With the Montreal Canadiens’ training camp just around the corner, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with speculation, eager to see how the team will shape up under Martin St-Louis as the new season approaches.

The hottest debate? Who will claim the coveted second-line center position—a role that could define the Habs’ offensive identity this year.

Names like Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and even Zachary Bolduc have all been tossed into the ring by insiders and journalists, each bringing their own unique skill set and intrigue to the competition.

But as the roster battles heat up, there’s an unexpected twist: one highly-touted young star, who many thought might be in the running for this crucial spot, is suddenly out of the conversation.

What led to this decision? Is it a matter of strategy, development, or something more? And what does it mean for the future of the Canadiens’ lineup? While some clues have begun to surface—hinted at by the team’s recent practice routines—the full story is far from clear.

In this article, we’ll peel back the layers of the Canadiens’ evolving plans, uncovering the reasoning behind their latest move and what it signals for the team’s direction this season.

Apr 14, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (93) skates against the Chicago Blackhawks in the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The Montreal Canadiens’ training camp is fast approaching, and soon, we will have answers to our questions.

Notably, who will be Martin St-Louis’ much-discussed second-line center?

Will it be Kirby Dach? Will it be Alex Newhook? Will it be, as suggested by TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie, Zachary Bolduc?

That remains to be seen, but one thing is certain-we can already cross one name off the list.

Some experts had suggested it earlier this summer, but know that young Ivan Demidov will NOT be among the players auditioning for the team’s second-line center role.

Seven Montreal Canadiens players are being asked to practice their faceoffs, and Ivan Demidov is not one of them

Well, we already knew the chances were slim, but this confirms that the Montreal Canadiens have decided to keep Demidov on the wing.. Which is absolutely the right decision in my opinion!

Seven players are practicing their faceoffs, but not Ivan Demidov.

Yes, that’s a good indication of how the Habs see him!

Nick Suzuki, Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, Joe Veleno, Oliver Kapanen, Zachary Bolduc, and Juraj Slafkovsky are the Canadiens players practicing their skills in the faceoff circle with expert Marc Bureau.

The two most interesting names here are obviously Bolduc and Slafkovsky, who stand out a bit compared to Suzuki, Dach, Newhook, Veleno, and Kapanen.

And if it were your decision, who would be the Montreal Canadiens’ second-line center to start the season?