The spotlight in Montreal has quietly shifted to a brewing controversy that could have major implications for the Canadiens’ playoff run. Despite his much-anticipated debut and undeniable talent, Ivan Demidov has found himself spending more time on the bench than on the ice, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
The young winger’s limited minutes have left many questioning the strategy of head coach Martin St-Louis, especially given Demidov’s reputation as a game-changer. Even opposing coaches have acknowledged the threat Demidov poses, making his reduced role all the more puzzling. Now, with speculation swirling that he could be scratched entirely from the lineup, the debate is intensifying.
Former Canadiens goaltender José Théodore has added fuel to the fire by suggesting that such a move wouldn’t surprise him, citing Demidov’s lack of established chemistry with the team.As the Canadiens prepare for crucial games ahead, all eyes are on St-Louis and his next lineup decision—a choice that could shape the narrative of Montreal’s postseason and the future of one of their brightest young stars.
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
A story that has somewhat flown under the radar in recent days is the limited use of forward Ivan Demidov by Martin St-Louis in Montreal.
After logging nearly 17 minutes in his debut, Demidov has mostly been warming the bench, playing only 10 minutes against the Carolina Hurricanes and barely 11 minutes in Game 1 against the Washington Capitals.
That’s quite disappointing, considering how capable he is of changing a game on his own.
Even the head coach of the Washington Capitals, Spencer Carbery, mentioned how much they fear Demidov.
Well, they must be happy to see he’s being used so sparingly right now.
José Théodore wouldn’t be surprised if Ivan Demidov were removed from the Montreal Canadiens lineup by Martin St-Louis in an upcoming game
I have a feeling that wouldn’t go over too well with everyone.
José Théodore: “If you told me Demidov is coming out of the lineup tomorrow, I wouldn’t be surprised” [DansLesCoulisses]
Speaking on 98.5 Sports, former Canadiens goaltender José Théodore said he wouldn’t be surprised to see Demidov scratched in the coming days.
That’s what he’s been hearing too.
Wow.
Do you think this would be the right decision for Martin St-Louis and the Canadiens?
“If Martin St-Louis decides to sit Demidov on Wednesday night, Théodore wouldn’t be surprised at all and would find it perfectly normal.
According to him, Demidov is the kind of player who can easily be left out. He’s just arrived with the team, so he hasn’t yet built chemistry with his teammates.”
– DansLesCoulisses
It’s also worth mentioning that Martin St-Louis really doesn’t know him very well yet.
When Théodore points out Demidov’s -2 rating in Game 1, the host of Les amateurs de sports, Mario Langlois, rightly reminds everyone that Demidov is playing 5-on-5 with Patrik Laine, which doesn’t exactly help his plus-minus.
In short, this will be something to watch closely during this series against the Washington Capitals
News
JUST BRUTAL. In a devastating turn of events no one saw coming, Patrik Laine has suffered another HEARTBREAKING setback in his recovery. This unexpected complication has completely derailed his timeline, and sources are now whispering that his season—and potentially his career in Montreal—is in serious JEOPARDY.
Just when it seemed things couldn’t get any worse for Patrik Laine, another devastating blow has struck the Montreal Canadiens…
IT’S OFFICIAL. Martin St-Louis just made a SHOCKING lineup change, giving young phenom Ivan Demidov a massive promotion that will change EVERYTHING. This bold move signals a new era for the Canadiens’ offense and has sent a clear message that the youth movement has truly begun.
The wait is finally over. For weeks, Montreal Canadiens fans have been catching tantalizing glimpses of a significant shift on…
Martin St-Louis has delivered a ruthless and public message to Arber Xhekaj after his DISASTROUS game in Vancouver. His brutal benching is a clear sign that the coach’s patience has completely run out, leaving Xhekaj’s future with the Canadiens in serious JEOPARDY.
Martin St-Louis’s patience has finally run out, and he sent a message to Arber Xhekaj so loud and clear it…
Has Martin St-Louis finally had ENOUGH? His shocking new lineup decisions have sent a clear and brutal message to Arber Xhekaj, suggesting the enforcer’s time in Montreal could be over. Fans are in disbelief as this move hints that a trade is now IMMINENT.
A seismic shift is underway on the Montreal Canadiens’ blue line, and Martin St-Louis’s latest lineup decisions have sent a…
This is INSANE. A bombshell report has exposed the gargantuan contract demands for Mike Matheson, a deal that would make him one of the highest-paid defensemen in the league. Fans are in disbelief over the STAGGERING numbers, and it could force a franchise-altering decision: pay up or lose him FOREVER.
The Montreal Canadiens are facing a monumental decision that could define their defensive corps for years to come, and it…
CANADIENS’ $18 MILLION WAR CHEST EXPLODES INTO NHL CHAOS – SECRET MEGATRADE TO SNATCH A SUPERSTAR FRANCHISE KILLER FROM RIVALS IN A SHOCKING MIDNIGHT HEIST THAT WILL BURN THE LEAGUE TO THE GROUND AND CROWN MONTREAL THE NEW DYNASTY OVERNIGHT!
Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes just flipped the NHL’s power grid upside down—without lifting a finger. While the hockey world…
End of content
No more pages to load
