook-Demidov
Anderson-Dvorak-Gallagher
Heineman-Evans-Armia

Emil Heineman, Jake Evans, and Joel Armia are now officially united on the team’s fourth line.

Yes, this is a line (Laine and Demidov) that ideally will need to produce.

Ivan Demidov will play with Patrik Laine and Alex Newhook [DLC].

Personally, I remain confident because I believe (despite his questionable backcheck in the last game) Ivan Demidov is a much more complete player than some might think.

More details to come.